what is a low ropes course?

by Richmond Trantow Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago 10 min read

Low Ropes Course

To bring a group together using teamwork activities
To develop trust within a group
To identify leaders
To enhance communication within a group
To increase the participant’s sense of personal confidence
To develop an increased level of agility and physical coordination
To develop an increased familiarity and identification with the natural world

A low ropes course is a series of individual and group physical challenges that require a combination of teamwork, skills, and commitment. Constructed of cable, rope and wood, courses are constructed outdoors to blend in with the natural environment.

Full Answer

How to make your own backyard ropes course?

Make a sponge bucket brigade. Fill one bucket with water and give each kid a large sponge. ...
Play "stepping stones." Give a group of three kids four pieces of paper. Have them cross the backyard by only stepping on the pieces of the paper. ...
Make a "mummy" obstacle by having one kid wrap a friend from head to toe in toilet paper.

How to build low ropes course?

Ropes Course Services and Construction

High Ropes Construction. Years of experience allow Common Ground Adventures to build safe, fun, long-lasting High Ropes Courses according to ACCT standards.
Low Ropes Construction. ...
Training. ...
Program Development. ...
Course Management. ...
Course Inspections. ...
Course Repair. ...

What are some advantages of building a rope bridge?

eight 4-inch x 8-foot A-frame legs
four 3-inch x 6-foot ledgers
fourteen 1/4-inch x 15-foot lashing ropes for Square Lashings
one 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch x 50-foot rope
two 1/2-inch x 50-foot hand ropes
five 1/4-inch x 8-foot stringer ropes
six 1/4-inch x 10-foot lashing ropes for Strop Lashings
six pioneering stakes for each 3-2-1 anchor

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What is ropes course or challenge courses?

WHAT WE OFFER:

C ustomized adventure-based programs in line with your group’s goals and budget
Programs of varying length depending on your group’s schedule
Highly skilled facilitators specializing in different types of clients
Portable ground-based activities that can be provided at any location
Programs can be scheduled any day of the week during daylight hours

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What is the purpose of a low ropes course?

Low Ropes. Low Ropes challenge students to overcome obstacles and solve problems as a team. They must work together in small groups to achieve goals while learning communication skills, patience, innovative thinking, and problem solving techniques.

What is the purpose of a ropes course?

Purpose. Ropes course advocates claim that they meet a number of educational, developmental, and recreational goals. High ropes course and climbing programs generally focus on personal achievements and ask participants to confront their personal fears and anxieties. Challenges may be physical and/or emotional.

What are some general elements of low ropes course?

Good for problem solving.Creative Thinking.Collaboration.Communication.Patience.

What does ropes stand for ropes course?

Introduction. "ROPES" is an acronym for "Repetitive Obstacle Performance Evaluation. System," an outdoor course that presents a number of physical and. mental challenges best solved through group decisionmaking and. participation.

What are rope activities?

Here are a few of our favorite jump rope games to get kids moving and having fun!Single-Rope Skills. For kids playing alone, a jump rope is a great toy to get active. ... Jump Rope Rhymes. ... Snake. ... Banana Split. ... Partner Jumping. ... Helicopter. ... Water Splash. ... Jump Rope Relay.More items...•

What is high rope?

A high ropes course is built in the trees or made of utility poles and involves crawling, abseiling and climbing around obstacles up to 50 feet in the air. Participants wear harnesses and are attached to a safety line before tackling ladders, bridges, tunnels and zip lines.

What is the Wild Woozy?

Wild Woozy: Cables are installed between three trees in a narrow “V” about 12” from the ground. The objective is for two people, each on a separate cable, starting at the narrow end of the "V", to stand facing each other. They must support each other as they walk towards the wide end of the “V” without falling.

What is Nitro Crossing?

An entire group must cross a “ravine,” carrying with them a container of “nitro” fluid. Group members may not touch the ground or spill any of the nitro. Variations for Accomplishing the Event. • Accomplish the task with nonverbal communication.

What is the ropes model of public relations?

The ROPE formula breaks down the public relations campaign process into four sequential steps -- research, objectives, programming and evaluation. Using ROPE as a template from the start of a PR initiative helps you analyze, plan, implement and control your campaigns within a formal structure.

What is the rope model and how is it used?

The ROPES model is designed to have a facilitator sequentially teach a new topic or concept (knowledge, skill, or attitude) to learners. The content is delivered through a step-by-step process to help ensure learning will occur.

Availability, Group size, Requesting a workshop

Maximum group size: 50. We can and have accommodated groups as large as 150 people on our low ropes course. We are more than happy to talk about how we can accommodate your larger group.

