• The SH Membership has gone live. Only SH Members have access to post in the classifieds. All members can view the classifieds. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be admitted to the annual hunting contest. Current members will need to follow these steps to upgrade: 1. Click on your username 2. Click on Account upgrades 3. Choose SH Member and purchase.
  • We've been working hard the past few weeks to come up with some big changes to our vendor policies to meet the changing needs of our community. Please see the new vendor rules here: Vendor Access Area Rules

Rappelling Question

Idobbq

Idobbq

New Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2022
Messages
32
Location
Benton, KY
In the act of rappelling down a tree, I’m swinging all over the place - I feel like I’m constantly fighting the natural decline. In other words, if I have my sticks on one side of the tree, for whatever reason, when I start rappelling, I’m always on the wrong side - typically on the opposite side of the sticks. Is that a function of how I have my rappel rope cinched to the tree? Or, is the natural fall a function of the lean of the tree. I’m using res-tech rope with a sewn in loop.
 
No - I get that. I’m dead tired and probably didn’t word that question very well. What determines which side of the tree you’re going to naturally rappel? Somehow, I start going down one side and for whatever reason that I can’t figure out - I’ll end up somewhere else.
 
Yeah where you put your rope can make a difference but just depends on tree lean. I don’t fight it. How many times have you rappelled down? I can usually set my rope up and come down where I need to, maybe not where it’s best but just relax and come down. Now if you are exerting a lot of energy holding on to the tree etc I’ve already used my linesman to keep me close
 
I find the rope position does matter to an extent. Do you shorten your bridge for your descent? That and going slow give you more control.
 
I tend to position the rope / quick link slightly to my right to rappel on the right side of my stick(s). As mentioned, a shorter bridge and going slow really helps. If you are trying to get down In a few big hops, it can get squirrelly. Just walk down the tree. Sometimes a tree is leaning more than you think and you need to not fight it, just slowly descend with the direction gravity is taking you. Give it some time and you’ll figure out what works.
 
I was having the same issue when I first stated repelling. Now I simply move my delta link around so that it's over my sticks before I start to repell down. Always make sure you're climbing on the upside of the lean also. Now when you move your link over your sticks and start repelling you will be on the upside and gravity will naturally pull you toward a the tree and your sticks.
 
Shapeshifter said:
I was having the same issue when I first stated repelling. Now I simply move my delta link around so that it's over my sticks before I start to repell down. Always make sure you're climbing on the upside of the lean also. Now when you move your link over your sticks and start repelling you will be on the upside and gravity will naturally pull you toward a the tree and your sticks.
Click to expand...
This^^ Your rope will fall perfectly straight down from the tree when it comes out of its attachment method (like a delta link) Moving that point left to right just a few inches, makes a huge difference. Pay attention to that next time and see if it helps. Also wrap a leg around the tree for stability when necessary.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top