hold tight when Rock Climbing

Abseiling Adventure

The day commences with an introduction and welcome by our friendly skilled instructors followed by a venue safety briefing, an overview of all roping equipment used on the program and fitting of personal abseiling gear. A demonstration of abseiling techniques followed by a short practical session using these skills on level ground helps to reinforce these techniques. A final briefing on safe roping practices and now it's off to do the first descent, about 15 metres high on the introductory face. Safety is the highest priority, ensured with qualified instructors, well-maintained equipment and a participant ratio of 1:8. It's nearly all downhill from here (except for the walk back up between descents). As confidences and skills develop under the encouraging direction of the instructors, the group moves on to vertical, over hanging and higher rock faces. Our aim is to help everyone develop the confidence to tackle the main face (approximately 50 metres) by the end of the day. Those of you seeking a further challenge may wish to attempt the exhilaration of a forward run downs, (abseiling face first down the cliff). What makes this abseiling day different is the bonus of another roping activity, rock climbing up to 18 metres. We will provide: * Experienced instructors * All necessary abseiling and safety equipment * First Aid kits (1 per instructor) *$10 million Public Liability Insurance * Access Fees * Morning Tea We suggest you bring: * Packed lunch, snacks and water * Day pack for personal gear * Hat, sunscreen and insect repellent * Rubber band to tie back long hair * Clothing should be comfortable and appropriate for current weather conditions. Please note that the torso needs to be fully covered with a top that can be tucked securely into trousers * Comfortable footwear (runners or boots) * Rain jacket, thigh to knee length * Camera * A retainer strap for all glasses and sunglasses.

Abseiling Beginners Learn to Abseil - Perth

This one-day program has been designed to allow as many opportunities as possible to try abseiling and rock climbing in Perth. The focus is on developing good abseiling and rock climbing techniques, safe practices, great technical knowledge and a high level of personal confidence to take on all challenges. But most of all it's about having fun. The day commences with an introduction and welcome by your friendly, skilled abseiling and rock climbing instructors, followed by a safety briefing, an overview of all roping equipment used on the program and a fitting of personal abseiling gear. A demonstration of abseiling and rock climbing techniques, followed by a practical session using these skills on level ground, helps to reinforce the new knowledge. Then it's off to do your first abseil, about 15 metres down the introductory face. As your abseiling and rock climbing confidence and skills develop under the encouraging direction of the instructors you'll move on to vertical, over-hanging and higher rock faces. The aim is to help you develop the confidence to tackle the main face, around 50 metres high. Those seeking a further challenge may wish to attempt the exhilaration of a forward-facing, running abseil down the face of the cliff. With modern equipment, instruction in basic skills and a positive mental attitude, rock climbing and abseiling is a safe and enjoyable alternative to mainstream outdoor activities, and it's a lot more fun than the gym!

Abseiling - 4 hours

Learn to abseil in the famous township of the Blue Mountains - Katoomba. Scaling down heights from 5 metres to 60 metres don't forget to take in the fantastic views across to the world famous Three Sisters. This beginners course replaces the need for full day abseiling. Zero to 60 metres, with million dollar views.

Abseiling - Full Day Course

The abseiling day commences with an introduction to the instructors and a general safety briefing. Then you are given a short overview of the equipment used during the program, a demonstration on how to fit your personal gear as well as abseiling techniques and further specific safety points. The high instructor to participant ratio (1:8) ensures the safety and quality of your experience throughout the day. You are then closely supervised through a mock descent in which you learn about attaching to and disconnecting from the rope, safety calls, and the back-up braking procedure. Then it's off to the nursery slope for your first abseil. As your confidence and skills develop under the encouraging direction of the instructors, you'll move on to more vertical and higher rock faces. Our aim is to help you develop the confidence to tackle the main face (approximately 50 metres) by the end of the day. Those of you seeking a further challenge may wish to attempt the exhilaration of forward run downs, (abseiling face first down the cliff).

Abseiling - Half Day

Learn to abseil in Katoomba, right in the heart of the Blue Mountains. As you scale down the rock face, of heights from 2m to 30m, take in the fantastic view across to the world famous Three Sisters. This half day beginners course is the ideal skills base for canyoning. Throughout the day, safety will be our number one priority ensuring you are under the supervision of our professional guides at all times. Great for families and children.

