Rappelling is a very essential part of rock climbing! When there is no "walk off" the climber has to descent the rock formation via rappelling. Most established climbing areas have fixed rappel anchors on top of the rock. Rappel anchors consist of at least 2 bolts with each bolt having a metal ring threaded through (rappel ring). Those rings have a round and smooth surface and are used for the rope to be pulled through before rappelling. Once the climber is on the ground the rope can be pulled off the rings Rappels need to be backed up every time! In this picture Iwan @calistyla is backed up through a "fireman's belay" which is a person on the ground holding the rope in order to stop Iwan from involuntarily descending! Stay safe! And have fun on the rocks PC: @shepherdimages thanks for sharing these wonderful moments out in Joshua Tree