Abseiling is when you lower yourself with climbing equipment off of a crazy height  relying only on the rope to take your weight - for FUN!

Abseiling is also known as rappelling and is the method mostly used by rock climbers of desending the rock face.

Abseiling was first created by a french climber back in the 1800's. After many failed attempts on Petit Dru the climber came up with fast ways to decend the mountain. Abseiling was born.

The abseiling technique is relatively easy to pick up. Sit back into the harness, knees bent, legs shoulder width apart, one hand on the live rope (rope above you taking the weight), the other hand on the dead rope (the rope below you) and looking at the floor. Hands away from the descending device.  Jump away from the rock and let the rope slide through your hands. Grip the rope to swing back into the rock face for another push off.

This method has grown into an activity in itself. It's a popular event used by charities and organisations for fundrasing events.

There are a number of different types of desenders out there which will differ in how much friction they can give you. There are also different thicknesses of static rope. The thinner the rope the less friction you have so the faster you can desend. To get the right mix of rope and desending device we strongly recommend that you take a abseil course.

If this isn't extreme enough for you check out  Rap Jumping  ( forward facing, rapid desent, abseiling).

VIDEO COMING SOON!!!!

Where to go, Cost and Equipment

Where

For loads of different types of courses and activity days check out www.exelement.co.uk/experience/abseiling.php

Cost and Equipment

If you go to an event all equipment will be provided. Costs will vary.

If you are looking to take up the activity alongside climbing the costs are below.

Course  -  A two day course will cost around £100

Helmet  -  Around £40

Rope  -  Usually called a static is used as it doesn't stretch much. Price depends on the required amount. Around the £100 mark for 50m.

Harness  -  From £40

Gloves(leather) - Start at £25

Mechanical Descenders  -  Around £50

Belays or Figure 8's devices can be used for descending also - These start around £10 to £15