There's no need for a third hand in this scenario. A "third hand" is a backup friction hitch for someone rappeling without being belayed. There isn't a need for two "back ups". This system is called a "belayed releaseable rappel." The orange rope, which is a fixed line, is what he's rappelling on. The black rope is a static line, which is what the guide is using as a belay using a munter hitch in the event he loses control of brake strand. If he, for whatever reason, could no longer control his own descent, the guide would add a friction hitch to the belay line to act a backup and lower him using the static line. This is actually a picture prefect example of proper use of the system in commercial setting. And the fact that they used a bright orange rappel line to distract from the black belay line makes it even better! Great job to hard working certified guides that make this experiences accessible to everyone

I agree that there is no need for a third hand in this scenario but I think it is giving a bit of a false impression how a person would rappel on their own. And you mean they belay with a static line? Wouldn‘t there be a much higher impact force in the case of a fall compared to using a dynamic line, especially with a heavier person?

@MountainmadeofSteam, when I take clients out for climbing and rappelling, it's pretty obvious that it's not how one would be rappel by one's self. The whole system we use is designed so that the guide has control over the persons descent. Even if the person "freezes" and won't move, the guide can release the "fixed" line and continue to lower the client. If you add a "third hand," you add whole another set of skills that need to be taught and a whole new set of problems that you can't control into the mix. It's just not necessary for this scenario, but in recreational settings, you're right. You would extend your rappel and use a friction hitch as a backup. As far as the static line is concerned, it's better to use a rope with less elongation such as static because there is no fall or shock load potential. And with him being a bit heavier you wouldn't want any wxtra stretch in the belay strand. You always have enough tension on your client to prevent any kind of fall in the event that they let go of the "brake strand." You would absolutely use a dynamic rope in climbing, especially lead climbing where there is a fall risk. Otherwise, you could really injure yourself.

They obviously wouldn’t let him do it if they concerns over his weight lol

Climbing ropes (the orange rope) are typically rated at a minimum 9kn or higher which means they can easily hold around 2600 lbs. The black static line that I'm sure most people didn't notice is rated at around 28kn (1 kn equals around 224 lbs) So, with both ropes that used in this system it could easily hold around 8000 lbs.

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