End

That's all I have right now for my experiences but I can't wait to keep going with my dad this summer. Hope you enjoyed this blog and got a lot of information from it. Remember to Prepare for the worst; train to be the best!

Knot Strength

Knot strength is key to using the right knot. I have found the strength of each knot so you can see what would be the right choice for each part of your rappelling. I will start with the family of figure eights. The regular Figure Eight can hold a weight of 8,640 lbs., Figure Eight on a Bight holds 8,560 lbs., Figure Eight follow through holds 8,640 lbs., and the Double Loop Figure Eight holds the most at 8,820 lbs. Now for the Double Fisherman's knot will hold 8,440 lbs and the Water Knot holds 3,060 lbs. Though if you do a Water Knot-Double Loop it can hold 12,920lbs.! These are all the primary knots that you can use but some are a lot stronger than others.

Webbing, Family of Figure Eights, and more.

In the family of figure eights there is the figure eight, figure eight on a bite, double loop figure eight and the follow through figure eight. The Figure Eight is used for a stopper knot at the end of you rappelling line so when you get to the end you don’t fall off. Also used as the beginning of the follow through figure eight. The Figure Eight on a bite and the follow through figure eight forms a loop for an anchor. Last of all the Double loop figure eight forms an loop for an anchor and is the strongest knot to form a loop. It is used for all anchors.

For rappelling we use a 1" webbing that is used for anchoring, harnesses, and typing patient in a stretcher. For the harness you use it to strap your legs into the belt. The knot for webbing is the Water Knot.

One of the last primary knots is the Double Fisherman's knot and the Prusik knot. The Double Fisherman's knot is used to tie the ends of the rope and make it into the loop forming a Prusik knot. The Prusik know is then used to be a brake for the belay line or tag line. The are most of the knots.

There are many things you need to know about rappelling but the most important by far is how you tie your knots and what they are used for. The main knots are in what is called the family of eight knots and those are the key to a successful rappelling.

How to Rappel

NOTE: Always wear safety glasses, gloves and most important a helmet!

My First Time Rappelling

My first time rappelling I went off a training building. I was nervous to have to climb 80 ft. up and then look down. The night before I had to learn how to tie all the knots so that I could help people out and not screw up. Some were hard and some were easy. My first time I learned many things like how to keep yourself stopped in midair without any hands, to start going down, hook myself in and do a safety check, be the belay guy in the back and the importance, and many more things. It was a great time and I couldn't wait to do it again after my experience at Onawa.

Introduction

During the summer I go rappelling with my dad as he teaches classes. His business is called PRI which stands for Professional Rescue Innovations. He teaches all over the state doing ice rescue, HAZMAT, confined space, and of course rappelling. When we go rappelling we go off grain elevators, water tanks, and training buildings. My favorite is a grain elevator because it is about 75'-150' up and you can stay on there longer while going upside down. My dad likes taking me because I'm easy to be rescued and I also help the people understand how to rescue me correctly. It is really fun and I have a great time doing it with my dad.