Safety
We want everyone who comes to Vertical Descents to have a memorable and fun experience, this is why your health and safety is so important to us.
Our main activities specialise in the rock and water environment, fraught with hazards like cold water, slippery rocks and large drops, meaning our guides need to be trained to the highest standard in order to manage you and your group safely through this environment.
We have a great safety record with all of our activities running within our strict in-house risk management polices. Health and safety is of the highest importance.
Your Adventure
Vertical Descents prides itself on giving the highest adventurous experiences capable of its clients, we aim to find out a little about you and what you want to do and then tailor activities to your ability, this is why we have such a large selection of activities on offer.
Adventure Activities Licensing
Vertical Descents currently has an AALA's License for each centre. This allows us to take under 18s on adventurous activities without a parent. Cornwall AALA's Number - L9541 / R1659
Scotland AALA's Number - L10159
Equipment
The environment we are in is cold and tough on equipment. We have tested equipment over the years to make sure you don't shiver all the way through your experience. Vertical Descents have great relationships with manufacturers working on equipment design and wetsuit design to make your experience warm and comfortable. We are a test centre for Cskins wetsuits and Lyon equipment.
Canyoning Safety
Ben Starkie MD of Vertical Descents Scotland is currently the chairman of the British Canyoning Association and head of training for UK Canyon guides, developing best practice techniques and training courses for canyon guides across the UK.
Our Scotland team are constantly looking out for new canyon routes on Google earth and OS maps. We are responsible for many first descents in Scotland and have travelled the world canyoning. This combined with the development of a tight in-house training structure give us the ability to guide you through a range of canyons.
Coasteering Safety
Sam Starkie MD of Vertical Descents Cornwall has been heavily involved in the development of the National Coasteering forum designed to proved best practice guidance for activity centers providing Coasteering. Sam is the Cornish regional rep for the NCC.
Parental consent form
Health and safety policy
Risk assessments
Declaration of risk for each activity
Child protection policy
