Abseiling (rappelling) is the controlled descent down a rope. It's an essential skill for climbers, canyoners, and rescue personnel, but it's also an exciting activity in its own right. Here's what beginners need to know.

⚠️ Learn From Professionals First

This article provides an overview, but abseiling is a serious activity where mistakes can be fatal. Always learn hands-on from qualified instructors before attempting to abseil. Courses are available through outdoor education centres, climbing gyms, and adventure operators.

🎒 Essential Equipment

• Rope - Dynamic or semi-static rope appropriate for the descent
• Harness - Properly fitted sit harness
• Descender device - Figure-8, ATC, or specific abseil device
• Helmet - Protects from falling rocks and impacts
• Gloves - Protect hands from rope friction
• Locking carabiners - Connect components securely
• Prusik cord - For backup and emergency ascent

📋 The Basic Process

1. Set up anchor - Secure rope to bombproof anchor point
2. Thread device - Load rope through descender correctly
3. Attach to harness - Connect device to belay loop with locking carabiner
4. Add backup - Prusik below device or other backup system
5. Check everything - Partner checks all connections
6. Edge transition - Carefully move over the edge
7. Controlled descent - Feed rope through device smoothly
8. Land and secure - Weight on feet, then detach safely

🛡️ Safety Principles

• Redundancy - Critical systems should have backups
• Partner checks - Never abseil without someone checking your setup
• Knots in rope ends - Prevent accidentally rappelling off the rope
• Communication - Clear calls between abseiler and anchor person
• Control - Never let go of brake hand
• Smooth movement - Avoid bouncing or jerky movements

❌ Common Mistakes

• Not locking carabiners
• Incorrect device loading
• Descending too fast (losing control)
• Leaning back too far or not far enough
• Not checking rope reaches the bottom
• Failing to communicate clearly

📈 Building Experience

Progress through these stages:

1. Learn basics in controlled environment (climbing gym, training wall)
2. Practice on low-angle, short drops with instruction
3. Progress to vertical faces under supervision
4. Learn different techniques (overhangs, multi-pitch)
5. Eventually, set up your own anchors under guidance

Abseiling opens up a world of vertical adventure, from canyon exploration to accessing climbing routes. Take the time to learn properly, respect the risks involved, and build your skills gradually. There's no substitute for quality instruction and supervised practice.