If i was hanging from ascenders to rap down. First, when you hang your 8 on your harness, hang it on the big hole, then you can thread it without taking it off your harness. The take the 8 off the biner and turn it around. Learn the extended 8 rappel. I have seen it in a book but can't remember which one right now. But here is the basics take an 8mm cord 72 inches long tie a double fisherman to form a loop. Take 8mm 52 inches cord tie another D fishermans for a second loop.
When your at the top put the eight on the rope, use the long cord basket hitched through the 8 and back to a biner on your harness. Take the shorter loop prussik below the 8 then back to the same biner. Tie off the eight with two wraps on the eight. Then make a loop to step in, about knee level. Tie that off on the eight. Now step in the loop you made and remove the ascender. Make sure the prussik is tight and start untieing the 8. when your weight is on the prussik BELOW the 8 use two fingers to pull the prussik down and start your slide down. When you want to stop take your hand off the prussik. There is no backup but the slide is slow and controlled and you can use one hand.
REMEMBER this is not instructions just suggestions, and go low and slow. If its mud I can maybe get some pictures. Let me know.

Anyone here use ATC's? Or is that a bit too rock-climby for you guys I only ask because I got a free one a little while ago, it works great on DdRT decents... I did it SRT yesturday, it went way to fast for my liking. I almost burned my hands. I like the ATCs ability to belay other people too, just in case. So I was considering picking up Omega Pacifics ATC, it's solid Al. so you can use it figure-8 _style_ to get another wrap for extra friction. One problem, I can't seem to find out what size chord it will take, does anyone know? Thanks!

mateo

I actually called up the Omega Pacific guys to ask them that very question. They told me that the device would accomodate half inch line and under. I never did get around to ordering the thing, though. If you get one let us know how you like it.

Will do Leon, I really like to looks of it, and it's cheaper than a lot of Figure8s out there and ATCs, forget snazzy contraptions like STOPs. Although it may be a while, that one is on the Christmas list