My first ever full vertical rappel

Discussion in 'Search, Rescue and Technical Skills' started by Reno Lewis, Dec 22, 2016.

  1. Reno Lewis

    Reno Lewis Knot-A-Challenge Champion

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    I've been thinking about getting into ropes on my squad, and this was my first ever full vertical rappel. Three stories off of the city Fire Department's tower.

    My apologies for the rather crappy picture quality (screen shots of a phone video).

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  2. The Warrior

    The Warrior Member

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    Awesome man, congrats. My son got his start rappelling down the side of a building.
     
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  3. wilas101

    wilas101 Member

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    Back during my short lived, post-military, college career I was removed from the roof and given a zero for rappel day in my military science class for laughing at a girl who possumed and smacked her kevlar helmet against the bricks of the building.

    That sound always cracked me up.

    That gal never did talk to me after that. :/
     
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  4. Strigidae

    Strigidae Administrator Staff Member

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    Very cool!!!! Were you nervous or afraid of heights?

    Are those windows you had to avoid?! I feel like id be breaking glass all the way down and then the body part the rhymes with glass when i hit the ground.
     
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  5. Reno Lewis

    Reno Lewis Knot-A-Challenge Champion

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    I don't have a fear of heights, but the big part for me was committing my weight to the rope. Before I went over the edge, I could see the ropes, and I knew they were going to support me, but you can't feel it taking any weight before you fully commit.

    As for the windows, they're boarded specifically for rappel training.
     
    Last edited: Dec 22, 2016
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  6. Montanan

    Montanan Member

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    Nice. You might have the bug now!
     
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  7. Reno Lewis

    Reno Lewis Knot-A-Challenge Champion

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    Seen as I want to go do it again, I'd say you're right.
     
  8. Bushman5

    Bushman5 Member

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    looking good man!

    you'll be addicted soon enough.

    I rapped the Squamish Chief on 11mm static line and my SMC stainless steel rappel rack. You are right, the hardest part is committing to going over and getting your weight on that rope. Once your on it though, its easy.

    now using hand and foot ascenders to go back up on a static SRT setup, is fun too...but slow and tiring.
     
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  9. Michael Meyer

    Michael Meyer Member

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