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Information for abseiling at Boars Head Rock which is an obvious rock formation west of Katoomba, clearly visible from Narrow Neck. Unfortunately the gullies in the area tend to channel the breeze. The route is quite exposed, so best for experienced abseilers. However, it can be rigged with safety lines, so can be suitable for beginners comfortable with some exposure, Being mostly south facing, it can be very cold and windy.
Guiding Ratios
Guiding Ratios
Overall Numbers: Guide to Participants ratio 1:5. Max group size 10.
Active Participants: 1 x abseil guide/instructor dispatching at top and 1 x abseil guide/instructor to establish the lower belay station to a maximum of 1 x active belay system in use
Non Active Participants: This site has no safe space for non active participants.
Park at a pull in area on the SE corner of Cliff Dr, 100m south of Cahills Lookout (signposted). Walk down a well-constructed track, signposted "Climbers Only" for 150m to the end. Boars Head Rock is the obvious rock formation to the west across a narrow gully. Look for a set of chains on the slope towards the gully. This is the start of the abseil route.
Packing List
Packing List
Client Gear:
Harness + descending device- 1 per client
Helmet - 1 per client
Safety Leash for harness - 2 per clients
Abseil Glove - 1 per client
Ropes and Rigging
50m Static Rope - 2
5m Safety Line -1
Rigging Carabiners - 6
Bolt Plates - 4
Rope Protections - 2
Safety:
First Aid Kit
PLB
Bothy Bag Shelter
Spare Warm Layers for Client
Site Specific Information
Site Specific Information
Cahill Lookout Carpark railings can be used to demonstrate and practise rope traverse technique before starting the abseil day.
Clients must be aware that a multi pitch abseil is a committing activity - there are extremely limited options to bail out once the abseiling starts.
Clients must be aware of the challenging physical aspects of the day, including the walkout via Devils Hole.
Boars Head is exposed to the wind with little option for shelter in stages. Have adequate warm layers for every client, hard shells work well for windchill. Don't wait until clients are cold, layer up if its a windy or cold day.
For further briefing information click through the below steps.
Rigging for Boars Head
Rigging for Boars Head
Abseil 1 (23m):
Abseil 1 (23m):
Top rope belay/ releasable abseil system to be used.
Clients to be instructed to wait on the downhill side of the bottom of the abseil, away from the cliff edge.
Traverse Pitch :
Traverse Pitch :
1st Guide to rig traverse line from ring bolt at begging of slot. 20m of rope needed with spare carabiners and bolt plates. Guide must always be on a safety line when rigging.
Guide to demonstrate safely moving across safety line, maintaining 1 safety line attachment at all times and checking that carabiners are closed when moving.
Guide to manage client transition from safety line to abseil 2.
NOTE: Technique for moving along safety line can be practised in the Cahill lookout carpark before the day begins, using the handrail as a rigging point for practise traverse line. This is better suited for larger or inexperienced groups.
Abseil 2 (15m):
Abseil 2 (15m):
Top rope belay/ releasable abseil system to be used.
Tight squeeze through slot, clients given instruction if needed
Clients received by 2nd guide at bottom of abseil. Clients must be on a safety line before being taken off top belay.
Abseil 3 (25m) :
Abseil 3 (25m) :
Top rope belay/ releasable abseil system to be used. Guide should tie in top belay to prevent carabiners getting lodged on retrieval.
Clients at base of abseil to shelter beneath overhang and be aware of the heightened danger of falling rocks.
Abseil 4 (27m):
Abseil 4 (27m):
Top rope belay/ releasable abseil system to be used. Guide should tie in top belay to prevent carabiners getting lodged on retrieval.
Clients at base of abseil to move out of line of site of the abseil and be aware of the heightened danger of falling rocks.
Abseil 5 (50m):
Abseil 5 (50m):
Top rope belay/ releasable abseil system to be used.
Clients will not be visible after first ledge to top belayer. Clients should be verbally advised on what to expect and look for on their decent. Belayer should feel partial weight of client in top belay and monitor speed of decent.
Rope retrieval will have drag due to the overhanging ledges.
ALT ABSEIL DESCRIPTION + Image
Obstacles for Boars Head
Obstacles for Boars Head
Down Scramble between Abseil 1 and traverse pitch
Down Scramble between Abseil 1 and traverse pitch
Guide shows way down gully and out to traverse pitch
Guide demonstrates safe moving technique, staying low to the ground, quadrupedal movement when needed
The presence of seen and unseen cliffs is pointed out the clients and the 2m cliff safety rule applies.
Emergency Exit Points
Emergency Exit Points
Bailout after 2nd abseil to cahill lookout possible reversing of 1st abseil
Phone Reception
Phone Reception
Where do we get and not get phone reception?
Site Specific Interpretations
Site Specific Interpretations
Cliff formation:
The Blue Mountains are said to be millions of years old, when the sea completely covered the region. Beginning when large clumps of residue dropped into the seawater to cover the floor, eventually compressing into hard sandstone and shale rocks. Once the water began to lower, the large rocks created an uneven stretch of land. The sandstone and shale were left at the arms of the natural elements, with erosion by the water, wind, and even volcanic eruptions slowly forming the familiar mountains, rock formations, canyons that we can see today. The entire formation took around 250 million years to complete.
Click here for more interpretations for the Blue Mountains Region
Toileting
Toileting
There are no on site toilet facilities. Clients should be advised on this before starting the day.
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