Video
Rappelling
Subchapter: Descent and rappelling
Descent and rappelling
VARIANT 1: RAPELLING
One third of all fatal climbing accidents occur when abseiling due to carelessness and inattentiveness. It is therefore important to use a short prusik as a self-belay when rappelling. Checking your partner and careful preparation are also key aspects of rappelling.
VARIANT 2: LOWERING OFF
It is often advisable for the first person not to abseil but instead to be lowered by their rope partner. This eliminates the need for casting the rope and prevents falling rocks. In addition, the rope is prevented from being confined behind rocks and blocks when casting on flat terrain.
VARIANT 3: DESCENDING VIA A STEEP TRACK
A more strenuous option, but often the fastest, is a descent by foot via a path or steep track. It is important to know the route of this track. Under no circumstances should the rope team leave the track as a shortcut. Shortcuts are often no faster, can lead through protected areas or become precarious due to unsound, precipitous terrain. Descents are often marked by cairns.
ATTENTION: It is not uncommon for descents to lead into dangerous, precipitous terrain. It is here in particular that deadly accidents occur. Even when climbing down apparently simple terrain, concentration is of fundamental importance!