Camping is a fun outdoor activity on its own but when your camping site adds extra activities such as abseiling or hiking on the side, it takes the whole experience to another level. At Murphy’s Creek Escape, we offer exciting outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, abseiling, archery, high ropes, ninja playgrounds, mountain bike riding, hiking and much more.
An activity such as abseiling is a thrilling sport that gives you the chance to see the world with a new set of eyes and perspective. Though it’s important to note that it’s not only about the beautiful views you get to see but also getting to test the skills involved with the sport, the attention to detail it needs together with observing maximum safety.
What you need to know when Abesiling at Murphys Creek Escape
- Murphy’s Creek Escape has two main escarpments within its boundary. These offer excellent facilitation of beginner groups, search and rescue training and social groups such as scouts, guides, cadets etc. White Mountain State Forest also offers excellent climbing conditions for the more experienced.
- Cost: $20 per person – 2 hour session
- Abseiling is offered on Saturdays throughout the year, and as scheduled during peak times (long weekend and school holidays).
Read More: Camping Activities
Let’s have a look of some of the key things you ought to keep in mind before you dive into the sport.
Climb the next day after reaching the campsite
If you have driven for hours to get to the campsite, then it’s without a doubt that you are exhausted. It would be a waste trying to abseil when exhausted. What you could do instead is check out the climbing location and familiarize yourself with it. The best time to do abseil is early in the morning before the sun rays come out to play and speaking of the sun, ensure you have done your research to find out the condition of the weather at your camping site.
If this is your first time abseiling, don’t do it without supervision. It’s mandatory for you to abseil under the guidance of a qualified climbing instructor. This will make the adventure not only safe but fun as well.
Get to familiarize yourself with the dangers of abseiling
Abseiling is a fun sport but it can also be a dangerous one. That is why it’s important for you as a climber to have control of the activity and know what to do in case something goes wrong. Some of the abseiling problems you could look out for include;
- Breaking of rocks due to applied pressure
- Losing control of your descent speed
- Weather changes like strong winds or heavy rains
- Friction from the ropes or skin bruises from the rocks
To avoid sustaining injuries and ensuring you are completely safe, there are some key abseiling equipment that are mandatory such as;
- Helmets to protect your head from debris or rocks falling down caused by the climber moving back and forth as they descend. This is usually the most common injury that occurs when abseiling. Helmets also prevent serious injuries in case the climber abseiling falls or strikes against the surface of a rock. The camp site you are staying at is responsible for providing one.
- Gloves to prevent friction while grabbing on the ropes which may cause painful blisters. Also you could moisturize your hands with a non-wax based hand repair cream 1-2 hours before climbing
- It’s important for you to have the right pair of shoes for the occasion. Let’s put it this way, if you have a rugby match wear your rugby shoes, if you are hiking wear your hiking and therefore, if you are abseiling wear your climbing shoes. Don’t try and replace your rock climbing shoes with sport shoes as climbing shoes are specifically designed to help you have a grip for any footholds when necessary.
- When abseiling your hands may get a little bit moist, therefore you will need a chalk bag as the chalk will help you keep your hands dry giving you a firm grip with the ropes. This is in case you don’t have a pair of gloves.
Other crucial equipment that your camping site can provide include climbing harness, static rope, bouldering pads, belay devices and rope bags.
Familiarize yourself with the climbing techniques
Aside from physical strength, understanding abseiling techniques and applying them will help you achieve your climbing goal plus you will have a fun time as well. Focus on your footwork, balance and body positioning. Get to understand the different foothold positions and how to use them. This is because your foot positioning defines your body positioning which will also affect your handhold use. Keep in the mind the other important steps you have to take beforehand such as wearing your helmet, harness and gloves and also attaching your harness to a solid and stable anchor. A qualified climber should be there with you to guide you with every step.
Keep your limit in mind
This is important so as to avoid pushing yourself to the point where you are straining to reach a point that is clearly beyond you. If you are fatigued or injured, there is no need to push yourself too hard. Take a breather and let someone attend to your injuries. Pushing yourself too hard may lead to serious harm. Resting doesn’t mean quitting. You can try again the next day if possible or you could come back for a second round.
Abseiling makes you physically strong and mentally fit. If possible, take time to train and practice with a professional who will guide you so as to build confidence in yourself.