Help! Need to learn to Rapell...

Vashti · Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Posts: 135 Location: Gilbert, AZ

Hello! I was wondering if anyone could provide input on how I could learn to rapell outdoors. Technically, I suppose I know how to rapell, as in I've rock climbed multiple times in the gym and once outside with friends who set up a climbing route. However, there are a few hikes I'd like to do that have drops that require a rapell or two. Thus, I would need to learn what gear is necessary, how to set up anchors, etc.

Can anyone provide any input on where I might find someone willing to show me the ropes, literally?

Very Happy

Many Thanks!
-Vashti!
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Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

I'm quite sure that cactuscat, Fritski, or JW63 would be a wealth of knowledge in that respect.

I've done it before, but have no equipment. I've been thinking about getting some stuff, but have a bit of a fear of heights... or let's say exposure. I'll conquer it someday.

fritzski · Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Posts: 50 Location: Gilbert, AZ

I'd be happy to show you, but time is my biggest problem these days. If I could think of some wall we could use close by it would be no problem???

JW · Posted: 1/14/2005, 8:41 pm Post subject:

Vashti · Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Posts: 135 Location: Gilbert, AZ

Hey Guys!

That would be super cool. Any of those locations would be fine with me.

I understand the pressed for time problem, as I usually have that problem myself.... Would Sunday, January 30th work?????

As for my own gear, I can only lay claim to a harness, climbing shoes, and chalk bag. Would I need to bring anything else?

Very Happy

-Vashti

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Very Happy

Be Happy!

Enjoy Life!

ESCAPE the CUBE!!

fritzski · Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Posts: 50 Location: Gilbert, AZ

Actually I was thinking maybe we could just find a building wall or bridge or someting like that right around town, although I admit nothing is coming to mind.

As I mentioned, when I get that one "kitchen pass" every week or two any more, that is my chance to grab the day and go for it. Even going out to the Supes or Camelback would involve a good portion of the day. Let's keep thinking about it, we'll come up with something that works.

ck1 · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 1331 Location: Mesa

Hey guys, Papago Park Buttes has plenty of options for climbing/rappeling. I'm pretty certain there are anchors already in place on some of the taller routes. Camelback might have some options as well.
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"The Journey is the Destination"

Davis2001R6 · Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 5591 Location: Italy

cactuscat · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 459 Location: Phoenix

Papago Park would work - and Camelback for sure. The Search and Rescue Boulder would be perfect at Camelback.

Learning to rap off fixed anchors is easy - building your own anchors is a little trickier. Misty and I just recently climbed and rapped off anchors that I built - our first time doing that! It was great, and I'd be happy to participate in a little AZH Rappelling 101 class. Smile

Are you going to be mostly rappelling, or a good deal of belaying too? For strictly rappelling I'd recommend a Figure 8 device, but for all around use go with either a Black Diamond ATC, or the Trango Jaws (that what I use).

Other things that you'll need to go it on your own include; rope (duh!), and some runners - the lengths of tubular webbing that you use to sling around trees and boulders, etc to build your anchors. A couple 5.5 foot lengths, a couple 9.5 foot, and 14.5 foot or two is a good beginning. Also a few each of locking and non-locking carabiners ... time to go to REI!! Mr. Green

Also you should get a book and learn how to tie a few knots - obviously the figure eight and figure eight on a bight, as well as the water knot and the fisherman's, and bowline.

God, I love this stuff!!

I could probably go the 30th if it were early and somewhere close to me (Camelback or PP). I have rope, runners, 2 belay/rappell devices, and carabiners.

chihiggs · Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 565 Location: Gilbert, AZ

If you all don't mind, I would be love to join and could do it the 30th as well. I've rappelled at Papago only and am NOT an expert at the set-up (or anything in life for that matter Laughing

) as I last went with someone whom was knowledgable but not too willing to share said knowledge... I have two harnesses and 2 figure eights, a rope, I'll have to look and see what else--been 3 years....

Kelly--haven't done this in long enough to be confident on the knots and what not--but would like to come for a refresher--I mentioned the extra gear I have in case any of you would like/need to use it....

Vashti, do you mind another tag along?

ps. Colin is correct at Papago on the 100ft face looking ENE and a couple of other places there are anchors in place...the 100ft thing is a GUESSTIMATE Embarassed

My rope is longer than the drop whatever it is as I am back here to type about it... Spinning

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JW · Posted: 1/15/2005, 1:02 pm Post subject: Re: tag along

fritzski · Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Posts: 50 Location: Gilbert, AZ

I didn't think of that, but Cactuscat is right, the rescue boulder would be a great choice. I was thinking of the rappel gulley up on the Headwall, but the boulder would probably be the better choice especially on a weekend... speaking of which, a weekend would probably be harder for me to make so I'm deffering to Cactuscat who sounds like she is more than qualified to show everybody the "ropes" so to say!

I will mention this though, if any of the neophyte climbers on this site were interested, I would be more than willing to lead a small group up the Praying Monk on Camelback which is a classic beginners climb. Maybe some weekday afternoon in Feb after work to avoid the weekend crowd.

Some other possibilites this Spring could also be The Hand in the Supes and Weavers Needle.

cactuscat · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 459 Location: Phoenix

I'll take you up on that Praying Monk climb, Fritzski!! wave

I've been wanting to do that, as well as Weaver's Needle since I started climbing.

I'm not trying to come off like I am any kind of expert about this stuff - I'm more than willing to share what I do know, though. It sounds like the other people who are interested mostly have some level of experience as well, so yeah, let's all get together and share what we know and have some fun!

Vashti · Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Posts: 135 Location: Gilbert, AZ

Hey Guys!

The more the merrier in my book, so anyone who can make it is fine with me ... assuming Cactuscat approves the number of people to teach! Wink

I will head off to REI and see what I can scare up on the way of gear. If Jan 30 still works, let me know a time and meeting place, and I'll be there!!!

Many thanks! Very Happy

-Vashti
_________________
Very Happy

Be Happy!

Enjoy Life!

ESCAPE the CUBE!!

matt gilbert · Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Posts: 698 Location: Mesa

I don't want to crowd anybody, but if this turns into an actual class, I would like to reserve myself a seat. If invitations are sent out I'd like to recieve one but otherwise I won't intrude, I'll just try to jump on the bandwagon sooner next time Very Happy

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