Frequently Asked Questions  //  Over the Edge

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You want me to WHAT?!

Do I need to have rappelling or climbing experience to rappel?

Absolutely not! We will show you everything you need to know on the day of the event. After checking in and being fitted for your rappelling gear, all participants will receive mandatory training and have the opportunity to practice using the gear.

Who can participate in Over the Edge (OTE)? 

There is no age limit, but participants need to weigh between 100 to 300 pounds for safety reasons. Minors will need to fill out a form with parental consent to participate.

Can I participate if I have a disability?

This event is all inclusive, meaning that persons with disabilities are able and encouraged to participate. For persons with disabilities, please be sure to contact us and explain the nature of your disability at least 60 days in advance of the event so this information can be provided to the OTE staff to ensure they have the necessary equipment required for Rappellers with special needs.

How safe is this event?

As with everything, there are risks. It is important that during the training session you listen to your rappelling instructors and follow their directions.

Every Over The Edge (OTE) event is set up as an industrial work-site and as a result, is compliant with all federal and state OSHA Fall Protection Standards and OSHA Federal and State Laws. Further, policies and procedures adhere to the best practices identified by SPRAT. This counsel is a strict regulatory body that has regimented guidelines and safety protocols that far exceed the OSHA, Workers Compensation and state labor codes. OTE has an impeccable safety record.  All Over The Edge sites have highly trained industrial rope specialists, all of which are IRATA or SPRAT certified. Each event site has a comprehensive Site Inspection & Safety Plan completed, and if every potential risk cannot be mitigated, then the site will simply not be approved by our Operations Manager. 

How do weather conditions effect the event? 

Safety policies and procedures will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety and well being of all participants. In the event of adverse weather, Over the Edge Technicians will initiate a weather related delay. In the event of significant weather delays on the event day, individuals unable to rappel due to unforeseen weather delays will have the opportunity to rappel on an alternate rappel date, to be determined.

• RAIN Typically an event can continue to operate in rain. When rain is so heavy that participants lose vision or some other unsafe condition exists, OTE Technicians will initiate a weather related delay until rain eases enough to continue safely.
• WIND In the event of sustained winds of twenty-five (25) mph, or gusts lasting twenty (20) seconds of twenty-five (25) mph, OTE Technicians will initiate a weather related delay. The event will continue once the weather conditions improve.
• LIGHTNING A weather related delay will be initiated if lightning strikes are within forty (40) miles from the rappel site. The event will continue once the weather conditions improve.

What if I do not raise the minimum $1,000? 

Participants are encouraged to fill out a Credit Card Guarantee form to reserve their spot. Participants who fill out a Credit Card Guarantee form will have an extra 30 days to continue to raise funds after the event. The form authorizes Habitat for Humanity Riverside to charge the remaining amount on June 21, 2022 so that the participant reaches the $1,000 minimum. If you fail to raise the minimum requirement to rappel and do not fill out a Credit Card Guarantee form, the donations will remain with Habitat for Humanity Riverside. 

If I receive donations by check, where do I mail them?
Please mail all donations by check to:

Habitat for Humanity Riverside
2180 Iowa Ave.
Riverside, CA 92507

Please be sure to include a note to advise Habitat for Humanity Riverside staff that the money is being donated in participation with Over the Edge and who to apply the funds to.

How do I get started?

Simply click the “Register Now” button below to be redirected to our Over The Edge registration site. You may choose to rappel as an individual or as part of a team. All individuals must raise a minimum of $1,000 to secure a rappelling spot on the day of the event. It costs $100 to register, the $100 will count towards your raising goal.

For information about what to expect, how to fundraise, what to wear, and more, view the Edger Tool Kit.