‘Over the Edge’ is back at Penn State’s Beaver Stadium. Here’s what it’s like to rappel down
I’ve spent a lot of time over the years at Beaver Stadium as a photographer with the Centre Daily Times, but on Monday I had a new experience at the home of the Penn State football team.
I rappelled 110 feet down from the south side of Beaver Stadium with Faye Chadwell, dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications and the Penn State United Way campaign chair. We were the first to rappel down the stadium before Tuesday’s Over the Edge event, where more than 30 people are expected to take part in the second year of the fundraiser for the Centre County United Way.
Below is a look at the experience. For an even closer look (while still standing firmly on the ground,) community members are invited to cheer on participants, or “edgers,” throughout the day on Tuesday.
After some paperwork and making sure our pockets were empty, it was gear time. A tech helped us into a harness that goes around your waist, legs and shoulders, with descending and safety devices attached. We were also given a helmet, gloves and a walkie-talkie.
We rode the elevator up to the south upper concourse for training. After the demonstration each participant is hooked in for a harness check and to try the techniques they just learned. It was good to get the feel of the harness with the ropes attached and to test out how fast the lever allows you to lower.
Next it was time for one more harness check and getting hooked in on the edge. Once all the ropes are secure, participants stand on the small ledge and walkie-talkie down to the belayer on the ground for the confirmation that you’re ready to rappel. Standing on the ledge with nothing to hold on to but the rope was the scariest moment of the day — there was no turning back now. Luckily that only lasted a a few seconds as I sat back and was floating, feeling the the security of the harness and ropes.
The first few feet there is a wall that you can push off with your feet, but that doesn’t last long. Then you’re floating in air as you lower yourself to the ground.
Each participant controls how fast they rappel down, while bystanders and volunteers cheer you on from the ground. Last year Chadwell recalled getting a look at hawk’s nest among the beams, but was glad to hear there would be no encounters with birds this time around.
The trip down went a lot quicker than I thought it would. I feel like I should have taken more time to look around and soak in the views, but I was concentrating on controlling my speed and doing everything I was taught. If I have the opportunity to do this adventure again I would make sure to take my time and enjoy the moment — it’s not a race on who can get down the quickest.
On Tuesday a portion of Curtin Road will be closed from about 8:30 a.m. to about 3 p.m., or as long as it takes for all “edgers” to get down. Centre Daily Times reporters Jacob Michael and Matt DiSanto are scheduled for a 11 a.m. step off.
Last year, the event raised more than $64,000 for the Centre County United Way. Community members can still donate online.
