Basejumper.com - archive

I've read quite a bit on here, and my thoughts of base have been put to rest for the foreseeable future. I'd love to get into more rappelling, though.

I read a few posts in here about rappelling in the caves in South America, and heard through friends that people accomplish >300ft rappels from certain spans or overhanging rock (I climb).
Since it's about time to upgrade/buy some specialized equipment, I and think it would be foolish to buy more equipment without a post here first.

I have a couple long racks that I'm learning how to rappel with, and am really looking for advise on edge pro and rope for larger jumps.

Harness. I'm pretty set on the "Padded Lightweight Assault Full Body with rear D ring" from Yates. I'm going to try a bunch on later this week, but I think the padding in this one has potential. Try to ignore the tacti-cool name, it's one of the few drawbacks to this harness ;)

Anchors. Pretty standard... use 2-3 and make sure to set them equal! Really depends on the terrain here.

Edge pro. So much to choose from, but no real experience with them other than the large CRE pad I currently use. I assume on longer falls there can be more side-side motion, but with enough tension fall off of a caterpillar (petzel) or similar? I had planned on trying the rescue edge canvas that I've been using from CRE with an SMC roof/edge roller. They have solid-looking biner locks to keep the rope centered.

Rope. I've had no trouble on static so far, but have heard conflicting views on whether an increase in elongation (or all the way to a dynamic rope) could offer protection should I need to come to an abrupt stop. Maybe a preferred % for different fall lengths?

Thoughts appreciated, and thanks for the great forums!

First question is, are you asking about rappelling or setting up a pendulum/swing?
Rope wise for straight "rappelling" use static line. It's going to last longer. It's not going to be forgiving if you accidentally fall on it.
As for you anchors, for rappelling I always set mine up to automatically equalize. This will keep all of your pro under equal weight constantly.
Edge protection is one of the easiest, lengths of thin walled wire conduit cut at various lengths work. On single rappells use your rope bag. You can buy all of the fancy edge guardes you like. When it comes down to it, if the rope is going to remain in one spot and rest on an edge , a lid from an icecream container will suffice.
Now if your talking about setting up a swing or pendulum. Good luck, I haven't the slightest idea what those crazy bastards do for anchors or if they rely on black magic alone.

Why don't you try the "Rock Climbing forum"?

I frogot about those cavers... thanks!

FYI -- some Rope-Junkies rapell at Bridge Day.

I am asking about rappelling, not swinging.

I just talked to one of my rigger/caver friends from BC, and he's 100% convinced that unless I want to break my spine, a thicker dynamic is the rope is what I should be looking for -- especially since I intend on jumping, rather than slow(er) traditional rappelling.
I mentioned the % elongation above in relation to stopping in time from a greater height. I've been told to just brake early. If you get good at it, apparently this can be timed so you stretch the rope & almost touch the ground, then release the brake so the elongated rope snaps back through the rack (leaving the you in place). I guess there's some crazy people out there...

He also talked about how easy it is to ignore proper edge pro. I've talked to many people about this, and the general consensus has been that since I'll be rappelling on a single line (and not swinging), I don't need anything more than a thin fabric/kevlar rope sheath. He said that he's seen falls that have come close to eating right through these, and that even with a perfect exit, wind can cause a divergence from the exit point that (after freefall) will put enormous tension on a rope that [could] jump.
He also advised to brake hard after the exit to steady the rope before continuing the rappel.

"Rappelling - Which rope?"

Use the one that goes all the way down

Use nylon reinforced clear tube for rope guards; black if you want to get tactical. About 3' does the job, punch two holes in the tube and tie it to the rope where it is likely to abrade.
Static lines are your working lines and dynamic for saves; abseiling on dynamic lines is expensive and kills the line but is fun using the "spring" in the line to come to a stop.
Enjoy.

Bridge day makes me horny.

I think you are talking about 'Rap Jumping'?

Most "static" rope available to mainstream consumers absorb energy very well. I have been rope jumping (not swinging, rope swinging is what muppets do off of bridges and arches) for while and nylon static line stretches a LOT. If you want to do longer falls in the 'rap jumping' style you can use dynamic line, but it will not last as long.

Dynamic line: Over-rated, it's a bungee cord for big climbing falls
(Best is Mammut ~10mm dry line) use for play-rapping, only up to ~60m.
Pros-Excellent hand, lighter, smooth energy absorption, fold easily into double lining racks, passes twists.
Cons-sheath slippage common, does not last as long, longer (>90m) lengths 'harder' to find, but past about 30m static has just as much effective give.

Nylon Static line: (i use Sterling SS2 9-11mm) use on anything longer than ~50m
Pros-easy to find in long lengths, absorbs energy without over-stretching, strong twills and takes abuse better.
Cons-stiff hand, not as good for longer falls on a 1:1 factor(but rapping you should never really be above a .5 factor).

I use SMC rollers for lowering and rescue where the rope moves a lot (vital for hauling). But, for just rapping, and now this is a trade secret, even when I do over 1000kg load off a ~90 degree edge that does NOT need to slide much, the BEST you can use is a 1.5x2m (4x6') high traffic carpet scrap folded so it is 6-12 layers thick. I have done this a lot, and trust me. Without hauling stage rigging tripods and cranes to an anchor the carpet is as good as you can get for "static" edge protection. The carpet does not bind, the rope finds a groove and stays where you lay it as apposed to rolling off or flipping a roller, it will protect the rope and give a smooth radiused edge to well past its failure point, and gives a nice place to lie down to work on the line/clip in. Its a little heavy, a little bulky, but there is no better edge pro. I have a few set ups like this on leashes and it is solid. Period.

I have done multiple >2500' rappels and hauls.