How to Rappel With Rope Only (South African Method)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 มิ.ย. 2024
- A demonstration, including safety concerns, of the South African method of rappelling with no equipment except for a rope. To display the advantages and disadvantages of this method, I wore inadequate clothing and did it without any safety gear. When you rappel, always use proper gear and technique. The method used in this video is for emergency use only, when no other gear is available. In learning or practicing this technique, perform it under controlled circumstances, preferably on belay.
Visit rewildu.com/classes/ for unique educational opportunities in rewilding, wilderness skills, mindfulness, martial arts, primal fitness, homesteading, and more.
![[TH] VCT Masters Shanghai Playoffs DAY 6 // G2 vs GEN | 100T vs TH](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/M6jxF80AajI/mqdefault.jpg)
HI! So this tutorial saved me before. I was attempting to free solo the flat irons in Colorado and luckily my friends brought a rope with us, Because i got stuck on this one part next to a tree, the rock became chossy and didn't feel comfortable climbing up or down. I luckily had service and quickly googled a tutorial on how to rappel with only a rope. Your video came up, I watched it and safely rappelled myself down to a ledge. So thanks!
Wow, that's awesome Samantha! Talk about a real-life use of this! I'm so glad the video could be of service!!
=) Kenton
O.o
wut route
Bs
Bitchin’
Finally, a normal person adventuring without a pack full of heavy, and incredibly expensive gear, blabbing about some weird new knot configuration that nobody can tie, who has clearly forgotten what its like to have fun. Thanks for renewing my faith in outdoor adventurers. I will be your newest subscriber.
Mark, those words are golden! Thank you so much, and I really appreciate your subscription!
=) Kenton
Mark Price Hi is verry good im subscribe . Sorry for my english.
Thanks men. Bye .Fred
Well, depends on what you do. I do rock climbing, and I NEED the gear and knots, otherwise, I can't really push my physical boundraries. Of course, I could just do easier and/or shorter routes without a harness, even without a rope, but that's just betting your life on something stupid.
Mark Price stupid fuck....
@@RingoAnselmo have you always been so articulate?
This seems safer than the swiss method. I apreciate your well presented instruction. Your demostration down that hill really proves the talk, you were perpendicular with your feet on the rock in full rappel!! and it worked perfect!!!
This video makes me feel I'm in a forest, so simple, yet engaging.
I truly appreciate the simplicity and functionality aspects of this.
Thank you Piotr! I appreciate that!!
=) Kenton
thanks so much for this tutorial! I have been trying to find this technique forever and now i finally found this great tutorial!
+Northern McCullough So glad it was what you were looking for!
=) Kenton
Great advice on safety and great demonstration . Respect sent from an old Army Ranger and Thanks .
A great compliment coming from you, my friend!
=) Kenton
Old Ranger here also. 1Bn. 77-79. I do like this but, I will still use my Swiss seat.
i really enjoyed this video...I will practice this weekend. Thanks for your generosity!
Please let me know how it goes!
=) Kenton
Glad you demonstrated this technique. I have been curious as to how it could be done. Great video, I appreciated it.
kc329191 I had seen a lot of people show it in photos, but it was always tough for me to really get the hang of it until someone showed me in person. This isn't in person, but videos are perhaps second best ...=) Kenton
Years ago I ran across this video while looking at emergency ascent/descent methods, and had no idea it was you that had done it! It's really nice to run back across this video, again. ^_^
Ha!
=) Kenton
Very interesting technique, thanks for sharing it
Bravo Kenton, a great tutorial, very profound description and good hints! Thanks a lot for sharing with us. Cheers, Marc
You bet, Marc! It's a great method, if a bit frictiony =)
Outstanding video. Very well done, explained and demonstrated. Thank you.
Thanks much!
=) Kenton
That was a GREAT tactic to keep in my bag of tools in my brain. Thanks man for the demonstration. It's always great to have options that are effective in case of emergency. Along with the Swiss Seat tactic, The South African Method is going to be practiced as well. You never know what might happen out in Nature. Be prepared !
