Types of Ropes Course

Recreational ropes courses systems

RCD Continuous Belay Systems

There are two systems available. One utilises a track and the other a cable.  Both are double belay systems which allow participants to be on one track or cable whilst keeping the other free for instructors to access any part of the ropes course.  Alternatively, the second track / cable can be used to achieve an even greater throughput of participants.

 

There are advantages and disadvantages of each system; however, cable system is the only option for installation in trees. 

 

Rail System

RCD has perfected this technique over the last twelve years.  Regardless of the main supporting structure we utilise a specialised tracking system which has a number of advantages over any other system.

 

Advantages with an RCD tracking system:

  1. Outstandingly durable
  2. Requires a minimal amount of maintenance and inspection
  3. Can allow participants to change direction (still without unclipping from the rail) to partake in more or less challenging sections
  4. Can permit a high number of participants in each section
  5. Can be built into a building or on poles
  6. Largely removes the need for rescue as participants can pull themselves around the course if necessary
  7. Incredibly smooth rollers allow the trolleys to slide effortlessly and quietly around the course
  8. The supporting steel work can also support the elements which has significant structural advantages
  9. Elements can, if necessary, be used as assisted belay elements (bottom / top rope)
  10. It can be a largely self supporting structure – often negating the need for external guy wires

 

Disadvantages of an RCD tracking system:

  1. Unless an existing design is utilised then the design costs can be considerable – particularly for indoor installations where it needs to be built into and around an existing structure
  2. Material costs are relatively high
  3. For an exposed outdoor location consideration needs to be given to the aesthetic appearance.  Where possible, it is preferable to build it in and around trees
  4. Maximum single span has practical limitations of approximately 16 metres
  5. Elements can not be inclined or declined – e.g. a zip slide

 

RCD Cable System – The Expoglider™

The Expoglider™ system is the only continuous cable system in the world specifically designed for ropes course use. Additionally, it is the only system that can be used for construction in trees.  The Expoglider™ system was designed by the Belgium company Exponent (http://www.exct.be). RCD are shareholders of Exponent and are the UK and Eire agents for the installation of this product.  Aerial Extreme Ltd. are the agents for all recreational sales of this equipment but enquiries can be made through RCD.

 

Advantages of the Expoglider™ system:

  1. The only continuous belay system designed for use in trees.  It is ideally suited for this purpose but can also be installed on poles and indoors
  2. Can accommodate an incline and decline – including a zip wire
  3. Is aesthetically attractive
  4. Can accommodate longer spans than an RCD tracking system
  5. Each individual section comprises an independent cable which allows for separate replacement
  6. Design costs are generally lower than with a tracking system

                                                                                                                 

Disadvantages of the Expoglider™ system:

  1. Structures on poles need to be guyed in most instances
  2. Less durable than a rail system
  3. Less easy for participants to “self- assist” due to the catenary (sag!) in the cable

 

POWERFAN™

The definition of a fan descender is: “A device that will safely and repeatedly control a person’s descent; dissipating the potential energy by means of a fan”.

The POWERFAN™ was developed by RCD but is now owned by DROPZONE™.  It was designed to meet the requirements of the EN: 341 and is the only fan descender that conforms to the exacting requirements of the prEN: 15567 Ropes Courses.

 

The concept behind the POWERFAN™ is to drop participants from a height as rapidly as possible but in all instances for them to land gently on the ground. 

Generally speaking. a fan descender is a recreational product however they are very popular as part of a developmental ropes course as they can be run efficiently and safely with only one member of staff.  Indeed, the POWERFAN™ can also work as an auto belay so participants can be clipped in on the ground – climb to a height and jump off!  Used in this way one instructor can potentially supervise four different fan descenders simultaneously.

 

DROPZONE™ currently only has the 13 metre model available but is developing a variety of models with drops of up to an unbelievable 1000ft!

The POWERFAN™ is available for rent from DROPZONE™ and the rental fee includes all capital costs of the equipment (including upgrades as they become available), all maintenance and all inspection costs.  Additionally there is a 48 hour call out fee to ensure the equipment is always earning clients money.

(Video. Description. Link to DROPZONE™)

 

Recreational Ropes Course Products

RCD Continuous Ropes Courses:
RCD Tracking
RCD Cable – The Expoglider™

DROPZONE™

Zip Wires

3G Swing

Mega Swing

Climbing Poles

Climbing Walls