Elements at the low ropes course

We utilize two low ropes courses, one located at the high ropes course (Kennedy Elementary School) and one located at our own course near the UW Physical Sciences Lab. The elements at both locations are listed below:

Alligator Crossing – Low Ropes Course

3 Alligator Platforms 1 6′ 2×8 board Cross the alligator river without being eaten! The Alligator Crossing is a series of platforms set out approximately 8 feet apart that the group must cross using a 6 foot board. Each platform becomes progressively smaller. The object is to get the entire group from behind a line on the ground onto each …

Mohawk Walk – Low Ropes Course

This is a popular standard ropes course element constructed on poles or trees. Mohawk Walk The Mohawk Walk is series of footcables strung between trees or poles, typically in a zig zag pattern. The object is to get the entire group from the first tree to the last without touching the ground, and without the aid of foreign objects (sticks, …

Nitro Crossing

profesionaly installed and inspected cable with rope swing attached. Platforms and or hula hoops. Teams must swing across an imaginary obstacle (River; Canyon; Lava Pit; Quick sand) while safely transporting resources with them.

Porthole – Low Ropes Course

åÊ Porthole The Porthole is constructed by suspending a tire between poles or trees. The objective is to cross from one side of the porthole to the other without touching the porthole. The group must create a plan that takes participant physical ability and size to lift, pass, and spot participants in order to get them through. Photo courtesy of …

Swinging Log – Low Ropes Course

åÊ Swinging Log The Swinging Log is a popular ropes course element that is constructed between trees or poles. A tree or log is suspended with cables between trees or poles, making it very difficult to stand on. The objective is to perform various group balancing tasks on top of the log. Sample Tasks Have individuals stand on one end …

Tee Pee Shuffle – Low Ropes Course

åÊ Tee Pee Shuffle The Tee Pee Shuffle is simply a log or pole on the ground that groups can balance on. You can make one with more of a finished look by elevating the log. The objective is to have the group perform various tasks while balanced on the log. Photo courtesy of Experience Based Learning, Inc. Sample Tasks …

Whale Watch – Low Ropes Course

åÊ Whale Watch The Whale Watch is a popular ropes course activity that is constructed by create a large platform with a see saw action, which imitates the rocking back and forth of a ship. The objective is to have the group perform various functions on the platform without allowing the edges of the platform to touch the ground.. Photo …

What is ropes course?

A ropes course is a challenging outdoor personal development and team building activity which usually consists of high and/or low elements. Low elements take place on the ground or above the ground. High elements are usually constructed in trees or made of utility poles and require a belay for safety.

Where was the first ropes course?

Many ropes courses and challenge course programs in French Canada and Europe are still known as Hébertism courses today. Marble, Colorado, the site of the first Colorado Outward Bound course, has been cited as the location of the first ropes course in the US, although this is highly unlikely.

What is a static rope course?

With a static course, participants are attached to an upper wire, belay cable, with lanyards ( ropes and carabiners) for safety. If the participant dangles, they will be caught by the wire.

What is the purpose of ropes?

Why are obstacle courses used?

Obstacle courses have been used by the military to train soldiers as far back as the ancient Greeks. Those courses, however, were primarily used for the training of extremely fit individuals and not necessarily aimed at the development of unremarkable persons as is common practice on ropes courses today.

What is vertical course?

A vertical course is very similar to dynamic, except that the element is the climb up. Vertical courses can be: vertical obstacle courses with hanging logs, ladders, and tires or alpine towers with their unique hour-glass shape of activities.

What are the advantages of static courses?

Advantages of a static course include needing fewer facilitators, being able to get more participants up on the course at one time, and allowing participants to do multiple elements without having to be lowered and climb back up after each.

A Ropes Course Near You

As a national company, we have the resources to lead a ropes course in your region. Just let us know where you are and we can provide details about the challenges and suggest the best site to match your group’s interest, fitness level and location.

Benefits

Integrates an enjoyable activity to break up a multi-day meeting or celebrates success.

Blend with Corporate Training

The support and cooperation gained on the Low Ropes Course transfers effectively to the High Ropes Course; combine these experiences with one of our corporate training modules such as Strengths Performance or Problem-solving for Teams.

What is a low ropes course?

A low ropes course is an excellent military style addition to any workout regimen. The assembly requires a few tools and a bit of planning, but can be accomplished over a weekend. Low ropes courses are useful for working on muscles that often get over-looked at the gym.

How much space do you need for a low ropes course?

Measure the amount of open space available to install the low ropes course. You need at least 50 to 100 feet of open outdoor space . Note the dimensions on a piece of paper, and decide what obstacles to build.

How many pieces of rope do you need for a low rope net?