Daniel Moulson Glad you like it. I appreciate good gear, but like you, I like to know how to get things done if my equipment is lost/fails/I forgot it at home =)
Thanks for commenting!
Kenton
Old video but a good one! I am going to try this method and a couple other ones while out in west Texas this week. Great demonstration and explanations. Thanks for sharing, keep up the good work!
Let me know how it goes! I've never been out in western Texas. Is that what they call the "hill country" of Texas?
It's about time someone shows how to rappel without a pack mule full of equipment.. Thank you for full screen and closed caption also. three for three. A real survival lesson, for real hard time.
Thanks Thomas. Your words are appreciated!
@@ReWildUniversity Words can't express my gratitude. I bought 100 feet of rope and bring it with me in the car. Hunting, fishing, I'm carrying it with me. If I don't need it, maybe I can help someone else. Thanks again.
I love this video, it's pretty much the only example I can find on TH-cam and here you are bare footed and in shorts and singlet going over the side of a proper little chunk of rock!
+ce4130 So glad you liked it! It was definitely a fun little adventure!
=) Kenton
I love your technique. Make some more videos please. Thank you for sharing.
Clet Rodriguez Thanks! I'll try to keep the videos coming! I'm out in the woods a lot with students, so it's tough to get filming time, but comments like yours definitely inspire me!
=) Kenton
Wow. Wish I can be one of your students and be out of the woods a lot as well. Keep it up! Will wait for your other posts!
Clet Rodriguez
Thanks so much -- your words inspire me, Clet!
=) Kenton
I consider your repelling lesson in this video as an unsolicited Christmas present. Thank you Sir.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you, Ellery!!! =)
Thank you for the video. Excellent work brother
Thank you Lewis. Appreciated!!
=) Kenton
Many thanks. Clear & easy to follow
Glad you liked it, Graham!
=) Kenton
Great tutorial ! Thanks
Absolutely!
Great info. Thanks
Excellent video. Thank you - from Aurora, IL
Thanks Brian! Greetings back from Viroqua, WI! =)
KEEPING IT REAL.THANK YOU. JUST SUBSCRIBED.
Thank you for your subscription, Lloyd! Appreciated!!
Hello! I wanted to say that your videos are awesome. You are so spiritual
Thank you! Such kind words!
=) Kenton
Hi Kenton,
all the time I watch you videos I wonder where have you learned all these things?! Do you have a military background?
I'm really glad that there are people like you who is not addicted to comfort and is willing to share and teach others some very useful skills. Way to go, Kenton! I want to say, I'm proud of you!
Sasha, thank you! I'm just a lifelong learner. My childhood was spent with a friend who went on to the military, and we wanted to be "ninjas", so we trained mercilessly in all sorts of things. Later I spent a summer at a survival school as an apprentice. But mostly it's just been an adventuring attitude, always seeking out new opportunities to learn more!
Love,
Kenton =)
I love your old school / low gear mentality. I enjoy doing the same stuff. I have scars on my back to prove it, lol. Thx!
Cull Silver Right on! Scars are seriously under rated . . .
=) Kenton
This is a very well thought out tutorial. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you! Appreciated!
Exept the wearing a tank top part
@@shaneshonda Yeah, probably not a good idea =) Ha!!
Good leaning young man, we need to share with the young, well done.
Awesome lesson
My Hoach Thank you!
=) Kenton
you are right this method it is not safety but it can be used in emergency case and it can save our lives too!
Great video, great job, congrats!
Thanks! As you say, emergency only!
=) Kenton
Very nice video thanks for taking the time to create and post.
+Jim J Absolutely Jim. Thanks for taking the time to comment! Appreciated!
=) Kenton
I love this nice old school method. I am gonna try this with heavy clothing though. Love from India.
thank you! it is really nice to learn this ,thinking it might save my life someday.
dang dan It's not comfortable, but it's a great skill to have at your disposal just in case.=) Kenton
totally awesome to know, I plan to test this out soon!
Punk Survivor. Let me know how it goes!
will do :D
This is a great technique for self rescue. Thanks for sharing it.
