Abseiling Competencies

for Participating SBW Members and Propectives

For any Prospectives or Full Members wanting to participate in any of SBW's canyoning activities, the following details the equipment/gear you will need for abseiling and canyoning, in addition to the knowledge and techniques you will need to know.

1. Members need to bring the following equipment for Abseiling:

• Harness – preferrably the waist and leg-loop style
• Helmet - climbing, canyoning or Safety type with a chin strap
• Prussik loops x 3
• Descender – figure 8 or Rack
• Carabiners x 3 at least - all screwgate - recommend one to be large offset D for "locking-off" technique. 2 extra if using webbing for harness
• Rubber-soled shoes
• Snug-fitting clothing (not loose and baggy)
• Hat - can be worn under helmet for sun protection
• Gloves which give sufficient grip - suede palm gardening type or similar; loops to secure to harness  

2. Knowledge of Knots

You will need to be able to tie the following:

• Figure of 8 knot - single, double and rethreaded
• double fisherman's bend (for prussik loops)
• clove hitch (for back up when prussiking)
• prussik knot (classic or klemheist)

3. Correctly fit harness and helmet 

Members using webbing to improvise a harness must know how to tie a tape knot. They must have extra carabiners to secure the harness and to hang gear off the non-abseiling side eg prussik loops, whistle etc.

On commercial harnesses, understand the particular buckle system on the harness.  Re-thread waist band back through buckle where applicable. Position harness around waist and above hip bones (the iliac crest) to prevent sliding out in the event of turning upside down while abseiling; more relevant to men, females with narrow hips and children. The waist band should be firm enough to just fit a flat hand inside the harness, at the front.

The helmet should preferably be one designed specifically for climbing or canyoning. It should fit snugly on the head and be adjusted so as not to have any movement in any direction when the head is shaken. The forehead should be regarded as the main area of the head to be protected.

4. Safety Briefing

Your knowledge of safety issues and keeping an awareness of your surroundings is important. Please bear in mind the following safety notes:

Cliff edge proximity: Members should be aware of keeping back from the edge of the cliff by 2 body lengths, or to be secured to a safety line if taking photographs or observing.
Warning calls: To remember the 'calls' as instructed.  Eg. when an object of any kind is dropped over a cliff, the most common call is 'ROCK' in a loud and urgent manner.
Rope Care: No treading on ropes. This prevents dirt from being ground into the sheath and core and prolongs the useful life of them.  They are currently $5 per metre.
Slippery Rock: Walk with care, avoid jumping or leaping unless there is no alternative
Group Coherency: Walk with a Buddy, know who is “Point” and “Sweep”, keep together and help the Leader by rope hauling, coiling and carrying

5. Abseil, Belay and Prussik Techniques

The member must be able to demonstrate the following:

• correctly thread abseil rope onto descending device
• once threaded, the abseiler MUST NOT let go of the braking hand on the rope
• understand and use the "A B C D E" checking steps aloud before beginning to abseil ie Anchors, Buckles, Carabiner done up, Descender correctly threaded, Everything else ie. gloves, helmet secured, shoelaces, long hair tied back, prussiks on harness
• communicate with belayer prior to abseiling
• abseil a variety of pitches; vertical, stepped, overhang
• perform a "lock-off" during descent
• safely prussik several metres (4) using 3 points of contact with abseil rope
• belay another abseiler from below, and arrest the abseiler's descent. Must show good eye contact and communication at all times.

6. Canyoning Gear

The following is what you will need:

• Short Wet Suit, or Thermals top and bottom
• Personal First Aid Kit
• High energy food for stops, lunch and an extra meal
• Water Bottle
• Large Day Pack (so a rope can fit inside).
• Dry Bags and large Plastic Bags
• Waterproof Jacket or a large Orange Plastic Bag to Bivy in if necessary
• Positive attitude - This never hurts, and you'll need to love carrying wet ropes up large hills!