Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About TAAFWalk Over the Edge
(listed by day)
Day 1--Over the Edge (9/23)
What should I wear/bring?
Day 2--TAAFWalk (9/24)
(listed by day)
Day 1--Over the Edge (9/23)
Tell me about safety precautions.
Much like a roller coaster, Over The Edge is an activity that may feel risky, but is actually extremely safe. The equipment used and procedures followed were developed for industrial applications, like construction, rather than recreational rappelling. In fact, thrill-seekers with military or public safety rappelling experience may find Over The Edge a bit too "tame" for their tastes. More than 1,000 Over The Edge events have been held in North America since 2008, with no serious incidents.
> adherence to state and national OHSA laws
> adherence to SPRAT governing procedures
> comprehensive insurance coverage
> site safety plan
> pre- and post-event equipment checks and building inspections
> oversight by a safety advisory board
> participant training and practice
Review this abstract to learn more about safety protocols
Do I need to have experience to participate?
Much like a roller coaster, Over The Edge is an activity that may feel risky, but is actually extremely safe. The equipment used and procedures followed were developed for industrial applications, like construction, rather than recreational rappelling. In fact, thrill-seekers with military or public safety rappelling experience may find Over The Edge a bit too "tame" for their tastes. More than 1,000 Over The Edge events have been held in North America since 2008, with no serious incidents.
Safety measures include:
> trained and certified staff of industrial ropes experts> adherence to state and national OHSA laws
> adherence to SPRAT governing procedures
> comprehensive insurance coverage
> site safety plan
> pre- and post-event equipment checks and building inspections
> oversight by a safety advisory board
> participant training and practice
Review this abstract to learn more about safety protocols
Do I need to have experience to participate?
Not at all! The Over the Edge technicians will provide all of the training and support you need.
You will have the opportunity to practice before you go Over the Edge. This training and practice session will help you get used to the harness, rappel device and technique for descending the building!
You will have the opportunity to practice before you go Over the Edge. This training and practice session will help you get used to the harness, rappel device and technique for descending the building!
What should I wear/bring?
Generally you should think comfort and safety. We agree with the recommendation of our Over the Edge Global pals and think you should go fo well-fitted clothing, sneakers, and hair pulled back.
You will be required to leave droppable items such as keys, cell phones, or jewelry that can get caught on things, with a staff member on-site.
Additional no-no's are high heels, draw cord clothing (no hoodies unless cord is removed), loose jewelry or hanging objects.
Gear provided: Helmet, Full-body Industrial Harness, Gloves, Radio
Fundraising teams are a great way to band together and raise money with your coworkers, organization, or friends! Because Over the Edge is an activation event, meaning that as TAAFWalk meets benchmarks we fully qualify our rappellers, your friends will register for TAAFWalk. They must note YOUR Name and the words "Rappelling Team," in their new team name.
Example: Joe Smith's Rock Star Rappelling Team
You will be required to leave droppable items such as keys, cell phones, or jewelry that can get caught on things, with a staff member on-site.
Additional no-no's are high heels, draw cord clothing (no hoodies unless cord is removed), loose jewelry or hanging objects.
Gear provided: Helmet, Full-body Industrial Harness, Gloves, Radio
What is the minimum age of rappel?
Anyone can participate in an Over the Edge event. People in their 80's and 90's rappel. The only restriction is that anyone under the age of 18 requires a parent or guardian's signature on the legal waiver.
What is the minimum/max weight for rappel?
Over the Edge safety standards require that people must be between 100 and 300 lbs. in order to safely rappel.
Is Over the Edge accessible?
People who are differently-abled can participate in Over The Edge. Contact us if you have any questions or to request an accommodation.
Is Over the Edge accessible?
People who are differently-abled can participate in Over The Edge. Contact us if you have any questions or to request an accommodation.
Can I wear a costume?
Oh, you betcha! The Over the Edge on-site technician team will do their best to make your costume work for your rappel. They have the final say as to whether your costume is safe. Stringy, loose, or excessive costumes must be avoided. Headpieces that will not accommodate a helmet, obscure the vision, or are notably large or heavy will rarely be allowed.
What about fundraising team?What's the weather like in San Francisco?
Weather is ever-changing in San Francisco and we rappel rain or shine. The high in September is usually about 68 degrees.
What weather affects the event?
Wind mostly. If the event is deemed to be unsafe for ANY reason, especially weather, we will wait to rappel. If it continues, we must postpone. The alternate rappel date is Monday, 9/25.
Will I have a scheduled time to go Over the Edge?
Yes, when you reach your $1,000 fundraising minimum, we will give you a time period (within an hour and a half) in which your rappel will take place. Please hold the entire day on your calendar, as it may be difficult to accommodate schedule change requests AND you will want to participate in the on-ground fun.
Is Fundraising Required?
Yes, in order to be able to go Over the Edge you must donate or raise at least $1,000. Our fundraising team provides resources and support to help you reach your goal. And, unlike the Walk, your registration fee counts towards that goal.
Will I have a scheduled time to go Over the Edge?
Yes, when you reach your $1,000 fundraising minimum, we will give you a time period (within an hour and a half) in which your rappel will take place. Please hold the entire day on your calendar, as it may be difficult to accommodate schedule change requests AND you will want to participate in the on-ground fun.
