Page 129 - Rappelling
P. 129
(continued from page 114)
Another good system to use is to tie
off the rappel line (either single or double
rope) directly to the anchor with a figure
eight loop and belay with an assisted brak-
ing device like a Grigri. It’s important to
have the belay rope properly flaked so it
will feed out without any tangles. Belay
with a direct belay off the anchor with the
Grigri. As the rappeller descends, feed the
rope out just as you would for belaying a
lead climber, paying out rope (with a bit of
slack) as the rappeller descends. If the rope
comes tight and the device locks off, you
merely release the handle briefly to con-
tinue the belay.
Mule knot with overhand backup.
If a situation occurs, such as something
getting stuck in the rappeller’s device or an
unforeseen knot in the rappel rope, follow
these steps:
1. Tie a backup knot (overhand knot) on
the brake strand of the Grigri.
2. Tie a friction knot (prusik or
klemheist) on the belay rope, and rig a
3:1 Z system.
118 RAPPELLING
Rappelling_i-174_3pp_CS55le.indd 118 7/24/13 10:18 AM
