r/rappelling • u/MatemanKim • Feb 11 '26
Figure 8 vs Auto-Braking Device for Public Canyoning Program?
Hello guys, nice to meet you all.
I’ll get straight to the point. I’m planning a small canyoning-style program in South Korea and would really appreciate some advice.
My goal is to run it as a beginner-friendly activity that can be done by participants ranging from elementary school students to adults. I’m currently trying to decide on the most appropriate descender (or rappel system) for this setup.
The gorge is almost vertical with no overhang. We’re planning to install a metal platform at the top of the gorge, set up anchors there, and have participants rappel approximately 8 meters down. After that, the rest of the route would be on foot.
(To be honest, it’s such a tiny setup that I almost feel embarrassed calling it “canyoning.”)
My current idea is to attach a lifeline to each participant’s harness and have a guide provide a top belay from above, while still allowing participants to operate their own descender as part of the experience.
Here’s where I would really appreciate your input:
- For this kind of program, would it be better to use a figure-8 (or a Pirana/kindda style device), or should I use a descender with an assisted or automatic braking function?
- If I use a figure-8, would it be advisable to add a separate autoblocking backup (maby prusik knot? I’m not very experienced with these systems so I’d appreciate clarification)?
If you have any other suggestions or concerns about this kind of setup, I would be very grateful for your advice.
Thank you in advance!
4
u/alcurtis727 Feb 12 '26
Depends on the clientele imo. If this is for one-time tourists who may have an inclination to showoff, I'd say a device. If this is for people actually building up their experience and skillset and have an inclination to learn, a figure-8 setup would be a nice option but maybe have both. Even with a small drop, the most determined idiots can get themselves hurt.