Abseiling is an often used technique for descending down walls and cliffs. If you are going on hiking, trekking or climbing excursions it is likely that you will need to learn or participate in abseiling. Needless to say you should never under take the activity unless you have been well instructed or with an instructor. It is quite a technical activity and because it involves heights, ropes and general control there are obviously some risks involved. If it is done in a safe and controlled environment then there should be very little risk of injury or danger. There are several locations where abseiling is prohibited due to environmental conditions and stipulations. You should always make sure that you know the terrain where you are doing the activity.
You should always abseil with at least one partner for a variety of reasons. The first is it is safer as you often need someone to belay for you. The second is that if you are unlucky enough to have an accident then you will have someone to help you out and alert others in case of a rescue. If a rescue is needed then they can be expensive because of the potential of inaccessibility.
As mentioned there are obvious risks involved with the activity. You can have simple injuries such as bruises and cuts however there is the potential for more serious accidents. It is always advised to wear the appropriate safety equipment however because of the risks involved abseiling is classed as a Grade 3 hazardous activity.
