Climbing harness > Info > Beginner Rappelling Tips

Beginner Rappelling Tips

Rappelling, called abseiling in Europe, is a fun activity to take up, especially when combined with canyoning, rock climbing, or other outdoor activities. As you start to get into rappelling, however, it can be tricky to get a hang of, and dangerous until you do. Here are a few beginner tips for when you're starting on your path to becoming a rappelling master.

First of all, it's incredibly important to test your rappel anchor after setting it. Okay, have you tested it? Now test it again. Still good? Test it again. There's no harm on being completely sure.

Make sure your harness fits you comfortably but remains very snug. Even if you get everything else right, a harness that fits improperly can have devastating results.

Learn and practice your positions and rappels on smaller walls and areas before graduating to larger ones. Local rock climbing centers can provide you with a great environment to practice without too much risk.

Have others check your rope work and harness setup before getting going. If possible, have these be people who are experienced at rappelling.

Start out by going with people who have done rappelling before. They're going to have a level head, good advice, and they'll be able to tell you if you're doing something wrong. Be open about the fact that you're new at it so they know to keep an eye on you.

Don't try to teach yourself how to rappel. Learn from an experienced rappeller or from an instructor, which can be found at local rock climbing facilities.

Clean and maintain all your gear so that you're positive that it's all in good working order.