Dietdrshasta Glad you liked it. It's certainly not comfortable, but it's gotten me out of some scrapes . . .
thank you for sharing. It is impressive stuff. And good to know that most of the technology is just to make us more comfortable (and possibly safer) but that we can do most stuff with simple gear. keep sharing your knowledge!
Thank you Tomasz. I'm glad you appreciate the "simple gear" approach!
=) Kenton
Very interesting alternative to the Dülfersitz method - thanks very much!
I usually use the Dülfersitz thee days, but I do like having this one at my disposal too.
=) Kenton
Good instruction! Thanks for making this video!
+kc329191 My pleasure!
=) Kenton
Ya man great video... looking forward to watchin* your videos....
Thanks David!
Interesting and informative. I like how you reiterated safety as you explained and demonstrated.
I love adventure, but I also like to be able to go adventuring again, again, and again =) So for me, safety is an important issue, even when we choose to do things without the usual safety gear. Thanks for watching and commenting! Now, I must ask, because I have an interest in crytozoology . . .does the "beast" refer to yourself, to a not-classified-by-science animal, or to something else? =)
ReWildUniversity To answer your question, yes, it does refer to a not classified by science animal as you put it. If such an animal existed I believe it would avoid humans and live as nature intended. I don't really enjoy large crowds myself and prefer to be outdoors. Quite often, I'm thought of as odd. I, too, have an interest in cryptozoology so thought it was a neat channel name. I do not refer to myself as a "beast" in the commonly accepted fashion. Rather, a "beast" thats often misunderstood and means no harm. Love your channel by the way. :)
boggycreekbeast
Thanks for the kudos on my channel. I really appreciate it! And I love your definition of beast -- not something brutal, but something natural and wild ALIVE and perhaps not easily understood by conventional thought.
Now that you've told me, I'm going to learn more about the Boggy Creek Beast. Cool!
Thanks for sharing =)
Thank you! Your philosophy is just my thing! Inspiring.
Amazing video thank you
Thank you Edouard!!! =)
Great video! Thank you very much.
Absolutely!
=) Kenton
Interesting. Never seen this method before. I've always used the "hot seat" method for rope only rappels, in emergency. Through the legs, around the waist, and over the shoulder.
Learn something new everyday, thanks.
Absolutely, Bruce. I love the technique you describe -- it's probably my "go to" these days, though I still enjoy knowing how to do this one.
=) Kenton
beautiful scenary
Thank you! Definitely a beautiful forest! =)
Nice. This is a good technique to learn for emergency’s or something. I always tie my rope at the ends too. I leave about 2 feet on the tail and then tied off.
I’m going to pull out my climbing rope and practice this.
Nice! Let me know how it goes!
Love This Old School! Thanks for Japan.
=) Absolutely! Greetings from Wisconsin, USA!
Thank you, we need to shear with our young.
Absolutely, James.
When I was seventeen years old my brother myself and a friend got stuck on the side of a mountain in the Philippines. Long story. but I knew a similar technique and we were able to use it to get down to safety!
Wow! That's awesome! And a memory you'll hold forever, I imagine -- those "close calls" always create fun campfire stories =)
Thank you, Sir. Simpliest way for me to sample (an alluvial gold) a cliff wall in Sumatra, Indonesia.
Right on!! May you strike it rich!! =)
Excellent
Thanks Jesse!
Great instructional vid. I had a go at this in Namibia, althought it wasn't this high or steep. Worked well although my friction points were in my groin area! Ouch. See, do and understand... only way to go. Surprisingly I felt in total control and the psychological effects of 'the force' wanting to pull me over the edge to my doom more or less went away. I like the way one can do this without harness and are able to recover the rope. Once is never enough and this has reminded me of the finer details. Ta.I have subscribed.
Cliff Abrahart Cliff, great to hear from someone who has used this method. You're absolutely correct -- it can hurt when the friction points are in the right places =) Also, thanks for pointing out the psychological effect.
Finally, thanks so much for your subscription. I really appreciate it!
=) Kenton
very helpful, thank you!
+Kiting Daguob Glad you liked it!
