Major Rappels in Mystery Canyon (Video)

[p40whk]

We did this in August of 2010 and just now getting around to posting a video compilation. I had a lot more footage but decided to just show the major rappels.

First I'd like to apologize for two things; The lack of helmets (we all wear them now and have since this trip), and my finger over the Mic in the last 2 rappels.

We had neck deep water into Mystery Springs which I hear is unusual.

[Scott Card]

Ahh, 9:46 the rappeller lets go of the brake hand...and then again at 10:11

Fun canyon but yikes! Glad there was a belay.

[moab mark]

I let go with my brake hand on the last rappel into the narrows one time without a belay. Luckily I got it under control but I think the Emporer wet himself.

[p40whk]

Ahh, 9:46 the rappeller lets go of the brake hand...and then again at 10:11

Fun canyon but yikes! Glad there was a belay.

I always use a belay when possible. This was actually only his second time rappelling not counting the trip I took him to the indoor climbing wall to teach him. On the last rappel that he lets go (into Mystery Springs) you can't hear it to well but I saw it and if you listen close you can hear me say "I've got you."

There are very few places for us to practice here in Northern KY and the closest is 2-1/2 hours away but I've been trying to get him out of those bad habits each trip.

[Iceaxe]

the rappeller lets go of the brake hand...

I normally try to scare the snot out of my noobie's with regards to letting go of the brake hand. I tell them if they let go of their brake hand there is a good chance they will die! Then I tell them if their feet slip out from under them and their face smashes into the wall they are still not to let go of their brake hand if they want to live.... Since I've started using that approach I haven't had a noob let go with the brake hand.... fear is a power allie when teaching....

Also.... most noob's, including the one in the video keep their brake hand to close to the rappel devise... your brake hand goes around back.... better known as "thumb in the bum"... correct placement of the brake hand will help with overall technique.

[Brian in SLC]

He let's go twice so casually...that might be a tough habit to break.

Yikes.

[p40whk]

your brake hand goes around back.... better known as "thumb in the bum"... correct placement of the brake hand will help with overall technique.

This was how he was taught although it's a bit tough to teach people how to listen. I like your approach to putting the fear of God in them. Will have to use that next time.

I've always had the Noob go last, that way an experienced person is always at the bottom on belay. When I go first I tend to be overly cautious and literately do try to stick the "thumb in the bum"...

Guess it's time to change the training approach.

[ratagonia]

I let go with my brake hand on the last rappel into the narrows one time without a belay. Luckily I got it under control but I think the Emporer wet himself.

I was very impressed. Musta been livin' well, Mark, succeeding at grabbing that rap line. A karma-test - you passed!

Tom

[ratagonia]

This was how he was taught although it's a bit tough to teach people how to listen. I like your approach to putting the fear of God in them. Will have to use that next time.

I've always had the Noob go last, that way an experienced person is always at the bottom on belay. When I go first I tend to be overly cautious and literately do try to stick the "thumb in the bum"...

Guess it's time to change the training approach.

You might try letting him fall 10 to 15 feet before catching him - that might cure 'em!

Tom