Abseiling - Half Day Adventure

Pack up your sunscreen, runners and don't forget your sense of adventure when embarking on this amazing abseiling experience. The afternoon begins with a safety briefing, followed by practicing your skills on the level ground. Once confident, you will move to the abseil wall to take the challenge. You will be led by an experienced tour guide, rappelling down 20m+ walls. All specialist equipment is provided for you, as well as light refreshments during the abseiling experience. After enjoying a break for some well deserved afternoon tea, you may take the option of climbing back up the wall while attached to a safety rope. This experience does not require you to have prior tuition in abseiling - you will be taught everything you need to know on the day!

Abseiling - The Mini Jump

A brilliant day in its own right, the Mini-Jump is an ideal half day abseiling adventure. The day starts with a thorough introduction to equipment and technique, with plenty of time to 'learn the ropes' on our 3-5 metre high practise slopes. At your leisure you continue with 15-30 metre abseils at our Mini Jump site. That's about 10 storeys high. Do as many abseils as you want! Your instructors are close at hand to encourage and explain the techniques. With your instructor explaining each step, you gradually continue to bigger cliffs, finishing on an exciting 30 metre high drop. The setting is beautiful bushland, making it both a scenic and exciting adventure!

Abseiling - Werribee Gorge Victoria

Aimed at beginners, we progress from flat abseiling off trees to small abseiling off a ten metre cliff. After lunch it is an overhung, huge 30 metre abseil. Backwards first & forwards if you choose to go that little bit extra. Progress at your own pace and in an atmosphere that allows you to challenge yourself to the level you wish to push yourself. For those that wish to enjoy the thrill of height, gravity & adrenalin at the highest cliffs closest to Melbourne.

Abseiling Adventure Day - Katoomba

Experience a unique outdoor adventure with this exciting Adventure Abseiling Day. The Abseils start with two metre practice jumps, and then range up to the most awesome 50 metre super jumps. All participants receive the ASM Introductory Abseiling Certificate at the end of the day. A delicious and wholesome lunch and refreshments will be served in the beauty of the Blue Mountains.

Abseiling Adventure Multipitch Day - Sydney

Abseiling is basically a method of descending a rope in a safe, controlled manner. It's a fun and adventurous experience, which anyone can try and it enables you to access some amazing places! Multi-pitch abseiling expeditions involve descending some of the large cliff lines (approximately 200 metres) of the upper Blue Mountains in a series of stages or 'pitches'. No experience is necessary but be ready for some exposure to heights. Overlooking the Megalong Valley and Narrow Neck plateau Boars Head is a five pitch expedition that boasts some exciting abseiling as you descend into the massive chasm that forms the second and third pitches. Most pitches finish on a large ledge or cave and lunch is usually served with a spectacular view. A rainforest bushwalk through the Devils Hole takes you back to civilisation or depending on the groups interest you may return to the top via an easy rock climb up the historic climbing route 'Shandy'. All participants will need to agree on the exit before leaving the Katoomba. During the day your guide will instruct you in the various aspects of abseiling including knots and anchors, belaying and communication. The guides are encouraging and entertaining.

The History of Rock Climbing

Since man first walked on the earth, the need and challenge to walk or climb over mountains was evident.

The modern day popularity of rock climbing can be attributed to the ever increasing urge of mountaineers to challenge themselves on tougher and steeper terrains. Mountaineers participated in what we know today as rock climbing to train for steep inclines that they may face and to develop their climbing skills.

By 1950, rock climbing had developed in to its own genre and people were completing outdoor climbs for recreation. As the sport developed, a grading system was introduced to alert climbers to the difficulty of particular climbs. The sport requires huge upper body and mental strength. Supporting your own body weight with nothing more than your arms is very challenging.

As time passed, the safety requirements for the sport began to be regulated. This was a major factor in the development of safety equipment and the design of indoor rock climbing centres.   © MAS 2007

Types of Rock Climbing

To most of us, rock climbing means the colourful plastic holds on an indoor and controlled incline. This indoor method is only one of many different types of the sport.

The majority of rock climbing is conducted outdoors on natural terrains. Think of Sylvester Stallone in the film Cliff Hanger or the opening scenes of Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible and you'll get the idea.

Rock climbing can be broken down into two main categories. These are free climbing and aid climbing.

Free climbing is when a person tackles an incline only using the natural features of the rock. This is usually the more dangerous of the two.

Aid climbing is where a person places man-made devices into the rock for support. These devices are known as protection for obvious reasons. This technique usually involves two or more climbers. A leader begins the climb and places the protection into the rock face. The other climber is known as the belayer. The leader and belayer are connected by a rope.    © MAS 2007