Abseiling

Abseiling

What is it? 

Abseiling (from the German abseilen, meaning "to rope down"), also called rappelling (mainly in the United States), is a controlled descent down a rock face using a rope, generally whilst using the legs to keep yourself from banging into the rock. Climbers use this technique when a cliff or slope is too steep and/or dangerous to descend without protection or as a method to access difficult-to-reach areas from above for various industrial applications like maintenance, construction, inspection and welding. Rescue teams also use this method as a way to access injured or stranded victims.

What does it involve?

The activity involves either climbing to a certain point and abseiling down, or starting at the top and making your descent from there. There is normally a team assisting with rope control for beginners that other students can help with, so people can get as involved as much or as little as they like. 

Why do it and what are the benefits?

Abseiling can build a great sense of being part of a team amongst students as they all complete the task together and help each other out, and can be a big confidence boost for each individual. 

What equipment do we need?

The only thing you will need to take care of is the attire of the students - make sure they are dressed appropriately! The venue should provide all the equipment needed to abseil, but check beforehand if you are unsure.

Who is it suitable for?

Most ages of students will enjoy abseiling; there are many varieties of environments to do it in, so if you choose appropriately for the age range of the group then everybody should have a good time.

Costs?

The costs vary greatly depending on the type of abseiling you do, as the activity can vary from a small indoor wall to abseiling down a cliff face; you must decide upon exactly what you wish to do and research the prices of the providers in the desired area.

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

Younger children may be wary of getting up high, but most students should be fine taking part in abseiling activities. Also, venues who provide abseiling must by law have a valid AALS license - ask to see confirmation if you are unsure. 

How do we include?

Students with disabilties may feel left out if they are less physically able and therefore cannot control their movements while climbing, but there are more and more facilties that cater to the disabled who wish to abseil. It's possible for deaf, blind and wheelchair-bound individuals to abseil if the venue is set up for it - check out the venues around you for more information. 

Doing it abroad?

Abseiling is reasonably popular the world over thanks to its origins in practicality rather than enjoyment, so if you research providers in the area you are going to ahead of time it's likely there will be an abseiling activity to enjoy no matter where you are!

Main website: 

Visit http://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/page.php?id=167 for a good overview of the practical elements involved in abseiling. 

 

Venues with this Activity

Ford Castle is a Medieval castle set in the rolling countryside of Northumberland, with exciting activities hidden within the grounds. We provide group activity holidays for children who will adventure and explore their way into outdoor education as they enjoy activity sessions in a supportive environment with stunning scenery, where history comes to life.

We provide outdoor activities in Wales, for Schools, Colleges and Youth groups. We offer a fantastic variety of experiences tailored to your individual needs and budget. Activities in South & West Wales, include: Canyoning (aka Gorge Walking), Kayaking, Raft Building and many more. 

Blue Mountain Activities is an innovative outdoor activity provider.

Outdoor Activities & Outdoor Training throughout Derbyshire & Yorkshire

As an alternative education provider we deliver vocational programmes and courses at all levels.

We use learning outside of the classroom to help achieve successful outcomes. We have a range of programmes that are focused on qualifications as well as courses aimed at personal development and re-engagement. All of these courses prove popular with secondary schools across the region.

If you are looking for somewhere that is more like a home from home, with outdoor education programmes that are crafted with care, delivered by quality people, driven by our values of Education, Inspiration and Play; a place rooted in the rich heritage and tradition of learning outside  – Great News! You have just found it.

Rookesbury House is a stunning former stately home situated at the top of a hill amidst a 2000 acre private estate. With its grand entrance through the gate keeper’s lodge and the drive sweeps through fields of arable crops to the house, you can be sure of a secure and calming setting at this former prestigious boarding school.

We offer a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities. Please see the drop down headings for more information on each one.​

If your kids love watersports, they’ll love our Croft Farm Waterpark activity centre in the heart of the Cotswolds, near to the historic town of Tewkesbury.

Croft Farm has lots of green space for land based activities, as well as superb opportunities for a wide range of water-based fun on its own 12 acre lake and the nearby River Avon.

Condover Hall is a prestigious Elizabethan residential activity centre, hosting teambuilding and non-stop educational activity ideal for school children, sports groups, summer camps and corporate team building events and conferences alike.

We are specialists in providing outdoor activities for children on either school residential trips, youth group residentials, kids summer camps, junior and adult netball tournaments and family adventure holidays.

Whitemoor Lakes occupies a 25 acre grassland site at the end of a shallow 40 acre lake with space for football, volleyball and full-on adrenaline adventure activities.

Scout Activity Centres are the perfect location for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a Scout or Guide Leader, primary or secondary school teacher, or a company director planning your next team building event, our 100 years’ experience make us the ideal choice.

Outlook Expeditions is committed to safe, secure and responsible tailor-made expeditions. Every expedition is exciting, inspiring and packed full of adventure. Our expeditions develop young people’s life skills by putting them in the driving seat under the guidance of the finest Expedition Leaders.

Are you looking for amazing experiences, personal and team development or simply the chance to have a lot of fun?

Indoor Rope Climbing Wall in Stoke on Trent. Housed in Historical Wycliffe Hall. Friendly Staff to ensure a warm welcome for all the family.

Plenty of routes to keep the kids and those young at heart engaged and active.

Also abseiling.

Hillcrest is a small, homely centre, with staff who really love working with younger guests.

It’s in a quiet rural setting and is ideal for a first visit away from home or if you’re looking for somewhere really friendly and extra welcoming!

Our extreme sports programme includes a huge range of exciting activities for children between the ages of 8 and 16. 

We run a full day starting from 9.30am - 4.30pm and we also offer free transport to the activity with minibus collection from several of our leisure centres. 

The centre is set in 45 acres of grounds with its own private beach and cliff top views. One of the first things you’ll notice is the huge high ropes course with its zip wire and the stunning views of Weymouth, Portland and Chesil Beach. 

Kilbowie is managed by North Lanarkshire Council, providing 5-day courses mainly for Primary 7 pupils, though not exclusively as weekends and some weeks are available for other groups.

Merseyside Youth Challenge Trust’ established in 1985 is an urban-based Outdoor Pursuits Education Centre (Charitable Trust) in South Liverpool. The City Council provides premises for the Centre together with 35 acres of public parkland. 

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