Australian Rappel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Australian Rappeling (also known as Rap jumping, angel jumping) is the process of descending a fixed rope in a standing position while facing the ground.
The technique is akin to walking (or running) down a cliff, face first. The speed of descent is slowed by pulling the rope across one's chest. The rope is anchored to a harness at the middle of the waist at the back.
This technique was originally used in a military assault in Australia, where the soldiers descended face first with gun in hand, walking down the side of a cliff in order to see and shoot their enemies below. Today it is used in training for military and special police forces, but rarely, if ever, used in practice. It is also practiced by thrill seekers, who enjoy the thrill of running down a cliff. Care should be taken when performing an Australian Rappel, as it can be very dangerous, and one should learn it from someone experienced with this technique.
This technic was first commercialised by ex SAS man Macka Mackail in Cairns Australia in 1989 at the barron gorge Rap Jumping was born since then thousands of people have enjoyed safe jumping of cliffes and highrise buildings around the world.
