Australian rappel

Australian Rappeling 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 in back. This technique was originally used in a military assult 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 the technique from someone experienced with this technique.