The rappel will take place on May 8th. Although the rappel itself will only last 10 - 15 minutes, we will assign you to a two-hour time slot which will allow enough time for registration, safety briefing, gearing up, practicing, gearing down, and experiencing a traditional Outward Bound opening and closing course element. Friendly Over the Edge technicians and Outward Bound volunteers will walk you through each step of the way.

Each participant will fundraise or donate a minimum of $3,000. We know this amount can sound intimidating, but you'll be among a great group of 100 other peers doing just this! Remember that it's for a really good cause and your friends and family want to support you!

In addition, we also help you write a personalized donor page, send you email templates and provide you with social posts to share.

We're here to help!

There will be two ropes for people to rappel down. Everyone varies in how long it takes them to complete their rappel (around 10-15 minutes). It is possible that you can rappel at the same time as your friend, however, since there are many people participating before and after you, and we have to make sure the flow of rappellers is equal, we cannot guarantee that you will rappel at the same time as your friend or teammate.

While the rappel seems risky, it is actually very secure! The rigging and harnesses Over the Edge use are the same used for professional window washers. You will be wearing a full-body industrial harness and using an industrial descender to go down. Pulling a handle makes you go down, letting go makes you stop. You can control your speed to a certain extent. Should you go too fast, or should the equipment fail, the back-up device will engage.

Getting your weight off the roof and into the harness is the hardest part for most people. Once you’re over the edge of the roof, you can breathe easy, knowing that the technicians above and below you are there to help and can give you directions over the walkie-talkie attached to your harness. Don’t forget to stop and take in the amazing view!

You can stop to rest, or switch hands if you need a break. Once you’re within 20 feet of the ground, your landing will be assisted by an Over the Edge staff member.

Yes! When you arrive on the roof you will have the opportunity to practice rappelling from a short wall with your group. This will give you a chance to hang in the harness, find a comfortable position, and practice using the descender. You can practice a few times before heading to the actual rappel--most rappellers only need one practice round and are ready to go. The same safety procedures are used in the training as in the long rappel so you will be familiar with them when you get there.

You’re going to be walking on and around the roof of a building, which is also exposed to the elements. Well-fitting sneakers, light hiking boots, or other closed-toed soft soled shoes are recommended. No sandals, slip-on shoes, slippers, flip flops, high heels, or steel toed boots will be allowed.

Wear long pants and a long sleeved shirt. Athletic pants, tights, and jeans are suitable. 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 or embellishments that could get caught. Long hair should be tied back. You will be required to leave droppable items like keys and cell phones, or jewelry that can get caught on things, with a staff member on-site. You will be given a pair of gloves and a helmet when you arrive.

Costumes are encouraged and there will even be prizes for the best costumes! Costumes are subject to the same limitations as baggy clothing. Every attempt will be made to safely fit costumes around harnesses and helmets. As with shorts, it is ultimately the decision of the Site Safety Supervisor. Stringy, loose, or excessive costumes must be avoided. Head pieces that will not accommodate a helmet, obscure the vision, or are notably large or heavy will rarely be allowed.

Yes, we encourage you to invite your friends, family members and coworkers to join us at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco in Union Square to cheer you on as you rappel! Friends and family aren't allowed on the rooftop, as it is a restricted access area.

Sorry, no phones, cameras, etc. on the roof. We’d hate for those to go “over the edge!” We will have professional photographers throughout the event to get those great action shots of each of the rappellers! There will also be social media volunteers who can take your photo on the roof and as you land and text you the photos to use online.

There will be a number of event photographers and social media volunteers taking pictures from the roof, street, in the lobby, and as you rappel, ensuring that you get a photo of yourself going over the edge!!

Yes. Participants over 136.1kg (300lbs) are not permitted to rappel as they exceed the safe working load of the equipment. The minimum weight of a participant is 45.36 kg (100 lbs.).

Yes, people with special needs will be accommodated as long as it can be done safely. In the past people with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, amputees, and wheelchairs have been able to participate fully and have enjoyed successful rappels. Advance notice is required, however, so that the Event Managers and Technicians can ensure that each participant gets the best experience possible.

Yes! We're here to help - contact us at [email protected] and we'll send you resources.

Contact our event staff at [email protected] for more information.

Sign up as an individual or as part of a team for your chance to raise funds and rappel down 36 floors from a view that will astound you. If you're having difficulties signing up, email us at [email protected].

Donations given to Outward Bound California’s City Skyline Challenge 2022 will directly increase the number of full and partial scholarships that Outward Bound California can provide to students on the 2023 calendar year. Learn more about our scholarship programs here.

Our goal is to raise at least $350,000 this year, which will provide over 1600 student program days in the field!