Introduction to Abseiling

Abseiling, also named Rappelling, with definition of “to descend a rock face or other near-vertical surface by using a doubled rope coiled around the body and fixed at a higher point”, now is a popular form of sports.

Origin of Abseiling/Rappelling

The origin of the abseil is attributed by Roger Frison-Roche (fr) to Jean Charlet-Straton (fr), a Chamonix guide who lived from 1840–1925. Charlet originally devised the technique of the abseil method of roping down during a failed solo attempt of Petit Dru in 1876. After many attempts, some of them solo, he managed to reach the summit of the Petit Dru in 1879 in the company of two other hired Chamonix guides, Prosper Payot and Frédéric Folliguet. During that ascent, Charlet perfected the abseil.

Equipment of Abseiling/Rappelling

Abseiling requires a set of specialized equipment to be done safely and securely. Usually these gears include Ropes, Anchors, Descender, Climbing Harness, Helmets, Gloves, Climbing Shoots, etc.

Application of Abseiling/Rappelling

Nowadays, abseiling is widely used, including:

1. Climbing-for returning to the base of a climb or to a point where one can try a new route

2. Recreation

3. Canyoning-to descend tall waterfalls or cliffs

4. Mountaineering

5. Caving and speleology-where underground pitches need to be accessed

6. Adventure racing

7. Industrial/ commercial applications-to access parts of structures or building so as to perform maintenance, cleaning or construction

8. Rescue applications-used to access injured people on or nearby cliffs

9. Military Uses- tactical heliborne insertion of troops, including special forces, into the battlefield close to the objective, when proper landing zones are not available.

Abseiling is a common activity in adventure sports and requires safety assured. If an natural abseiling travel is not available, we recommend you to participate in man-made rock climbing wall abseiling.

JP Development is an established manufacture of abseiling/rappelling, and if you plan to build rock abseiling for team building or military use, just feel free to contact us.