Intro to Rappel

Lead by Anna Marie Alewine from Pisgah Climbing School

Ready to dive into something that will make your friends say, “you’re doing what?!”. Partner up with gravity for a day and learn how to safely rappel down rock faces.

Lead by our friends at Pisgah Climbing School.

Unless stated otherwise, these are beginner-friendly trips meant for those who are ready to challenge themselves. All gear is provided, you just need to bring your adventurous spirit. Pisgah Climbing School’s guides are some of the highest trained and experienced instructors in the area so you will not only have an experience of a lifetime, you’ll walk away learning some new skills!

See below for Rappelling Details & Dates

Rappelling

WHAT IS RAPPELLING?:

Rappelling is a climbing technique used to descend a rock face or vertical surface. With the use of a harness and rappel device, the climber is in control of how quickly or slowly they’d like to lower themselves down. You will be secured by the use of belay which is a backup system controlled by your climbing instructor.

WHY RAPPELLING?:

  • Less physically demanding: Rappelling is a great way to experience a form of “climbing” that doesn’t require as much strength or movement. Great for those who may have mobility issues and physical limitations. Please discuss any injuries or limitations with your physician before registering. We strongly recommend that you still reach out to discuss any physical concerns with your instructor to make sure you can still have a safe and enjoyable experience.

  • Overlapping skills: Rappelling introduces you to fundamental climbing gear and skills that can overlap in many outdoor activities. Learning basic rope work, knots, and gear can help you excel in other skills

  • Mental Challenge: While this activity may not push you physically as much as climbing would, it will definitely challenge you mentally. The act of backing up over a cliff is an unnatural one and forces us to face our fears and challenge our comfort zones.

  • Emergencies: Basic rope working techniques associated with rappelling can help you get safely out of any situation in which you need to descend

Please only register for this trip if you plan to follow through and not cancel because it is difficult for us to fill spots last minute.
 
Please review and consider the following before registering:

  • 7:45am Start Time

  • Driving directions and timeframe

  • Overnight Accommodations (if needed)

  • Your own personal calendar to make sure you do not already have plans

Late arrivals are difficult to coordinate with little to no phone reception and would affect everyone else’s climb time, so the group will leave the trailhead no later than 8:20am. Significant late arrivals may count as no-shows. We cannot issue refunds for cancellations within 14 days of the event, significantly late arrivals, or no-shows.

Upcoming Classes

 

Your Instructor: Anna Marie Alewine

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, AIARE 1

Anna Marie grew up in the foothills of South Carolina. She had her first experience rock climbing in the Linville Gorge during her freshman year at Montreat College. While studying Outdoor Education, she worked as a backpacking guide, ropes course facilitator, and rock wall manager where she honed her passion for leading people in outdoor pursuits.

Anna Marie has climbed not only in the beautiful granite walls of North Carolina, but also in the sandstone cliffs of Kentucky, the deep canyons of New Mexico, the jagged peaks of Colorado, the rugged peaks of the Tetons, and the South American range of Patagonia. After graduating from college, she received her Single Pitch Instructor certification in Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, AK. Since then she continues to perfect her craft as a professional climbing instructor. When she is not climbing, she spends her time trail running, doing yoga, or drinking obsessive amounts of coffee.

Insta: @annamariea2

 

  • I have no experience, can I do this?

    Yes! Unless stated otherwise, our trips and classes are catered to beginners. Your instructor will be there to teach and guide you the entire time.

    I’m worried about my weight, can your gear hold me?

    Climbing ropes and equipment are capable of holding several humans at once! Even if you fall, the gear and systems used are meant to withstand heavy and strong impact. On top of using the best equipment, you go through numerous safety checks before ever stepping off the ground. Your instructors check and maintain their equipment regularly. Feel free to reach out with your concerns though!

    I’m recovering from a surgery/injury or have a physical limitation, can I do this?

    This is situational but first starts off with getting clearance from your physician. You can expect to need full use and rotation/movement of your shoulders and knees, however, our instructors have lead adaptive climbing trips before so please reach out and let us know a little bit more about your limitations. (hello@wildforces.org) If you have limited mobility in your upper body, Rappelling might be a great option for you!

    Can I bring my daughter?

    Wild Forces was created to offer outdoor classes and community for adult women. With that said, we prefer guests to be 16 or older. Under 18 will need adult supervision. We want our trips to be a welcoming space for women to unwind, focus on themselves, and their goals and sometimes that means leaving the kiddos behind. We do occasionally offer classes and trips for younger ladies (even co-ed classes!), so keep your eyes peeled for those events!

  • • 30 days (or more) before the course or climb, course fees are eligible for a reschedule or refund.

    • Within 14-30 days of the course or climb, 50% is non-refundable. We will try to fill your spot for full refund but cannot guarantee we can fill it.

    • Within 14 days of the course or climb, full tuition is non-refundable.

    • “No shows” are non-refundable and no reschedule option will be available.

    • Due to the nature of the activity, we do not have a guaranteed location and cannot wait for those running significantly late. Please let us know ASAP if you are running late. If we have not heard from you and you are 30 minutes late, it will count as a no-show.

    WEATHER CANCELLATIONS:

    • If we must cancel due to weather, a reschedule date will be arranged; tuition is held.

    • Your guide will make the call for the safety of the course and participants.

  • Outdoor activities can be inherently dangerous. All participants are required to sign a liability waiver and emergency contact form prior to this event. Please register with an active email address as this will be how we communicate with you and send you paperwork.

    If this event is held with a third-party partner, you may be asked to sign a second waiver or any other documents they require to participate.

  • Trips, classes, and events lead by third-party partners are at-cost and Wild Forces does not collect any revenue.

    Please consider donating as Wild Forces is a 501(c)3 organization that relies on donations to operate.