Abseil 1

I recently took the SNR's Abseil 1 course, since it is the prerequisite to taking Rock 1.

To complete it, I attended two theory nights, and a practical day outdoors. The course was super informative and I found the theory nights to be particularly enjoyable, as it had heaps of knots. I looove knots. As an aside, I was also very impressed with the fold-out knotting boards that were used to teach us the relevant knots. Understanding the different styles of anchoring and setting up top belays was also really fun. I still need a bit more practice on coiling rope the "canyoning style" but I am sure this is a skill I will pick up along the way for Jamboree, or maybe in future!

To complete the theory night I also had to submit a filled-in workbook, and complete several modules on Scout Central (with Lauren's help logging in).

Finally, the abseiling day itself. The abseiling in itself wasn't particularly challenging as I had already been on a canyon with Lauren and survived a "learn as you go" ethos under her care. The day gave me an opportunity to compare the different devices, and see the effects of the non-linear devices on the ropes. I think in the end I came away liking the hydrobot the most. I enjoyed seeing the community of abseilers that Scouts is lucky to have. I hope one day there will be enough Rockcraft-y Guides to make a small community of our own.