Abseiling, otherwise known as rappelling, is a hugely popular activity in the climbing topic. At the Outdoors Man, we’ve abseiled down some of the largest monuments, cliff-faces and buildings on the planet, so how can you be sure to do it properly and safely?

Well the first thing that you’ll want to bear in mind is that you’ll be starting from up high and making your way down to the ground. To do this, you’ll need all of the typical climbing equipment, such as a helmet, boots, clips and a harness, as well as a long length of rope.

Always be sure to secure your rope to a reliable point of origin. If it won’t hold your weight, it isn’t suitable for your descent. It’s always a good idea to bring spare rope too, on top of your central rope and backup rope. Your main rope will be in charge of supporting your weight as you descend and your backup rope should be attached to your harness in case you lose your footing.

Most harnesses will include a mechanism that will allow you to speed and slow your descent. You’ll be able to do this by pressing and releasing the switch. Most abseilers use two methods; the first is a short jump technique for a quicker descent, whereas others use a slow and steady approach. Whichever style you prefer, just remember to put your safety first.