Abseiling tips for a newbie

[Jezzabelle]

I'm going abseiling at Boya Quarry with my work cronies, I have never done it before, plus I'm not over enthusiastic regarding heights!!

Does anyone here have any tips for an abseiling virgin!!

[Fozzy]

Thumb up bum!

Tie up your long hair.

Dont fall.

[fatoxious]

lean back. further than you think

[P.J]

Did this a few times with friends, one time we hung a 120kg guy from a tree branch with a piece of rope and his harness. Then while he was suspended about a meter off the ground we got a sharp knife and cut the outer sheath of the rope exposing the strands inside. Then we cut each one of them until there was only one strand left, he was still hanging there. We lifted him up and dropped him to simulate a shock load and that snapped the last strand. If youre using proper rope in good condition you should have no worries about its ability to hold you. It's a lot stronger than you think. And don't drop your figure 8.

[Breno]

have faith in your gear. the ropes are rated to carry a maximum load of about 3000kgs. (depending on rope, but the usual is an 11mm static kernmantle)

lean back, breathe and enjoy it. if you can muster the courage, get some jumps in on the way down.

i use ropes for rescue... we definitely don't use figure 8 type descenders anymore... I'm not sure a company taking abseiling trips would either? but either way... make sure you look around and enjoy yourself.

[milesiles]

Check, check and check again.

Oh and have fun.

Plus fig 8 are still used. They are cheap and they work. It used to be my job to test climbing equipment to destruction. Dropping fig 8 is a myth. You'd be surprised how well even highly abused ones rate. You'd have more issues with heat cycles/work hardening. We used to put on nights for the outdoor stores, they would bring in all their old gear, we'd drink piss and break stuff. Good times.

[agrid]

Tie a double-knot.

[I Fancy Holidays]

As its your first time i assume your going to have instructors. Listen to what they say!

Lean back, if your not far enough back it will make your life difficult (i guess the same for too far).

And most important, HAVE FUN!

PS. where is my invite?

[rc_sam]

If you don't empty the bladder beforehand you'll have more incentive to get down quicker.

[Falcore]

dont piss off the dude tying the knots

[Old frt]

Keep your knees together so you don't whistle on the way down.

[I Fancy Holidays]

Also, remember to stuff socks into your pants so your package looks huge!

Spoiler: show

Yes, i know your female.

[Old frt]

[QUOTE=I

? You have unnatural tastes in women

[Munkers]

If you are going to wear a dress, then wear knickers.

[Barfridge]

Don't listen to munkers, he's a crazy person.

[Rips]

look at your feet placement not down the cliff, always have an experienced brake person at the bottom, if you freeze up close your eyes feel your feet nice and solid on the rock face take.a deep breath and descend. if you stay still too long you get tired very quickly.
have fun and dont listen to that crazy Munkers and his victorian underwear demands.

[Jezzabelle]

If you are going to wear a dress, then wear knickers.

Talking about knickers.....I think i'll take a spare pair with me just in case I leave a brown vapour trail on my descent!!!

[Samuelg]

sun screen and sunnies. the sun will beat off the rock and toast you.

[mekon]

Have a couple of goes and then run face down the quarry. Awesome!

[_Bananaman_]

If you can't tie knots, tie lots.

Its a bit like riding, if you stress and hold on too tight, it tends to be alot less enjoyable. Loosen up. Relax.