=) Kenton
Wow. Thanks man. Nothing worse than a half-cocked idea of how to handle a situation. You described the importance of focus, and trusting the rope, two things that must be paramount in climbing. I am not a climber, but find this absolutely helpful to have an understanding of. Situations call, and being a man, and maybe being called to do a "manly thing" in an emergency, is something I need to know.
Thanks again.
Glad you found value in this Michael!
=) Kenton
Great video and I hope I never need to use this technique but at least I’ll have it if I ever do 👍 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I too hope it's not something you ever have to use! I remember hearing from a climber (she's down in the comments somewhere) who got stuck on a cliff-edge. She had her phone and googled how to get down with rope only (as she had run out of equipment) and this got her down. Pretty cool story =)
Omg where are the guys like this? Sigh! This is a great demo thank you!
+Viola Rose Wow, thanks for the great compliment! Appreciated!
=) Kenton
You radiates so much good vibrations :) Thank you for this video, thank you for keeping it simple. Subscribing and looking forward to your next videos :) Cheers !
Thank you my friend. That is so appreciated! I hope you like the other videos just as much!
With love,
Kenton =)
Excelent video to survive in extreme conditions. :-)
That’s good to know, thank you!
Absolutely, Ricky!
Subscribed, great video
Thanks Hank, and we appreciate your subscription! We hope you enjoy the rest of our videos!
=) Kenton and Rebecca
good video.
+Rick C Thanks Rick!
=) Kenton
Awesome vid, definitely could have used this technique for a sticky situation I got myself into earlier this evening!
Interesting . . . share more?
=) Kenton
Well, I wish it was more interesting than it sounds. It really just involved me getting locked out on my balcony. Had a rope out there just in case. Making that 30 foot drop using nothing but upper body strength was easily one of the most stressful things I've done in a while. Fortunately I found your video for future situations.
Ha! A great way to use this skill!
=) Kenton
Great video, and really easy to follow. It must feel pretty liberating to be able to walk around with just a rope and know you can get down most cliffs. How long is your climbing rope?
AdventureArchives I'm not actually sure of the length. It began as a 60 meter rope, but part of it was cut and made into a lasso for a pig rescuing adventure last year =)
thanks this is cool
The technique of rappeling down a slope or cliff is excellent. Your technique also allows you to retrieve your rope. Otherwise, You will need real elvish rope:)
Oh, how I wish for some of that Elvish rope!
=) Kenton
Me too....
Yep. Good instructional. Change rope locations on your body to reduce one area taking all the stress.
Great advice, Greg. I haven't used this method for a few years, but I'm soon going on an adventure where I might need to do a bit of rappelling, so I'll be watching my own video as a refresher and adding your advice to my execution of the skill!
I love, "you can hold here for a sense of security". Great line!
Ha! I never realized that might be rather funny. Guess it is!
=) Kenton
You could also use the offhand to reach for a pistol if need be. I mean, we are talking emergency repelling in the jungle right?
I'm researching this for climbing the 'Inn Pinn' on Skye (more specifically for getting off it!), not being a rock-climber and not wanting to haul up a load of fancy metal gear and harness and not wanting to pay thousands for a 'guide' when a bit of adventurousness and common sense can suffice. Really well explained, it looks doable with a bit of practise, but thanks for stressing 'your life is literally on the line' - well worth remembering!
Sounds like some exciting adventures you're embarking upon! Thanks for keeping that important tip in mind -- and I'd love to hear how your adventures go!
With love,
Kenton =)
Awesome
Thanks Luis!
Interesting variation of Dulfer rappel. Seems to be more stable - nice to have one hand free. However, the friction is equally horrible in both methods.
I think it makes most sense to climb down having weight on your feet, using the rappel knot just as safety - it will hold if you fall.
very well demonstrated ==
Jeff Thompson Thanks!
Thank you.
Alberto Rodriguez You bet =)
helli my friens,finally had a chance to use this technique,good lordy did it burn,but I did enjoy only using such a small quantity of equipment,thanks for the great video
chopstick thrower Ha! It really does burn, doesn't it? I still have a burn mark from when I did this video, and it may end up scarring. Gloves and long sleeve shirts . . . priceless =)
Thsnk you.
