Rappelling for Beginners: Build Confidence with a simple rappel

I teach how to do a simple rappel with simple gear. Try this in low-risk situations when learning, and get additional instruction. I introduce you to the equipment, knots, and skills for your first rappel. If you are nervous about starting to rappel, but would like to try it, watch this video to see that it's possible to ease into it. Learn these rappelling basics that are helpful during rappelling for beginners as well as those who are experienced.

Rappelling and Knots Playlist:

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Rappelling for Beginners to Build Confidence: Knot Terminology
Rappelling for Beginners: Munter Hitches

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Adventures In Reach (AIR) hopes to expand what adventures are possible for you, teach the skills to help make that happen, inspire you to get out of a rut, and increase your confidence outdoors. We encourage you to challenge yourself and try something new, from a backyard adventure to an expedition. Although all outdoor adventures are fair game, AIR generally focuses on small sailboat or Sunfish sailboat sailing and camping, rappelling, knots, ropes, hammock camping, outdoor adventures with dogs, compass orienteering, canoeing, wilderness travel, outdoor gear, camping, hiking, and cold weather camping and survival.

My name is Matt, and my experience includes:
--6+ years of Search & Rescue
--Thru-hiking the 2,168 mile Appalachian Trail
--Cycling 4,000 miles cross country
--Canoeing/sailing the entire 1,600 mile Yukon River
--A Bachelors in Psychology
--3.5 years of coursework in Adventure Education
--12 years in the mental health/psychology field
--17 years of leading trips

You don't have to recreate the adventures on this channel to feel the excitement. Choose one component that's in your reach and make that your next adventure.

Leave a comment with questions and I'll try to answer in the comments or in a future video. Thanks for watching!

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#rappelling #rappellingbasics #rappellingforbeginners

[williampierce]

Two things, even for Always use 2 carabiners at your masterpoint with the gates opposite and opposed....and....two: don't throw your rope down while yelling "rope". Call out "rope", wait a few seconds, and then throw the rope. Yelling rope at the same time as your are throwing it, may cause someone below you to look up into a bundle of rope crashing into their face and not have enough time to see it coming in order to get out of the way

[joelprestonsmith]

Great video. Your helmet sort of popped out at me. Other than agency search-and-rescue videos (by municipal fire departments, etc.), you're the first person I've seen teaching rappelling while wearing a helmet. That alone lends a lot of credibility to your videos, relative to people teaching climbing safety while NOT wearing a helmet.

[bryans]

My first rappel happened while I was in the Army, stationed at Ft Hood, TX. It was a 30' - 40' cliff. That was a good first exposure to rappelling. The Army then sent me to an introduction course on Mountaineering and Rappelling on Cheju Island, South Korea where the final test was an Australian-style rappel just over 300'. Next was Air Assault School and rappelling out of a helicopter hovering at appx 100'. After all that, I attended a training course and became a Certified Rappel Master for the Army. Fun times! I haven't been rappelling since I got out of the Army, but I've recently developed a strong desire to start again. Your video helped remind me of some of the basics I need to pay attention to. Thank you!

[aportman]

I used to repel in the fire department but our maximum we repelled was only around 5 to 6 stories. I retired from the fire service and started volunteering with our local fire department, been wanting to get back familiar with higher angle rescues. Great video to re-start the repelling and rescue juices flowing!

[raterus]

I just got back from a trip where my first rappel experience ever was off 90' vertical cliff with no experience. The guides were experienced climbers, and I trusted their ability to tie everything off and keep me safe. Needless to say, I loved it and want to do it again. It's a whole different adventure when you're securing yourself properly and trusting you did it properly! Thanks for the video!

[GreenPowerFarm]

I'm going to have to try some simple rappel around my house! thanks for inspiring me!

[dynamicconceptjb]

Thank you very much. Learnt a lot from this video.

[jagerman]

Thanks for the overview. I was introduced years ago and have kept up with some of the knots and it’s nice seeing the way you teach. Just need to find a spot I would feel comfortable at

[lucerob]

Nice video. I've went repelling once in my life & loved it, but didn't follow up on taking it any further. Been thinking about it again lately to take my hiking/camping trips to the next level. Thanks for the simple & straightforward information for beginners. Inspiring!! Definitely going to check your other videos.

[chrisstephens]

I recently purchased a new version of the petzel stop I’m planning on rappelling into caves and old mines

[zakhu]

hello from iraq with you well done

[raymurphy]

Thanks for sharing. I like the use of the Munter hitch for rappelling because it’s great to improvise in case you dropped your belay device.
Also you should talk about edge safety while setting up the rappel (apologies if I missed you say that).

[SadieRTrego]

Thanks this something I would like to do

[braggjoseph]

I learned to trust my ropes and rigging while painting and repairing water towers you have to have confidence in what you are doing.

[sebasperezvicentini]

Thank you for your video, very helpful! What do I need to use if I want to repell down but then go back up?

[johnkeener]

Thank you from. John. In Pennsylvania

[tommyers]

Thanks for a good introduction. Can you give any sources for rope rescue training? Thanks.

[paintedeel]

My friends and I have this super steep area in our trail in the woods we like to explore so I've been cramming with as much info as possible when it comes to rappelling with only rope

[tee_ef_em]

Nice video, man. It’s certainly fun, but to be avoided whenever possible.

[remz]

The basics and beginner friendly way of teaching rapelling, would be with a proper belay or rapelling device. Rapelling with the munter hitch is more of a backup/emergency method in case you just lost your belay device down the mountain. While it's perfetcly ok with the munter hitch to take your brake hand above the "device" for more friction, it can be quite straining, and for beginners be confusing, as this is not something you would or should ever do on a normal rapell. The prusik or "third hand" as we like to call it should be fitted below the rapell device, and only serve as a backup holding the rope, not the entire bodyweight (even though it is capable of such).

So, I would call this an advanced rapelling technique, which should only be used in cases where you lack the proper equipment.