This means that you will need 4 pieces of rope for the 18-foot sections, and 7 pieces of rope for the 9-foot sections.

How much rope do I need for a 9 foot pole?

This means that you will need 4 pieces of rope for the 18-foot sections, and 7 pieces of rope for the 9-foot sections. Leave an extra 4 feet of rope on each corner piece of the 18-foot lengths so there is enough to tether the rope to the pole when it is assembled. Lay these pieces out on the ground as you would a grid, ...

How many hurdles can a series of single ropes be suspended horizontally?

A series of single ropes can be suspended horizontally at varied heights to represent 4 small successive hurdles. Once you have drawn out the course calculate the amount of rope that will be necessary by adding together the measurements in feet.

How to tie a 15 foot rope?

For a 15-foot tight rope assume that you will need extra at each end to tie the rope to the pole. The rope for the tight rope should be very thick sturdy rope that will not break under the weight of a person. Use the large scissors or sharp knife to cut the rope to the appropriate length.

How deep should I bury a rope pole?

If installing a low tight rope then it will be necessary to bury the poles 18 inches to 2 feet into the ground. Hammer the wooden stake into the deep hole, and firmly pack all of the dirt back in. Measure the rope necessary for each area.

the spider's web

The Web (or Spiders web) challenges participants to carefully move their team from one side of the giant web to the other side without touching the web itself. Consequences are applied when participants accidentally cross the line, or overstep their boundaries while trying to be successful.

Group Wall

This group event challenges participants to carefully move their team up and over to the other side of the vertical wall. Once a person has gone over the wall they are no longer able to help lift- thus leaving the last person to get up and over the wall with only the help of the last two people to make it to the platform.

Zig Zag Crossing

This group event challenges participants to carefully move their team across the open area using only each other, the five platforms and the three planks provided. Consequences are applied when participants or a plank accidentally touch the ground while trying to be successful.

The Nitro Crossing

During the Nitro Crossing event participants must pass over an imaginary canyon transporting everyone safely using only a swinging rope and each other. Variations on this activity provide several different scenarios and potential outcomes. Group members will have a blast solving this highly energizing problem together.

The Whale Watch

This Whale Watch event challenges participants to carefully maintain balance as their team shifts responsibilities (moves) from one side of the giant teeter totter to the other side. If either end of the platform touches the ground, the group must revisit the pan and try again.

The T.P. Shuffle

This T.P Shuffle event challenges participants to trade places on the pole (switch roles in the organizations) without losing their personal balance, another teammate’s balance or the balance of the whole organization. A variety of variations to this activity keep it lively and full of learning potential for all groups.

The Adventure Walk

The Adventure Walk is a series of events that are typically found on a high ropes course. During this event participants must get through a series of obstacles that increase with difficulty as the event progresses. Spotters are used to help keep each participant from stepping off the element and touching the ground.

Overview

Types of courses

A high course can be a pre-fabricated, professionally installed course, built of utility poles, cables, and bolts, or it can be a course that is hand-built in a wooded area, where ropes and wire are attached to different trees.
Ropes courses can be described as static, dynamic, vertical, and M-Belay. With a static course, participants are attached to an upper wire, belay cable, with lanyards (ropes and carabiners) fo…

Terminology

Ropes courses are referred to using several different names, including Challenge Courses, Ropes Challenge Courses, Teams Course, and Low Ropes, as well as more idiosyncratic names such as the Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience (Project COPE) course (used by the Boy Scouts of America).
An Aerial Adventure Park (or "European-Style" Adventure Park, Tree-Top Adventure course) has …

History

It is unclear where and when the first ropes course was created. Obstacle courses have been used by the military to train soldiers as far back as the ancient Greeks. Those courses, however, were primarily used for the training of extremely fit individuals and not necessarily aimed at the development of unremarkable persons as is common practice on ropes courses today. The use of belay and risk management systems on such courses was limited or often non-existent.

Modern courses

Since the 1980s, ropes course sophistication has evolved considerably. Modern ropes courses incorporate sophisticated belay and safety systems using wire rope, friction devices, and climbing harnesses to manage what before were unmanaged risks. 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. …

Purpose

Ropes course advocates claim that they meet a number of educational, developmental, and recreational goals. High ropes course and climbing programs generally focus on personal achievements and ask participants to confront their personal fears and anxieties. Challenges may be physical and/or emotional. 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. In such cases, outcomes often include exploring the fun…

Research

Despite the rapid development of ropes course programming during the latter part of the 20th century and the increasing sophistication and professionalism in ropes course construction, there remains a lack of clear scientific consensus about the many claimed psychosocial training benefits of ropes course participation.