WHAT TO EXPECT

It won’t be long until you are rappelling from H. Lee Dennison Building.

Here are some things you might like to know:

WHAT TO EXPECT...
You will be wearing a full-body industrial harness and using an industrial descender to go down. To go down you will be squeezing a handle, and to stop you will need to let go of the handle (or pull back). You can go as fast or as slowly as you like. You will be anchored to a back-up line, which is controlled from the top. Should you go too fast the back-up line will engage. Getting your weight off the roof and into the harness is the difficult part for most people. Once you’re over the edge you are on your own for 6 stories. You can stop and take in the view. It will take between 5 and 10 minutes to get to the bottom.

TRAINING...
When you arrive on site you will have the opportunity to hang in the harness, find a comfortable position, and practice using the descender. You can practice as often as you’d like before heading to the roof. The same safety procedures are used in the training as in the long rappel so you will be familiar with them when you get there.

WHAT TO WEAR...
You’re going to be walking down the side of a building so wear good shoes. Sneakers, light hikers, climbing shoes, something with a soft sole. No sandals, slip-on shoes, flip flops, high heels, or steel toed boots. Wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt. Athletic pants, tights, and jeans are suitable. The harness goes around your legs, waist, and shoulders, so it is best to avoid anything too bulky. Shirts should be comfortable and without draw cords. Individuals with long hair should tie it back. You will be given a pair of leather gloves and a helmet when you arrive.

CAMERAS, PHONES & PERSONAL BELONGINGS...
You can’t bring anything with you on the roof. Please do not bring any personal belongings with you.

SPECTATORS AND FRIENDS...
Admittance to the rooftop requires the use of safety harnesses and anchors. Unfortunately friends of the participants will not be allowed up. There will be a staff photographer ensuring that each participant gets pictures of him or herself going over the edge.