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Lowering

Description

In general, I recommend that people rappel down a drop rather than being lowered. However there are some cases when lowering is a good option.

• When helping kids down a short drop, you can lower them hand-over-hand.
• On drops with kids who don't know how to rappel, as long as you have constant communication.
• When someone is injured or incapacitated.
• As protection for someone on a downclimb. 

Advantages

Lowering is a great way to help someone down a drop who doesn't have the capacity or skills to rappel themselves. It should not be used as a default option.

Lowering also allows a downclimber to use their hands for climbing while still protecting them if they slip.

Disadvantages

Lowering someone can do a lot of damage to the rock and to your rope because the rope is dragging on the rock.

Lowering can put the person being lowered in a dangerous position if the person controlling the lowering can't see them or goes the wrong speed.

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Edge Negotiation