River Bend Nature Center

Every Over The Edge events sets up as an industrial work site that is OSHA compliant and based on IRATA and SPRAT rigging and safety best practices. We use industrial equipment that is similar to the gear used by professionals in the rope access industry. Our event staff includes some of the best and highly trained rope access technicians in the world. Our impeccable safety record is a testament to these high standards. Each event site has a comprehensive Site Inspection & Safety Plan completed and if every potential risk cannot be mitigated, then the site will simply not be approved. For a more detailed explanation click here.

You can reserve your spot to go Over The Edge by filling out a Credit Card Guarantee Form. If you haven’t reached the fundraising minimum by the Sept. 22nd deadline your card will be charged the difference. For example, if you raise $950 by Sept. 22nd, your card will be charged $50.00 and you’ll be able to go Over The Edge!

You have until September 22nd to raise the $1,000 minimum. Should you not meet this minimum fundraising amount by event day and still wish to rappel, you will be required to pay the remaining amount before you will be permitted to take part in the rappel.

Over The Edge is a special events company that provides signature events for non-profit organizations around the world. Business leaders, individuals, and community members are invited to raise donations in exchange for the experience of going Over The Edge of a prominent building. This unique event generates front page news, raises thousands of dollars and provides participants with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Over The Edge is responsible for all technical aspects of the event including the insurance, professional staff, and rappelling equipment. Their mission is to create a legacy with a 10-year goal to help non-profit organizations throughout North America raise $50 million dollars.

All monies raised are considered a donation to River Bend Nature Center and are non-refundable. If you or someone on your team does not wish to rappel on event day, you may offer a replacement to rappel in his/her place provided appropriate waivers are signed and they have registered on the site with RBNC staff.

Yes, simply bring or mail any cash or checks made payable to River Bend Nature Center. Remember to bring full names and addresses for tax receipt purposes, and to write your name on the check.

All donations will automatically get a tax receipt if run through our online donation system. Offline donations will be mailed tax receipts.

If you do not have 50% of your $1,000 ($500) by two weeks prior to your rappel you will be contacted by us to discuss your progress and your ability to raise the funds by event day. We’re here to help you! There will also be incentives and contests throughout the event that you can participate in to lower the minimum.

The money you raise goes towards furthering the mission of River Bend Nature Center.

Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. You will be provided with helmets, harnesses and all other rappelling equipment needed. If you are dressing up, please run your outfit of choice by RBNC organizers before event day to ensure it complies with safety regulations. Please also note: all personal items including cell phones and cameras must be left at registration.

Over the Edge at Big Blue starts at 9 am to 5 pm. Rappellers will also receive an email from RBNC confirming your rappel time one week before the event.

From registration to rappelling, your thrill of a lifetime should take approximately 1.5 hours. The actual rappel will average 10 minutes but could be as long as 20+ minutes depending on the individual’s rappelling pace. Afterwards, you are welcome to stay and cheer on other participants!

Please arrive one hour prior to your rappel time at Big Blue. RBNC volunteers will be onsite to direct you and take you through the staging area to training and then your rappel! After you have successfully completed your challenge you are free to watch other rappels or leave the event. Don’t forget to sign up for next year!

Typically Over the Edge can operate in rain. When rain, lightning, wind or heat become extreme, the event will be delayed at least 10 minutes from the last observed strike or sound of thunder or until the conditions ease and are deemed safe by event personnel. Event organizers will reach out to all participants if weather affects rappel time.

Once you have signed up for your rappel, we will notify you in case of a full day rain delay. Note: Rain dates are always the following day of the scheduled event. Over The Edge day is Sep. 22 and if it’s canceled due to weather; Sep. 23 will be the alternate event date.

Event organizers will do their absolute best to schedule your teammate’s rappels as close together as possible. Please keep in mind scheduling is on a first-come, first-serve basis and it may not be possible to schedule everyone in subsequent order. Please also note that at most events there are only two ropes on event day, so even if you are scheduled together, it is not possible to have more than two individuals rappel together at the same time.

Two or more individuals that sign up under a team name and have raised $1,000 are considered a team. If teams have multiple members and raise $1,000 only one person will be allowed to rappel. If you raise $2,000 two people can rappel etc. There is no limit to the number of team members you have, keeping in mind there are only 90 spots available for the event.

Anyone with a desire to support a worthy cause and enough courage to go Over The Edge is welcomed to participate! There are a few requirements: Participants must weigh between 100 and 300 lbs., and raise a minimum of $1,000. No prior experience is necessary, just enough courage to go Over The Edge of Big Blue!