Page 140 - Rappelling

the rappel device, holding on to the ropes. The rappelling on their first rappel, where, like a tandem
stopper knot is untied, and the rope is pulled down skydive, a more experienced person controls the
through the anchor. Once the rope comes down, a situation. The advantage of the tandem rappel is that
new stopper knot is tied in the end and the proce- you’re right there with the other person, to calm
dure is repeated. his fears or, in the case of a rescue, to attend to his
needs.
Tandem Rappel To rig a tandem rappel, connect two separate
slings to each rappeller’s harness and clip them both
This simple yet effective technique allows two peo- to the same locking carabiner at the rappel device.
ple to rappel at the same time, from the same rappel A tube-style device (like an ATC) will work best.
device, with one person controlling the brake hand. Rig an autoblock backup and attach it to your
Primarily used in rescue scenarios, the tandem rap- belay loop with a locking carabiner so you have
pel method is also a viable technique to use when hands-free control if you need to stop and deal with
taking a novice who is intimidated and fearful of rope tangles, rig an anchor, etc.

Tandem rappel rig.

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