Giant swing at Calvert Devon
What is the giant swing?
It’s as simple as it sounds…the Giant Swing is just that: a giant swing!
As opposed to a normal swing you find in a park, you’ll be wearing a harness and helmet on this swing. Once secured, you’ll be lifted into the air by ropes until you’ve reached the ceiling.
Then, on the count of three, you suddenly drop down, and the ropes swing you back and forth. It’s described as being on a roller coaster, with the moment of anticipation at the top and the rush of dropping down. The equipment ensures you’re kept secure and safe at all times.
It’s ideal for the adrenaline junky and those with disabilities who don’t usually get the opportunity to feel the rush.
The giant swing is often an add-on activity that guests can request to do after another rope-based activity.
It’s rarely a set session on its own, but an extra option for those who want to experience it.
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…
Mobile hoists
- These hoists can be used to transfer a wheelchair user from their own chair into the appropriate harness within the abseiling chair
Harnesses
- Harnesses come in all shapes and sizes – this 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
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 like to feel more supported
Kite harness
- 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
- The red seating adds more structure to the seat, which can be a better option for some people than its flexible counterpart
- 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
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
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
Helmets
- In all of our rope-based activities, you must wear a helmet!
- We have helmets of all sizes
Yes! We leave no one out, and no matter what, we do everything we can to ensure that you can enjoy the experience 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.
As the giant swing is an optional extra rather than a set activity for the whole group, there is no pressure to try it.
Our giant swing is based in our sports hall, only a 2-minute walk from the main centre.
Every instructor has extensive in-house training, including observation hours logged before running an independent session.
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
These qualifications include being able to oversee the giant swing.
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