Intro to Abseil is designed to be a simple course for the basic of beginners to try a hand on what abseiling is all about. A brief understanding of the protective equipment used and more time spent on creating a wonderful experience of abseiling.

Course Duration

7 hours or 2 sessions of 3.5 hours

Prerequisite 

At least 13 years of age

Instructor Qualification

Abseiling Instructor

Instructor To Trainee Ratio

1 Instructor : 10 Trainees, OR

1 Instructor + 1 Climbing Assistant (or Trainee Instructor) : 16 Trainees

Note

Wearing of helmet is compulsory when engaging in abseiling activities

Objectives

The course is designed for people who have no prior knowledge on abseiling. Participants will learn the basic skills to descend on ropes and have essential knowledge on the equipment required to abseil.

Passing Standards

Trainees must demonstrate the following course requirements :

1. Correct harness usage

2. Correct rig-in to abseil system with a Fig 8 descender

3. Perform a controlled descend

4. Perform a self-rescue

5. Correct use of abseiling commands

Syllabus

1. Introduction to Abseiling

   • Why do people abseil?

   • Environment – natural rocks, tower

2. Introduction of Abseil Equipment (usage, care, limitation)

   • Static rope

   • Harness

   • Karabiner

   • Descending device – (Fig.8)

   • Helmet

   • Gloves

3. Rope handling

   • Managing ropes

   • Coiling, lapping, chaining

1. Descend Practice (with a belay line) using Fig of 8 descender

   • Rig-in and remove from rope system

   • Basic stance and brake hand

   • Abseil command

   • Descend with a fireman’s belay

   • Self rescue – apply lock-on system with leg wrap

2. Safety Considerations

   • Rope placement on descender (smiley face)

   • Importance of controlled descend

   • Appropriate attire, loose hair etc

3. Course Review

   • Suggestions for further advancement

   • General discussion and feedback

Objectives

This course is designed as a follow on from the Abseiling Proficiency Course Level 1. This course teaches a progression into acquiring advance personal proficiency skills to descend and ascend on ropes.

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Instructor Qualification

Abseiling Instructor

Instructor To Trainee Ratio

1 Instructor : 10 Trainees, OR

1 Instructor + 1 Climbing Assistant (or Trainee Instructor) : 16 Trainees

Note

Wearing of helmet is compulsory when engaging in abseiling activities

Passing Standards

Trainees must demonstrate the following course requirements :

1. Setup a fixed anchor system for abseil

2. Perform a safe and controlled descend with backup

3. Perform rope ascend and descend using accessory cords

4. Ascend on rope and changeover to abseil with backup

5. Perform a self rescue technique

6. Safe equipment handling

Award

SNAS Abseil Proficiency Level Two Certificate

Syllabus

1. Introduction of Other Abseil Equipment (usage, care, limitation)

   • Accessory cords (various diameter)

   • Slings/ Tapes

   • Descending device – (Tubular, GRIGRI, STOP)

2. Knots and Hitches

   • Double Figure of 8 knot

   • Double Figure of 8 knot with double bight

   • Double Fisherman knot

   • Tape knot

   • Friction knots (Standard, Klemheist, French)

   • Clove Hitch

   • Italian Hitch (Munter)

   • Half Hitch

   • Setting up fixed anchor system

3. Descend Practice

   • Abseil with different devices, Italian Hitch

   • Abseil with backup (auto-block)

1. Ascending on ropes (prusiking)

   • Ascend and descend on ropes using accessory cords

   • Ascend and changeover to abseil with backup

2. Self Rescue Technique

   • Escape from jammed devices, cords

   • Escape from knotted rope (joint ropes)

3. Safety Considerations

   • Rope placement on descender (smiley face)

   • Loading a karabiner on a minor axis & 3 points loading

   • Importance of dressing a good knot

   • Using an auto-braking device

4. Course Review

   • Suggestions for further advancement

   • General discussion and feedback