Thank you for the emergency technique. Only if necessary.
Absolutely, Joseph!
Great video!
+Nicholas Ng Thanks!
=) Kenton
Is your rope or similar kind available on Amazon?
Nicholas Ng
I've tended to purchase mine from REI, just because you want to make sure you know what you're getting, since your life is literally on the line =) They are quite expensive, but if you take care of it, it will last you a long time, and they are STRONG.
=) Kenton
ReWildUniversity cool thanks for recommending it!
What about making a swiss seat leaving one end much longer and wrap that around the tree? would that work?
Used this technique out on a open cliff.. Works a lot better then other ones..
+x3raul It really is great, isn't it? Not the most comfortable, but very secure!
=) Kenton
We went on Adventure Training in the Alps at Garmisch when in the US Army, we did something called a Body Rappel, plus we made harnesses from 3 pieces of rope with 3 carabiners, do you know those, because I cant remember how we did it?
This is practical for cavers. We typically have some rope or webbing for short drops or may encounter a short vertical drop in a horizontal cave. We wear cave suits or tough clothing so rope burns should not be much of an issue. I did a 20 foot arm rappel once and there were a few foot rocks on the way down. If the walls were straight down they your method would provide more stability and be safer. Thanks for the demo.
So good to know this would have spelunking uses! Caving is of great interest to me, but I've never gotten in with a group . . .
=) Kenton
The National Speleological Society, NSS, is the parent organization for safe, responsible and fun caving. Individual organizations are called Grottos and are in most of the states. Google "NSS find a grotto"' to find the nearest grottos and contact information. A grotto will introduce you to caving and a group of friends to go caving with.
Lee O
Thank you so much! I didn't know how to find anyone to cave with. So appreciated!
Let me know if you find a grotto and how it works for you. Hope you have some wonderful experiences. I know I did. There is a whole world of exploration underground, much of it is very beautiful.
Lee O
I really appreciate you opening this door for me. It's been a dream since childhood, actually -- just one I never moved on. I'll probably put it off another year since I'm just starting with two new 11-month students who will be taking up most of my time, but at least now I know how to get started!
=) Kenton
Thank you for the video. I memorized it for an emergency which hopefully will never come. Because of the rope burn I was surprised why you did it in this light clothing and not recommended, when available to use a long sleeved smooth jacket (leather if possible) and some sturdy pants. I am sure some Bavarian Lederhosen would be ideal for this method to protect the groin. :)
My friend, I wish I had an intelligent reason for not wearing better clothes, but the truth is that when I was going to film this, I just decided a bit spur-of-the-moment, grabbed my rope, and went out into the woods to this cliff. I'm a bear of very little brain sometimes =)
explanation and demonstration even a Dummy can understand . Excellent audio quality , A professional youtuber
bob brawley Thank you Bob!=) Kenton
thank you, you as well
+0Plants0 Appreciated!
=) Kenton
new to me, havent seen that one before, looks a hell of a lot safer than a classic rappel
It's been pretty safe for me, but not overly comfortable . . .
=) Kenton
Such an awesome set of lifesaver videos on your channel and you have just 51K subs as of this date. Meanwhile... meaningless vlogs with no discernible useful content have millions of subs AND paid endorsements... SMH!. Just subscribed, mate and keep up the good work.
Sydney, thanks for those encouraging words. I'm sure we could get a lot more subscribers and such if we would just add in some "fluff" =) But we are very devoted to sharing things that can make a real difference in people's lives, and it's worth more than any number of subscribers to hear from someone like you who values our work.
Love,
Kenton =)
got it!! well explained...risky...but I will try it definitely, thanks a lot!
+lromeroyt A great last-ditch method. I first learned it on a slope rather than a cliff -- much better place to learn it than over a straight edge . . .
=) Kenton
I will continue to watch your videos, thanks folks!
lromeroyt
Thank you for taking the time to comment! It's appreciated!
i searched the pronunciation for DULFERSITZ RAPPEL, DULFERSITZ sounds like DOOLFER-ZEETS :-) thanks for the video man.
