Abseiling on a purpose

built structure

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Includes

Indoor abseiling

Description

This activity involves lowering oneself down a purpose-built tower or wall using climbing ropes.

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 one of the following:

Mountain Leader Training Board (MLTUK) Climbing Qualification
MLTUK Climbing Wall Award (provided that the holder has undertaken the abseiling 'add-on' component)
Girlguiding UK Climbing and Abseiling Training Scheme Level 1 or 2.

Useful information

While it is considered best practice to wear helmets for abseiling, few indoor climbing centres provide them. It is advisable to add the following clause to your permission forms:

'I understand that the management of [indoor abseiling provider’s name] do not provide helmets for abseiling, and that this is accepted practice indoors, where there is no risk of rock fall.'