Abseiling in the natural environment

Includes

Rappelling
Outdoor Abseiling

Description

This activity involves lowering oneself down natural rock formations, buildings or other outdoor structures rather than purpose-built structures.

Abseiling is the process of sliding down a rope under controlled conditions. Abseiling has long been used in rock climbing, caving, and mountaining to descend slopes or cliffs that are too steep to simply walk down. In recent years, however, abseiling has become a popular sport in its own right.

Forms

An Information and Consent for Event/Activity form is required to participate in this activity.

Who can participate?

Open to all.

Some activity providers may have age or height restrictions.

Ratio of adults to girls

Normal ratios for activities away from the meeting place are required. Guiding Manual ratios

Regulations

The Leader must ensure that all participants under 18 have written permission to take part from an adult with parental responsibility.
The local Commissioner must be informed that the activity is taking place.
Carry out a risk assessment for the activity.
All equipment used must be of a standard considered suitable for climbing.
When using a commercial activity provider, ensure it is reputable. You can verify the quality of a provider by checking it has one of the following endorsements: AALA, Adventuremark or LotC Quality Badge for Adventure.

The above endorsements are not applicable in Northern Ireland, where you should ask your local Outdoor Activities Adviser to recommend an approved provider.

Instructor qualifications

The activity instructor must hold the appropriate level of qualification for the terrain from one of the following:

Mountain Leader Training (MLT) Climbing Qualification (not CWA)
Girlguiding UK Climbing and Abseiling Training Scheme.

If you are unfamiliar with abseiling qualifications, consult your Outdoor Activities Adviser or contact activities@girlguiding.org.uk to ensure the instructor's qualification is suitable.

The instructor must ensure:

helmets are worn
the safety rope and the abseil rope are secured to different anchor points
access permission has been gained if appropriate, and any seasonal restrictions are observed
rock formations with recognised archaeological, geological or wildlife interests are avoided.