Climbing and Abseiling Course in Sussex
For those who are pretty serious about starting their climbing journey - or just never want the party to end - here’s the perfect combo for your next big day out.
We start the day on the rocks. With our friendly instructors at hand, you’ll learn all the essentials of rock climbing: how to tie onto the rope, how to belay, and basic technique. By the end of this session, you’ll be climbing 10-metre vertical walls. Multiple times. Find out more about the course.
Enjoy a well-earned break for lunch, basking in the beautiful scenery of Harrison’s Rocks. You’ll be glad it’s not time to go home yet.
After a morning of hard work, the second part of your day is more about laid-back fun. Literally. Everyone loves the thrill of abseiling. And if you’re really serious about climbing, it’s also a skill you’ll have to master. In this session, you’ll learn the proper technique for abseiling safely and get a chance to practice it on a purpose-built 33ft abseil tower under a number of conditions. Find out more about the course.
Information
Season
March to October
Duration
7hrs (Climbing 4hrs / Lunch & Travel 1hr / Abseiling 2hrs)
Group Size
4-12
Restrictions
Minimum age: 18 Max weight: 18 stone (115kg).
Aim
An introductory course into the world of rock climbing and abseiling. The perfect taster sessions to learn the techniques needed to get started in these fantastic sports.
Who is it for?
Ideal for the complete beginner or someone who wants to take previous indoor climbing / abseiling experience outdoors.
Prerequisites
A reasonable level of fitness is required.
Groups
Group bookings can be arranged:
£105pp (Group Size 4-6)
£101pp (Group Size 7-8)
£98pp (Group Size 9-10)
£95pp (Group Size 11-12)
Please note that all group bookings will be available for others to book, unless booking for a minimum of 6 people.
Itinerary
Rock Climbing
The climbing experience starts with an introduction and safety briefing from our climbing instructors. We then head to the rocks for some warm up bouldering problems. Your instructors will then show you how to fit your climbing harness and helmet. Then comes the techy part as we teach you how to tie your climbing knots and belay each other using group belay methods.
Once the basics are learnt the fun really begins as you scale the 30-40ft rocks! You’ll learn about correct climbing technique and experience some great sandstone climbs at Harrisons rocks.
Abseiling
After the climbing there is an hour lunch break to eat, relax and travel to the abseiling venue where some other customers will usually join us. Because of the soft nature of the sandstone rocks in the South East, abseiling is not permitted as this would cause too much damage. A 20min drive is required to get to our next venue (transport not provided - please see the transport section).
After a safety briefing, we introduce you to the abseiling equipment and abseil techniques, then you'll soon be whizzing down the 30ft (10m) abseil tower. As you build in confidence, we'll challenge you to try it hands free or blind folded!
Skills Covered
- Safety awareness
- Knots
- Group belaying
- Bouldering
- Hand and foot techniques
- Basic climbing techniques
- Route grades
- Climbing etiquette
- Abseiling techniques
- Confidence tests
- Blindfold abseiling
Locations
Climbing and abseiling sessions are run at 2 venues in Sussex and Kent
Equipment
Equipment supplied
All rock climbing and safety equipment is supplied including:
- Ropes
- Harness
- Helmet
- Belaying device and karabiners
Equipment needed
For all outdoor climbing courses you must have extra warm clothes and waterproofs, we will provide you with a full kit list upon booking.
- Comfortable clothing, suitable for the time of year*
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Trainers**
- Rucksack
- Packed lunch and plenty of water
- Medication / Tablets / Inhaler etc.
The above list is just a guide and appropriate clothing for the time of year should be worn.
*Clothing should comprise of several layers to trap the warmth. Please do not wear denim as it restricts movement, is cold when wet and is slow to dry.
**Please wear soft-soled shoes such as trainers; you are not permitted to wear walking boots etc. as these damage the rocks. Please remember that the rocks are a short distance from the car park so it important to put all of your kit in a suitable size rucksack, leaving space for climbing equipment.
Equipment shop
Take a look at our online shop for any equipment you might want for your outdoor adventures. We stock a variety of equipment and can give expert advice if you have any queries. Choose to collect your order on a course (free of charge) and your instructor will have it ready and waiting for you when you arrive.
Transport
Please note that due to the soft nature of the rocks in the South East, abseiling is not permitted as this would cause too much damage. You will need to drive (approx. 20mins) to our purpose built abseil tower as there is no easy public transport between the rocks and the abseiling. - Lift sharing with other customers or our instructors can often be arranged.
