rappelling
Controlled cliff descent
Rappelling is descending a steep surface by sliding down a rope in a controlled manner, using friction devices or body position to regulate speed.
Climbers rappel down cliffs after ascending; rescue teams rappel from helicopters.
The British term is abseiling.
We spent the afternoon rappelling down the canyon walls.
Moving downward
- loweringMoving something downward
- controlled descentIntentional, regulated falling
- brakingReducing speed deliberately
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
anchor · belay · backup · brake · secure · knots · figure-eight · body position
Straps controlling an animal
- ropeThick twisted fibers
- descenderLetter part below baseline
- carabinerSpring-gated metal link
- helmetProtective head covering
ATC · anchor · webbing · gloves · static line · quickdraw · ascenders · locking carabiner
Vertical rock wall
- rock faceSteep exposed stone surface
- overhangSection projecting beyond support
- ledgeProjecting horizontal surface
- crevasseDeep glacial fissure
canyon · gorge · waterfall · cave · building · bridge · escarpment · precipice
Technical gorge descent sport
- mountaineeringSport of climbing peaks
- cavingSport of exploring caverns
- search and rescueFinding and saving people
- window washingClearing grime from panes
Emergency response hormone
- rushQuick sudden movement
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
- fearEmotional response to threat
- exhilarationIntense joyful excitement
heart-pounding · daring · courage · exposure · heights · vertigo · commitment · trust
Developing abilities through practice
- inspectionFormal assessment of condition
- checklistItemized verification guide
- backup systemReserve for primary failure
- instructorOne who teaches skills
protocol · buddy check · accident prevention · rescue · emergency · first aid · communication · redundancy
descending
Moving downward
- loweringMoving something downward
- controlled descentIntentional, regulated falling
- brakingReducing speed deliberately
friction · anchor · belay · backup · brake · secure · knots · figure-eight · body position · lean back
harness
Straps controlling an animal
helmet · ATC · anchor · webbing · gloves · static line · quickdraw · ascenders · locking carabiner
cliff
Vertical rock wall
- rock faceSteep exposed stone surface
- overhangSection projecting beyond support
- ledgeProjecting horizontal surface
crevasse · canyon · gorge · waterfall · cave · building · bridge · escarpment · precipice · vertical wall
canyoneering
Technical gorge descent sport
- mountaineeringSport of climbing peaks
- cavingSport of exploring caverns
- search and rescueFinding and saving people
adrenaline
Emergency response hormone
- rushQuick sudden movement
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
- fearEmotional response to threat
exhilaration · heart-pounding · daring · courage · exposure · heights · vertigo · commitment · trust · overcoming fear
training
Developing abilities through practice
- inspectionFormal assessment of condition
- checklistItemized verification guide
- backup systemReserve for primary failure
instructor · protocol · buddy check · accident prevention · rescue · emergency · first aid · communication · redundancy
- outdoor activitieshiking, kayak rental, biking, camping, camping trip
- outdoor recreationhiking, camping, fishing, swimming, skiing
- outdoor adventurebackpacking, camping, campsite, trail, mountaineering
- adventure sportsrock climbing, mountaineering, skydiving, bungee jumping, paragliding
- downward motionsfall, drop, descend, plunge, sink
- extreme sportsbungee jumping, skydiving, wingsuit flying, cliff diving, free solo
rappellingascending
Moving upward
climbing · rock climbing · scaling · going up · climbing up
- rappelling gearEquipment for controlled descent