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The Jewish Outdoors Club

Event 

Rappelling by Waterfalls with Fall Foliage
Title:
Rappelling by Waterfalls with Fall Foliage
When:
Sun, Oct 03, 2010 10.30 am - 04.00 pm
Category:
Special

Comments 

 
#1 Rappel RecapSeth Speiser 2010-10-21 14:42
OMG, OMG, OMG, 20 JOCer's vocabulary reduced to three letters after a spectacular day of rappelling beside a 260' waterfall. Our fantastic guides began with a short lesson on how to rappel and a practice session off a short wall to give us a feel for the basics before we attempted the real thing. A short hike took us to our destination and the adventure really began. Most of us experienced multiple rappels as well as a tyrolean, which is form of zipline that you must use hand over hand to pull yourself across the chasm. Multiply that thrill and excitement with the view of the waterfalls, the fall foliage, and the height, turned the adrenaline on maximum overdrive. And btw did I say OMG?!

Testimony:
"OMG"-Drew S.
"OMG"-Tifara M.
"OMG"-Susie R.
"OMG"-Joseph T.
....
"I had a ton of fun on the actual rappeling and zip line thingamabob. The hike back up and jumping from rock to rock in the river was crazy fun and OMG the scenery was beyond spectacular! Sitting on top of the world between two cliffs, with a waterfall on my left, and the mountain foliage on my right, held up by nothing more than a harness was a "close to G-d experience" that I will keep with me for the rest of my life."
-Yael Y. via interpreter (her actual words were 'OMG')
 

Description

READ ENTIRE DESCRIPTION & INSTRUCTIONS.

On Sunday, Oct 3, twenty JOCers will be led by Alpine Endeavors to rappel off the highest two-tiered waterfall in NY State - 260 foot Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskills. AS A BONUS, WE WILL ALSO HAVE A TYROLEAN ACROSS THE WATERFALL. As a bonus, fall foliage should be beginning

The day's adventure begins with a 20 min. workshop on rappelling. We'll learn about the equipment (harnesses, ATC device, carabineers, etc..), we'll learn some knots (water knots, figure 8's), and we'll go through how to rappel. The session is designed to give you a good introduction to rappelling, as opposed to just doing it.

Then, we'll rappel on one of several lines set up for us, some coming right next to the falls (you will get wet on this ride!)

You will have the chance to do the various rappels several times over the course of the day, experimenting with different techniques.

Additionally, we will be trained on the use of ascenders. This is a rope grabbing mechanism that one can use to ascend ropes. We will have the chance to practice our ascender skills on a rope set up for us, so we don't have to hike back up (though I must warn that using the ascenders is far more challenging! )

Sound amazing? See below for all the FAQ, and to learn how to sign up.

Where are we going?
The location of the event is Kaaterskill Creek and Falls in the Catskills, about 2 1/2 hours from NYC.
We will leave at 8:00 am, to get there before 10:30AM. The day will end at around 4 pm.

EVENTBRITE MAP IS WRONG! COPY/PASTE Kaaterskill Falls, New York 12463 @42.195680,-74.062970 INTO GOOGLE MAPS AND YOU WILL GET THERE.

How will we get there?
We will be carpooling. As such, priority will be given to drivers.

What does it cost?
These things aren't cheap, but I've managed to get us a group rate at $120. Well worth it for this once in a lifetime experience, and the things you'll learn.
**I do need to warn however, that if the trip does not fill up (14 people min), the rate might go up slightly. THE LAST TIME WE RAN THIS TRIP, IT FILLED UP AT 16 PEOPLE WITH A WAIT LIST.

What is included?
All gear rentals, guiding services, multiple rappels and ascensions.

Transportation is extra and payment goes straight to your driver ($15). I believe there is no parking fee.
$10 Tip is NOT included. Wetsuit is not included, but a change of clothing and a good fleece will go a long way. NO COTTON!

Sounds Incredible! How Do I Register?
EACH PERSON MUST REGISTER at Eventbrite SEPARATELY. http://rappelfalls.eventbrite.com/
If payment is not received within 24hrs, I will release your reservation.
.
You need to bring: lunch, 2+ liters of water,  full rain gear, boots, leather gloves and a change of clothing in case you get wet. (Bike gloves work great to cut the friction and heat build up on the hands). Also, camera, sunglasses, snacks, backpack, sun hat/baseball cap, sunscreen.
.
Is it dangerous?
As with any sport, there is risk involved, of course. However, the trip is being professionally guided by people who have done this before. I should warn though, that those with a fear of heights, or medical problems that could endanger themselves or the group, should not sign up for this event.

What is the refund policy?
Full refunds will be given until high noon Thurs Sept 17. After that, if someone else takes your place, you must get paid directly by them.

What happens next?
I'll create a separate email list for all attendees and pass along important information, like what to wear, directions, driver list, etc.
Any questions- REREAD ABOVE FIRST, then feel free to contact me.

Final Words (gulp, let's hope not)
Hope you can join me for an awesome time!
-Seth
Note: The Jewish Outdoors Club is a New Jersey based 501c(7) not for profit organization.