All I kept thinking whilst watching you demonstrating the method of rapping the rope around was "ouch" looked abit eye watering lol great skill to share and loved watching the whole thing.
It does have some ouch factor, and I think I know what you're talking about =) Not too bad if you get the ropes to the sides and don't squash anything =)
Lol spot on! Great video, and well done on that desent! Made it look easy.
Great video! Really clear and well explained. I think I learned something like this as a cadet (now forgotten!) but with one line in each hand and facing forwards (and running?!) Needless to say, they don't teach kids like they used to 😁 In an emergency situation, would paracord work? (I know, serious burns etc). I guess anything to help to minimise friction would be good too (leather jacket, gloves, backpack etc)
Thanks! If it was do it or die, I'd try paracord, but only in that case =) And I'm pretty light, so maybe it would work!!
Hello, RezWildUniversity: Great video! Should you update video, lets see that German method included, and how to make Bowline-On-The-Bight knot with the method on how to rescue someone caught on a cliff ledge using the Bowline-On-The-Bight knot. Someone's got to show this. Kind regards: UK male.
Awesome thought! Would make a fun video. I'll consider it!
=) Kenton
you think if you loop it thru a Swiss Harness Seat, it might reduce the friction and load?
I do -- very good idea!
Nice job! Thoughtful and careful explanation. Can I use this on truly vertical ice or rock?
It's really meant for non-vertical surfaces, though I've used it on vertical cliffs. It's just not safe =)
Great vid i learnt a similar technique in the military, but we were instructed to hold the ropes singular in each hand! I think your style is better though. Best wishes
+A Pezz Great this could bring back a (hopefully fun) memory! Thanks for your service, by the way!
=) Kenton
👍🏻👍🏻😎
Cool.
Glad you liked it! Awesome YT pic by the way. Looks like you found some awesome claw marks =)
Hey. So glad I found this video. Great job. Well done. Have you guys gone to Hawaii yet?
Hello my friend! We're not there yet -- end of August!
=) Kenton
Big smiles
Maybe a way to atop the friction to your arm is to strap some sticks to the front part of your arm. A big piece of bark or old she could work. If you have webbing, a belt or make quick cordage to wrap would be helpful. I realize this is a quick fix, but sometimes wounds like that in the woods can have devastating consequences. Especially if you have make more than one descent. Thanks for the video. It is good information on how to get yourself out of a bind with no gear.
Very interesting! I didn't think of something like that. A webbing "arm brace" of sorts to protect the skin? Very cool!
=) Kenton
Could you do a video where you lower objects down using only a rope? Also would this work with a 53 kg person and a paracord that can support 100kg?
+matt cronjager Interesting thought! I'd never used paracord for something like this unless I had no choice. First, it's so thin that it will bite in deep, cutting open your hands and leaving deep burns anywhere it rubs. Secondly, when you rappel the rope always suffers abrasion, and paracord just isn't thick enough to resist much abrasion. A small amount of friction on a rock, and it will weaken the paracord immensely. Then . . . well, you can figure out the rest! Youch.
=) Kenton
Would you use this without an incline? Seems like it would be dangerous and painful. If not, what would you use / do?
You can use it on a vertical surface, but you have to be fairly skilled at it.
Sir, then how can you get down with single line and still be able to retrieve your rope? Any techniques?
Good question! Because the rope is just looped around the tree, at the bottom of your rappel you have the two ends in your hands and no knot on top. So you just let go of one end and pull the other, and you have your rope back, barring it snagging on something on the way down.
=) Kenton
THx
+Tera T You bet!
=) Kenton
Great stuff! That could come in handy for sure. How come its called the South African Method?
Cheers,
Angus
Hi Angus!
I believe it was because the gentleman who invented it, Andrew Friedemann, was a South African! Glad you liked the method -- it's a fun rappel!
=) Kenton
Hi Angus!
I believe it was because the gentleman who invented it, Andrew Friedemann, was a South African! Glad you liked the method -- it's a fun rappel!
=) Kenton
Ah makes sense, thanks Kenton!