Below you will find all the information you need for the day... 

What to Wear on The Day

Whilst the organisers (The Outer Edge) will provide all technical equipment and expertise for your descent it may well be worth considering the following to make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable:

The starts of zip slides are often exposed to the elements and although ground level conditions may seem calm they can be quite different at the top of a cliff. Furthermore, you will be travelling up to 30mph and it will get quite breezy! It’s therefore recommended that you bring warm and waterproof clothing just in case.

• We would recommend that you wear comfortable, but not baggy, clothing. If you plan to take part in fancy dress that may hinder the fitting of harnesses or get caught up in connecting devices we would advise that you touch base with The Outer Edge crew beforehand so that they can ensure it is suitable.
• Long hair should be tied back (we will bring spare hair bands should you forget). You should remove any dangly earring, necklaces etc.
• Your full weight will be suspended in a harness so you need to ensure your shoes are fastened securely and that all your pockets are empty.
• It is essential that you wear appropriate footwear such as trainers or walking boots – avoid heels, slip ons and flip flops! The way to the start of zipslides may involve climbing ladders and clambering over rails and barriers.
• Glasses should be tied on if there is any chance of them falling off – worn at own risk. We will bring spare glasses retainers should you forget them.

Age Restrictions

All participants must be aged 18 or over unless they are accompanied by a parent/guardian (a minimum age of 14 then applies). The parent/guardian must complete a Parental Consent Form prior to the event which they should bring with them on the day. They will also need to remain within sight and earshot of the minor. The Outer Edge do not recommend an upper age limit for participation however we would recommend that older individuals consult their doctor if they have any concerns about their health or ability.

Weight Restrictions

We can accommodate people up the weight of 18 stone due to the size of equipment and load exerted although they may need to be fitted with extra equipment for their comfort. If you are heavier than 18 stone your can contact The Outer Edge to discuss your participation at jp@the-outeredge.co.uk or 07889 888915. Similarly, any participants under 6 stone should get in touch. The Outer Edge reserves the right to decline an individual’s participation should their build be deemed unsuitable for the activity.

Insurance

The Outer Edge is insured through Jardine Lloyd Thompson and has Public Liability Insurance to the value of £10 million. Products Liability Insurance to £5 million and Employers Liability Insurance to £10 million. Some participants may wish to take out their own Personal Accident Insurance at a small cost.

Medical Conditions and Disabilities

The Outer Edge sees no reason why the thrills of outdoor adventure sports should be enjoyed exclusively by the more able. We provide individual support for participants with medical conditions, disabilities and learning difficulties to ensure their absolute comfort and confidence. Should you have any special requirements you should advise these when asked on your registration form and we will discuss these with you to ensure we can cater for your individual needs. We would specifically recommend that should you have any condition relating to your neck or spine that you contact The Outer Edge to discuss suitability at jp@the-outeredge.co.uk or 07889 888915 . Should it be deemed that someone’s condition or ability puts that person or others at risk they will not be allowed to participate.

Weather

The Outer Edge will endeavour to go ahead with the event in poor conditions but the event will not be able to run in extreme conditions such as snow, lightning or gales as this may compromise safety. If the weather looks severe we will contact you via email with as much notice as possible.

Equipment and Briefing

You will have chosen a time slot when you registered. Please ensure you arrive half an hour before this time in order to register, be briefed by the zipslide instructors and get kitted up before you take that big leap! Please ensure that you arrive promptly as although every effort will be made to accommodate you, timings are very tight and your place cannot be guaranteed if you are late. You will be equipped with a full body harness (the most comfortable harness we could find on the market!) and a helmet. You will then be briefed on the correct technique for descent. Participants are not permitted to use their own equipment. You will be attached to the 6,000kg rated cable via a specialist pulley and rope lanyards. After your slide, a shuttle vehicle will bring you back to the Observatory. You should expect to arrive back there approx. 45mins after you leave.

Important Safety Notes

The Outer Edge insists upon the very highest standards in safety for all their clients and staff taking part in their outdoor activities.

• They reserve the right to prevent an person/s from participating in the event if they are found to be behaving inappropriately or in a manner that is detrimental to the safe provision of the event. This includes those individuals suspected of being under the influence of drink or drugs.
• Viewing from the top of the zip slide is only permitted with Senior Instructor authority.
• Due to the low melting point of much of the equipment, smoking or lit materials are not permitted.
• Participants will be required to listen carefully to and follow any directions given by the instructor.

Staff Qualifications and Experience

The Outer Edge’s activities are led by highly experienced and appropriately qualified outdoor instructors. Their instructors hold a huge variety of outdoor qualifications – including the Single Pitch Award and Mountaineering Industry Award. Their staff have a unique blend of knowledge and extensive experience together with a friendly and approachable disposition with the ability to provide individual support and encouragement. They only recruit the most professional staff that are skilled in communicating so you can easily understand what you need to do, alleviate any concerns and are free to enjoy the experience to the full.

Nervous or Anxious Participants

We know how daunting it may be to step off the edge. No-one will ever be forced to participate but you will be actively encouraged and supported to complete your challenge.

Above all, relax and enjoy!