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Abseiling comes from the German abseilen, to rope down. It is the process of descending on a fixed rope. The simple method is for the main rope to be attached to an anchor, thereby providing a fixed line for the abseil to take place.
Popularity
Abseiling along with Rock Climbing are very natural activities; the popularity of abseiling has grown over the last few years and with TV coverage, rock climbing and abseiling have brought new techniques and skills making it safer and more accessible
Location
This activity takes place throughout the UK and many parts of the world. It is also known as: rappelling or rappeling, abbing, jumping, rapping, roping down, roping, seiling, snapling, snappling or snappeling in other countries.
Age
Generally there is no restriction but most organsied centres say the minimum age is eight; children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no height or weight restriction.
Ability
Abseiling is the ability to descend from steep rock faces using ropes. A must for outdoor thrill seekers. Anyone can do it there are no restrictions to abiity, some centres also offer wheelchair abseiling too.
Description
Abseiling is the act of rappelling down a vertical or near-vertical face with the aid of a rope, harness and friction device. One needs no prior experience, just a sense of adventure and a willingness to step out over the edge. Most people get it right after a 5 minute briefing. An experienced guide will delay you with an additional safety rope. In other words, even if you lose control, a second rope controlled by the guide suspends you. It also has many other applications see dedication.
Dedication
While this may be a once in a lifetime activity, Abseiling is used in a number of applications, including: Rock climbers returning to the base of a climb. Recreational abseilers, who return to the top of the line by track, stairs or other methods and abseil again. Recreational canyoners, who travel down mountainous watercourses where waterfalls or cliffs may need to be descended. Adventure racers. Industrial/Commercial workers. Military or police applications. Rescue applications.
Potential
While this is an activity that most will try at some time point in their life, abseiling offers great potential for developing team building, those wishing to explore the Healing Potential of the Outdoors and as well as a professional career.
Closely
Related Activities
Rock Climbing & Mountaineering 423, Canyoning 100,
Cost
Activity Centres will generally charge around £30.00 per person for about a one and a half hour session. If you want to purchase your own equipment a good outfit will start from around £250.00, but All abseiling should be performed under the supervision of trained and experienced people. Abseiling should never be undertaken alone, due to the risky nature of the activity and the fact that another person may be required to effect a rescue should someone become trapped or incapacitiated.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
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Legs
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Sight
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Hearing
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Speech |
Learning |
Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.