Home | Rock Climbing Courses | Rappelling
Learn to descend with control and confidence.
Our Rappelling Course is designed to teach you how to safely and efficiently rappel in a variety of outdoor climbing environments. Whether you’re completely new to rappelling or have done it before and want to improve your systems, this course gives you the skills to descend under control — with full awareness of risk, redundancy, and terrain.
What You’ll Learn
We’ll guide you through every step, from simple single-strand rappels to more complex setups used in multi-pitch terrain, using the sandstone cliffs of Santa Barbara as your outdoor classroom.
Rappelling is one of the most serious aspects of climbing — and it’s often done casually or incorrectly. This course focuses on deliberate, systematic practice of safe descent systems, with lots of hands-on repetition and expert guidance.
Course Details
Location: Rappel-friendly cliffs in the Santa Barbara area
Duration: 4–5 hours
Cost: Solo Guest- $360/day, Groups of 2+ $250/day per guest
Group Size: 1–3 climbers per guide
Included: All technical gear provided
What to Bring: Harness, helmet, climbing shoes or approach shoes, gloves (optional), water, snacks
Who This Course Is For
Perfect for:
- New climbers who have never rappelled before
- Gym climbers transitioning to outdoor settings
- Trad or sport climbers who have relied on others for rappels
- Climbers prepping for multi-pitch climbs or alpine terrain
- Guides-in-training or leaders brushing up systems
- Anyone who feels nervous about rappelling and wants to gain confidence
No prior rappelling experience is required.
Topics include:
- Rappel device setup and backup options
- Fireman belays, friction hitches, and autoblocks
- Rigging for single and double strand rappels
- Transitioning from climbing to rappel at an anchor
- Edge safety, rope protection, and risk awareness
- How to assess rappel anchors and when to trust them
- Rope management, knot tying, and communication on rappel
- Common rappel mistakes and how to avoid them
You'll rappel multiple times during the day, building muscle memory and decision-making skills that will stick with you on future climbs.
Is This Course Right for You?
If you’re even slightly unsure about your rappel setup — this course will fill the gaps. It’s especially valuable if:
- You’ve only rappelled indoors or under supervision
- You’ve relied on a partner for rigging and want to be more independent
- You want to prepare for longer climbs, guided trips, or alpine objectives
- You’ve had a sketchy rappel experience in the past and want to rebuild confidence
Why Rappel Training Matters
More accidents occur on the descent than on the climb. Many of them happen not because the terrain is difficult — but because climbers are rushing, tired, or unclear about their systems.
This course is about building repeatable, reliable habits — not flashy tricks. You’ll learn to rappel with intention, awareness, and control.
It’s also the perfect opportunity to practice in a non-rushed environment, with direct feedback and support from experienced guides who’ve rappelled thousands of times in every condition imaginable.
Come Climbing with Santa Barbara’s most experienced and professionally certified climbing guide service.
Our lead instructors are AMGA-trained or certified and deeply familiar with the local sandstone crags. We’ve taught hundreds of climbers how to transition into safe, confident leaders — and we love doing it.
We also pride ourselves on tailoring each outing to your personal goals and comfort level, whether you’re a first-time leader or looking to fine-tune your technique.
Why Learn With Us
At Santa Barbara Rock Climbing, we teach rappel systems as they’re actually used in the field — not just theoretical setups. Our guides are AMGA-trained and deeply experienced in desert, alpine, and sea cliff environments.
You’ll get real-world examples, multiple reps, and personal coaching to dial in the systems that suit your climbing goals and gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to be a climber to take this course?
A: No. While it’s designed for climbers, anyone who wants to learn rappelling is welcome.
Q: Will we rappel off real cliffs?
A: Yes — we use real rock and real anchors, as you will find on actual crags and walls whether far away or here in Santa Barbara.
Q: Do I need to bring a rappel device or gear?
A: No. We provide everything. You’re welcome to bring your own if you want to learn with your personal equipment.
Q: What if I’m nervous about rappelling?
A: That’s exactly why this course exists. We work at your pace, with total attention to safety and clarity.
Descending shouldn’t be the sketchiest part of your day.
Book your Rappelling Course today and learn to move down the wall with precision, safety, and control.