going on hiking trip - can I learn how to rappel when I am there?

[grohl]

I am a somewhat experienced backpacker and outdoorsman in general. I have done various multiday trips in many National Parks, yadda yadda.

I have never "climbed" or bouldered, just the occasional rock scramble, nothing with ropes.

So, I am headed to Zion this week. One of the hikes is the "Subway", one option is an out-and-back dayhike, another is a one-way (using a shuttle) but rapelling is necessary, max descent of 25 feet.

There are four of us; 2 have rappelled in the past (10+ years ago), and our trip leader took a couple of classes to learn. So then there's me. He says it is really, really easy.

So, doable or too risky?

 

[herm0016]

probably doable as long as the ropes and equipment is set. 25 feet is not too far. you should all refresh a little before though, find an indoor wall somewhere to make sure you are all comfortable.

 

[Bignate603]

If you have some people that are experienced you should be able to do it without any problems. It's not too hard, you just need to trust the rope and lean back. The most dangerous thing you can do is to freak out out and try to stay close to the wall.

 

[imported_Imp]

I'd be more concerned about the rigging of the ropes. I've rappelled/climbed on artificial walls, but never on a real rock face. As long as you have people you trust to hook it up properly, you should be fine.

 

[OdiN]

No issue if you have someone who is experienced who can do up your rig properly.

25 feet isn't too bad at all.

You don't even have to kick off or anything...you can just "walk" down if you want - providing you don't have to kick around obstacles.

 

[TonyG]

I have rappelled a couple of times without any classes or formal training, just as long as you have somebody you trust to rig the ropes. For me, this was my little brother as he enjoys rappelling, I just can't personally find a big thrill in it, you walk off the side of a cliff backwards and lower yourself down with the rope. At only 25ft I would probably try to go about finding a route to free climb down it.

 

[illusion88]

Originally posted by: TonyG
At only 25ft I would probably try to go about finding a route to free climb down it.

Not an option, he is in a slot canyon. Rappelling is easy, you wont have any trouble with it. Are you doing it with a harness and an ATC or just the rope?