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

Dartmoor National Park Authority is a special purpose local authority created under the Environment Act 1995.

Dartmoor offers a vast and unspolit landscape, ideal for a wide range of activities that can challenge and inspire children and adults.

The Adventure Centre prides itself on being one of the leading development training centres in the UK and our aim is to provide “excellence in outdoor adventure and education”. The Centre was established in 1991 and has been providing quality development training courses for a wide range of individuals and groups ever since.

Spirit of Adventure has a wide range of activities and programmes for children and young people in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and across the west country.

If you are looking for exciting, safe and fun activities in Devon, then you have found the right place. With a wide range of activities for daily and residential stays, whether it's for outdoor education, development training or just for a holiday in Devon, Skern Lodge is the ideal outdoor centre for you.

Where will the trails lead you?

Specialist skills and experience enable us to provide safe and rewarding activities to children of all abilities, including those with learning and physical disabilities, who may be members of any mainstream group. We are particularly proud of our long serving and experienced staff.

Hall Place Outdoor Education Centre is part of the BCA (formally Berkshire College of Agriculture) in Burchetts Green, Berkshire. The centre utilises the 400 acre estate nestling in the Thames Valley offering a variety of opportunities from curriculum learning in an out of classroom setting to holiday day camps and birthday parties, skills courses and qualifications.

Our fabulous learning and development centre, located right on the edge of the Peak District National Park is the perfect place to experience the outdoors, challenge yourself, make great friendships and grow.

We offer safe, exciting and educational holidays for young people. A place where children can meet new friends, build confidence, develop social skills and gain wonderful memories. 

A place where parents and teachers can be sure their children are well cared for and are receiving high quality activities and English tuition.

Set by the river in a picturesque wooded valley with the famous beach at ‘Westward Ho!’ just a short coach ride away, a Beam House holiday offers the convenience of the beach with a stunning rural location.  As well as the wet and wild action at the beach there’s loads of great stuff on site and off, including mountain biking on the Tarka Trail and dramatic coastal walks.

Pendarren House Outdoor Education Centre is a large country house set in the Brecon Beacons National Park. It lies in the Grwyne valley between Table Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain, and has stunning views across the Usk valley.

Glasbury House is an early Georgian Manor House standing in seven acres of grounds on the banks of the River Wye and has been owned by the London Borough of Redbridge and operated as an Outdoor Education Centre since 1963.

We offer a warm welcome to all climbers wishing to use the facilities of Undercover Rock the Bristol Climbing Centre. Prior to your visit please review the relevant entry requirements listed below.

There is climbing for everyone at the Quay Climbing Centre, the South West's largest, dedicated indoor climbing wall.  The centre breathes new life into the Old Electricity Works, one of Exeter's most identifiable buildings where, at over 15 metres at the apex, the atrium provides a majestic space in which to climb.

ROXCOOL is a professional instructional business based in and around the North East of England. We specialise in climbing and mountaineering courses but also offer opportunities for adventures throughout the world.

Broomley Grange sits in twenty-two acres of private grounds in the stunning county of Northumberland near to the Roman Hadrian's Wall and Europe's largest manmade lake - Kielder Water.

800 square metres of climbing wall! The centre offers Bouldering, Top Roping and Leading Climbing Facilities, as well as running courses for beginners or improvers, starting from age 7: there’s basically no excuse to stay on the ground!

We can offer your pupils the opportunity to challenge themselves in a controlled environment. Whether it’s a fun session for your class or something that is part of a more structured programme we will be able to cater for your school group.  We are experienced in working with the NI

We are Southampton’s only public indoor rock climbing wall with everything needed to challenge and excite new and experienced climbers of all ages.

Come and climb the 6m high wall with 19 top ropes and over 60 professionally set routes, plus a separate bouldering room with loads of challenging problems to solve.

 

Adventure Outreach is a Christian Organisation providing outdoor adventure activities of high quality, primarily in and around the Peak District, though not exclusively. Our aim is to achieve your objectives in training, team building, personal development or simply fun within a safe and enjoyable environment.

Here at Outdoor Active we provide Exploration & Education through outdoor activities. These are run by a small team of friendly and highly experienced instructors, passionate about the outdoors. As a company we are proud to be small. Our success depends on you being happy and enjoying your time with us. As such, all our courses are tailored around you and your needs.

Striving to bring new opportunities to young people in the local area with our dedicated team of Outdoor Instructors and Youth workers.

We endeavour to provide activities that help to develop skills within a safe & supportive environment.

Watermark Experiences creates unique and challenging river adventures for young people aged 12 to 23.

WE are a team of qualified professionals with unmatched experience of leading expeditions to the most challenging environments in the world. WE also run regular UK training courses in kayaking and other adventure activities.

Releasing Potential is a charity, based in Havant, which has been delivering outdoor education since 2001. We began by providing activities in schools to help marginalised young people develop social, emotional and practical skills.

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