When descending off a rock climbing route, the most common way is by rappelling down a rope using a friction device, called a belly device. This is also the most dangerous part of climbing and so having the best method possible is key (Bowie). These devices are designed in a way which creates large amounts of friction between the rope and the said piece of gear, allowing for a slow, controlled and safe decent. Often these 'devices' are backed up by an 'auto-block' which is defined as a smaller strand of rope wrapped around the larger main climbing rope which also creates friction and acts as a backup.

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