Is Fundraising Required?
Yes, in order to be able to go Over the Edge you must donate or raise at least $1,000. Our fundraising team provides resources and support to help you reach your goal. And, unlike the Walk, your registration fee counts towards that goal.
Fundraising teams are a great way to band together and raise money with your coworkers, organization, or friends! Because Over the Edge is an activation event, meaning that as TAAFWalk meets benchmarks we fully qualify our rappellers, your friends will register for TAAFWalk. They must note YOUR Name and the words "Rappelling Team," in their new team name.
Example: Joe Smith's Rock Star Rappelling Team
Do I need to check in? What to Expect?
Yes. Please check in at the Registration Desk and sign your participant waiver if you have yet to do so. You'll receive your tshirt here as well. Next, you'll go through staging and training. You'll get comfy in the harness and train with the Over the Edge experts. After you rappel, you'll return your gear to a volunteer and head over to the Observation Stations to celebrate!
Is food provided or should I picnic?
We provide several light refreshments throughout the day. If you or your family are known to get peckish, we encourage bringing along water and snacks of your own. There are also several local eateries nearby, and we support thanking those immediate to Union Square for their hospitality.
Is parking available?/Where should I park?
If you can, choose ride-share and skip parking all together! Union Square is a high traffic, tourist area in the heart of the city. For garage parking options, consider using SpotHero or a similar service.
Day 2--TAAFWalk (9/24)
Is Fundraising Required?
No, but it is encouraged. Going on year 18, TAAFWalk is the engine that moves ALL THE GOOD STUFF. From specialty programming and resources to lifesaving research, TAAFWalk is key to TAAF's mission.
Plus, for the first time ever, TAAFWalk is married to an amazing activation event, our urban rappelling event, Over the Edge. Our goal is ambitious; with $150,000 raised by TAAFWalk, all 92 rappellers can be activated in honor of our amazing community.
Team TAAF will be releasing more and more fundraising tips and graphics throughout the campaign. TOGETHER we can secure lifesaving programs and research.
What should I wear/bring?
No, but it is encouraged. Going on year 18, TAAFWalk is the engine that moves ALL THE GOOD STUFF. From specialty programming and resources to lifesaving research, TAAFWalk is key to TAAF's mission.
Plus, for the first time ever, TAAFWalk is married to an amazing activation event, our urban rappelling event, Over the Edge. Our goal is ambitious; with $150,000 raised by TAAFWalk, all 92 rappellers can be activated in honor of our amazing community.
Team TAAF will be releasing more and more fundraising tips and graphics throughout the campaign. TOGETHER we can secure lifesaving programs and research.
What's the weather like in San Francisco?
Weather is ever-changing in San Francisco and we walk rain or shine. The high in September is usually about 68 degrees.
What should I wear/bring?
TAAFWalk 2023 is an outdoor, active event that happens rain or shine. We suggest that you wear comfortable/casual attire and shoes, and bring a hat, jacket and sunscreen. Think LAYERS, so you're prepared. San Francisco weather is unpredictable! Bring your favorite umbrella or rain jacket. Even if it doesn't rain, it's better to have it and not need it. You can always shove it in your backpack after all. Some walkers choose to bring a blanket to sit on.
Do I need to check in?
Yes. Pre-registered participants should proceed directly to the check in tables at East Beach Picnic and Parking Area, 1199 East Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129. Unregistered participants who will be paying the day of should pick up and sign waivers before getting in line for check-in. All walkers can turn in cash or check donations at the check-in tables. Fundraising prizes will be distributed by receiving a ticket at check in as well.
Can I make signs, design tee's or wear a costume?
Does TAAF rhyme with laugh?! We love seeing your creativity displayed, especially some of your team names. All age-appropriate, registered TAAFWalkers receive an official tshirt, and we love seeing you in those, too.
Is food provided or should I picnic?
We provide several light refreshments throughout the day. If you or your family are known to get peckish, we encourage bringing along water and snacks of your own.
If I can't attend, can I still make a donation to a walker or to TAAFWalk 2023?
Absolutely! And thank you for thinking of our teams and of us. Online donations can be made here through the event page with your credit card. Offline donations in cash or check can be sent with a team member to the event itself or checks made out to The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation with "TAAFWalk 2023" in the memo, can be mailed to: TAAFWalk 2023 C/O The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation, 182 Howard St. #715 San Francisco, CA 94105
Is parking available?/Where should I park?
If you can, choose ride-share and skip parking all together! Free parking is available at the East Beach Lot. It's first come, first served; access begins at 8:00AM. Do no park at the Sports Basement. The organization can be fined if TAAFWalk participants park at the Sports Basement. For garage parking options (max typically $10/day), consider using ParkMe or a similar service. Most sites are a 5-10 min walk to the East Beach picnic area. Using GPS? Use 1199 East Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129.
Give yourself extra time and don't rely solely on GPS.
What time will you really start?
The following is a general Schedule of Events for the day:
Schedule of Events
9am: Check-in begins.
Pick-up tees, etc. (East Beach picnic area)
9:45am: Opening Remarks
10am: Walk begins.
(down the promenade)
10:30pm - 1pm: CELEBRATION!
Music, Delicious Food, Exciting Raffle Prizes and SO MUCH MORE!