If you enjoy high level excitement then why not step boldly over the edge of a near-vertical rock face?

Abseiling (or rappelling) is a classic outdoor adventure challenge, which anyone can enjoy. You don`t need experience to enter this vertical world, just a desire to overcome a natural fear of heights and give it a go. The feeling of achievement when you reach the base of the cliff is ample reward.

It is basically a controlled free-fall where friction is exerted on the abseil rope through a metal descending device (usually a figure-of-eight or a ladder rack). You have total control of the rate of descent by holding the abseil rope. Strength is not required, just good abseil technique, which qualified instructors can teach you in a couple of hours.

So tighten up your locking carabiner, check the abseil and belay rope anchors, lay back to the horizontal and step lively down the rock wall. Savour the feeling of conquering vertical space - it`s a real buzz. The only thing you must take care of is that you should have a professional to guide you before you attempt such adventure sports.