Abseiling on a purpose-built structure
1 meeting
Age:
5+
Cost:
Medium
The best way down
Once you've climbed to the top of a wall, abseiling is an easy and fun way to get back down. It can also be a sport in its own right, and often involves working in pairs.
Overview
This activity involves lowering yourself down a purpose-built tower or wall using climbing ropes.
Planning checklist
Safety notes
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. These endorsements are not applicable in Northern Ireland, where you should ask your local Outdoor Activities Adviser to recommend an approved provider.
See safety regulations below for more information on helmets.
Instructor qualifications
The activity instructor must hold one of the following:
- a Mountain Training (MTUK) Climbing Qualification
- MTUK Climbing Wall Award (CWA), provided that the holder has undertaken the additional abseiling module
- Girlguiding Climbing and Abseiling Training Scheme Level 1 or 2.
Safety regulations
While it is considered best practice to wear helmets for abseiling, few indoor climbing centres provide them. It's 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.'
| Section | Number of girls per adult |
|---|---|
| Rainbows | 5 |
| Brownies | 8 |
| Guides | 12 |
How many adults are needed?
Use this calculator to find out the ratio of girls to adults that is required for this activity
Girlguiding activity centres for abseiling on a purpose-built structure
