What should I wear?
You’re going to be walking down the side of a building so wear good shoes; sneakers, light hikers, something with a soft & light-colored sole. No sandals, climbing shoes, slip-on shoes, slippers, flip flops, high heels, or steel toed boots.
It is recommended you wear long pants and long sleeved shirts to avoid scrapped knees and elbows. Athletic pants, tights, and jeans, are suitable. NO SHORT SHORTS. The harness goes around your legs, waist, and shoulders, so it is best to avoid anything too bulky. Shirts should be comfortable and without draw cords. Long hair will have to be tied back and pinned up to fit under the helmet.
Costumes are very much encouraged! All costumes will need to meet the same standards as listed above and capes will have to be approved by the Site Safety Supervisor for the main rappel. If you do have a cape, be sure to bring safety pins to pin it to your pants once the harness is on so it doesn’t blow around.
You MUST check in droppable items like keys and cell phones, lip gloss, or jewelry that can get caught on things, with a staff member on-site. All rappel gear will be provided and including leather gloves and a helmet.
Can I use my phone or camera?
For your safety and the safety of staff and spectators, phones or cameras are not allowed on the roof. Helmet cams are permitted but check to make sure you have an approved Go Pro Cam that will fit Over the Edge’s helmet mounts. NOTHING GOES OVER THE EDGE WITHOUT OTE’S APPROVAL.
Event photographers will be on the rooftop and on the landing deck to capture your unique experience. Digital photographs will be made available to you on-line a few weeks after the event courtesy of Special Olympics Wisconsin, so you can share your high-flying adventure with family, friends and all your fundraising supporters.
What can I do to practice?
The most common complaint from participants after rappelling is that their forearm is sore during the descent. The squeezing motion required isn’t hard, but over a long time it can get tiring. Proper technique makes a lot of difference, but using a squeeze ball once in a while doesn’t hurt either. Note: You will be using your left hand to squeeze the device.
Go rock climbing. Not only does rock climbing strengthen your forearms, but also it allows you to hang in a harness. Although the harnesses we use are different, you will still get the idea of what muscles it takes to stay up-right.
Get psyched. Tell your friends. You’re one of a few special people who will be doing the rappel!
Can my friends and family come up to the roof ?
Unfortunately family and friends will not be allowed up to the roof top. The roof is a restricted access area. However, they are more than welcome to watch you go Over the Edge from the spectator area!
