Rappelling
My first encounter with Rappelling was when I was in 4th year high school for CAT training. It was the day before our field trip. I rememebr it was with y classmates in High School… from the 3rd floor of our school building using a marine terrypropelene rope and, strappings for harness and a coupld of 8 rings and carabiners.
The next time I experienced it was with the Badgers - after that - I was hooked.
Rappeling is not a sport, as some might categorize it due to the nature of the activity and the phyiscal shape required of those who want to try it. Rappelling is a skill, a highly technical skill that requires physical, mental and psychological stability. Background checks are done to those who would like to try rappelling (this is as far as the UP Badgers are concerned). Rigorous training in the scientific, technical and theoretical aspect is done before one goes over a ledge, down a tree or on the side of a building. Rules like:getting ample sleep, no alcohol ion the past 24 hours, no emotional stress to affect the mental aspect of the rappeler, follow instructions to the letter.
People underestimate rappelling, even those who have tried it before sometimes find themselves more scared on their second try than they are on their first. Rappelling does bring the man, or woman out of someone. I have seen seasoned Mountaineers backing out of a rappell, leaving with the excuse “madulas sapatos ko…”
For the past 3 years, I have trained the members of the Badgers in all the aspects of rappelling that I can ever imagine possible given the equipment and opportunities given to us. All the members of the Badgers whom I have trained, all are not afraid to try it again. The way I see it, thay actually look forward and enjoy rappelling.
I’ve rappelled off of buildings, cliffs, bridges, balconies, roofs and ceilings of large buildings (I’ve yet to try it off of a helicopter). It is freaking scary as it is exciting. to date, I must have rappelled almost 500 times thats a total of around 100 hours of rappelling experience. I think those are still small numbers.
Respecting this skill, and the elements that surround it is the key to a successful jump (going over). Respecting gravity and your equipment means you know how your equipment was stored, maintained and used and how gravity affects everything may be the difference to life and death. Following the instructions being given to you and following them precisely is the smartest thing for anyone who wants to try this out.
One big rule in Rappelling is “No Macho effects…” Like other skills, people tend to start showing off when they know they are good. Examples are Basketball players, talented musicians etc. etc.. In this skill, showing-off will not gather you fans, it may lead to your death or injury.
I have to admit, Im still afraid of heights. I cannot lean over a mall balcony to look down - even if it’s just 4 stories. It gives me the jitters. Fear is always a factor. I made rappelling instructors out of people who cried during their first jump. And it is all becuase they learned to control and repsect their FEAR.
Fear of heights is natural, the feeling of freefalling to your doom would scare any SANE person.
My fear of heights always lead me to respecting it. Making sure all stops are made, all checks are double checked and tripled if possible. There is no room for mistakes, no quarter for excuses.
Rappelling requires Discipline and Respect. It requires guts and determination. It is no joke. Anyone can rappel. But not everyone can enjoy it~
