Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is the process of ascending cliffs. It involves following certain routes on a rock face requiring the use of naturally formed handholds and footholds and uses specialised equipment as a backup safety system.
These guidelines apply to rock climbing on natural rock cliffs, not on artificial structures.
Abseiling, which is descending a cliff by sliding down a rope in a controlled manner, is a skill used by rock climbers or done as a separate activity. Separate guidelines have been developed for abseiling.
Note on lead climbing: Lead climbing involves a climber ascending a rock face, safeguarded by the ongoing placement of protection while belayed from below. The real risks involved in lead climbing are higher and less controllable than other forms of climbing such as top roping or seconding. Due to these risks, students should not be involved in leading rock climbs.
Note on bouldering: Bouldering is an activity in its own right requiring the same techniques found in rock climbing; however, these techniques are usually applied no higher than two metres off the ground. If students are to be offered a bouldering experience a specific safety and risk management plan should be developed with consideration given to the safety guidelines for rock climbing.