Abseiling at Calvert Devon
What is abseiling?
Abseiling essentially involves descending down a vertical surface, such as a rock face, a building, or a wall, using ropes and specialised equipment.
You can go at your own pace. It involves harnessing yourself securely to a system of ropes and gradually lowering yourself down while maintaining control and balance. It’s a great way to experience the exhilaration of heights while also developing a variety of skills.
Here at Calvert Devon, we have an outdoor abseiling wall suitable for use in all weather. Instructors explain the equipment and instructions, giving personalised advice and guidance throughout the session.
In this session, you’ll build confidence through the development of motor skills and coordination, as well as communication skills with fellow group members.
Your abseiling session
Click on each step for more information on what you can expect from an abseiling session at Calvert Devon…
1: Get ready
- You will meet your instructor at your allocated meeting point, which is given to you upon arrival
- Your instructor will stay with you for the entirety of the session, keeping you safe and ensuring you have a great time
- You’ll head to the equipment room with your instructor and your group, where they’ll talk to you about the equipment you’ll be using and how to use it
- You’ll put on a helmet and a harness as well as any other specialist equipment you may need depending on your needs
- View our ‘Abseiling Equipment’ section below to see pictures of the equipment you could be using
- As a group, you’ll then head towards the starting area at the top of the wall
2: Learn how
- Depending on your group, this usually takes place at the top of the abseil wall
- Your instructor will give you a safety briefing, showing you and your group the rope system you’ll be attached to and talk you through how it’ll keep you safe
- Make sure to listen carefully, as you’ll also be shown how to keep yourself safe too whilst having fun abseiling
3: Have a go
- One or two at a time, you’ll be attached to the safety system and get yourself comfortable
- Your instructor will check how you’re feeling throughout, using various forms of communication, depending on your needs – don’t be afraid to let them know if you’re feeling uncomfortable or nervous
- You’ll take it in turns to abseil down the wall
- Some participants might find it more comforting to have someone abseil with them – in these situations, your instructor might suggest one of your group can partner up with you into the same rope system and be by your side as you have a go
- The rest of your group will be there to support you from the sidelines, watching and learning, ready for their turn
4: Move on to the zip wire
- At the end of your abseiling activity, the instructor will move you over to the zip wire area to start the next activity (as we often pair abseiling and zip wire together for double the fun)
- If your group has requested not to take part in a zip wire activity, at this point, your instructor will help you return your equipment to the equipment storeroom before heading back to the centre
Abseiling equipment
Get an idea of what our kit looks like, and see some of our specialised gear that helps make our sessions more accessible.
Click on each item for a description…
Abseil wheelchair
- This wheelchair is specifically designed for our abseil wall. With a head rest, optional cushioning and other supportive aids, the user will be safe both in their seat and in the hands of our highly qualified instructors
- If you are a wheelchair user or have a mobility impairment that affects your muscular strength and stamina, our staff will likely suggest the use of this chair
- With this equipment in particular, the user is not strapped into the chair for safety reasons, however, both the chair and the user are attached to the safety rope separately
- It’s worth noting that this chair, while it’s an amazing bit of kit, it may not suit everyone. If you have any questions or concerns about this piece of equipment, feel free to get in touch with us and we’ll answer any questions we can
Kite harness with padding
- This harness has velcro strips which allow instructors to attach some special padding that increases the rigidity of the harness – this is the red-coloured seating
- Without the red padding, the Kite harness adds a different level of support: the harness is easily moulded to the shape of the user
- Individuals who need extra spinal support benefit from this gear
Rope equipment
- A variety of ropes and devices, such as descenders, are used throughout these sessions to keep you safe and comfortable while descending smoothly
- Don’t worry, it will be the instructor’s responsibility to make sure this equipment is used properly but they will tell you how to use it
- Instructors use a variety of knots and other rope techniques for various functions – try out our knot teaching corner while you’re waiting at the abseil wall
Harnesses
- Harnesses come in all shapes and sizes – this is one is called a “sit” harness and is commonly used for our rope activities
- This picture shows a harness on the floor ready to put your feet into the smaller circles and then pull up and over your waist, like a pair of trousers
- Our instructors will help you to choose the right harness for you and show you how to put it on correctly
Helmets
- In all of our rope-based activities, you must wear a helmet!
- We have helmets of all sizes
Point harness
- This harness benefits users who may need extra support but still have the core stability to sit upright by themselves
- Don’t be fooled by the red chair and the indoor climbing wall behind, this particular harness can be used in the blue abseil chair too
- The Pont harness is similar to the Kite harness, in that the seat section is rigid, but the back support is not
Mobile hoists
- These hoists can be used to transfer a wheelchair user from their own chair into the appropriate harness within the abseiling chair
- Your instructor will take one of these to the top of the abseil wall ready for the session
Chest harness
- Much like a “sit” harness is pulled on like a pair of trousers, the chest harness is put on like a jacket
- This harness engages around the top half of the body and attaches to the “sit” harness, which creates a full-body support system
- This is typically used for those who are larger-bodied or smaller-bodied, lack core strength, or would simply like to feel more supported
Yes! We leave no one out and no matter what, we do everything we can to make sure you can enjoy the experience of abseiling in a way that suits you and keeps you safe.
The Calvert Devon instructors use the term ‘challenge by choice’, which ensures that while you’re taking part and given challenges along the way, you ultimately always have the agency and control over your own limitations.
Our staff are there to keep you safe but also build your confidence, even if this means accomplishing a simpler version of the activity.
Our abseiling activity takes place on our outdoor climbing and abseiling wall, whatever the weather.
This is onsite and only a 2-minute walk away from your accommodation.
Every instructor has extensive in-house training including observation hours logged before running a session independently
They also have relevant qualifications, including:
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- Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) qualification including an abseil module
- Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI) qualification by the British Mountaineering Council
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