Ropes course

High elements are usually constructed in trees or made of utility poles and require a belay for safety.

“Hébertism” grew during and between the World Wars, becoming the standard for physical education training for the French military.

Recent technological advances in pole hardware and climbing equipment along with industry-accepted installation and design practices have greatly reduced the risk to end users and to the natural environment.

Modern courses make use of a variety of materials other than trees, including utility poles and steel structures.

They do not follow a specific educational concept, but see the individual, physical and mental challenge as a predominantly recreational activity.

With a static course, participants are attached to an upper wire, belay cable, with lanyards (ropes and carabiners) for safety.

Participants on a dynamic course remain on a belay the entire time: climbing up to the element, doing the activity, and being lowered to the ground after.

Low ropes courses consist of a series of real and imaginary obstacles designed to challenge groups and individuals to work together to accomplish a task.

In certain cases, high element programs involve the development and mastery of technical skills to manage rope belay systems used to secure other climbers as they move through the course.

Some of the commonly claimed outcomes include enhancement of cooperation, decision making, self confidence, positive risk-taking, social cohesion, trust, self esteem, leadership, goal setting, and teamwork.

In addition to these commonly cited benefits, a study published in 2000 in the Journal of Leisure Research found that ropes courses also demonstrate higher-level outcomes, including increases in effectiveness and efficiency, building relationships, developing understanding, setting goals, brainstorming ideas and task accomplishment.

To pass the Commando Course, recruits must complete this and other arduous tests consecutively under a strict time limit.