What is abseiling?
Abseiling is the process of descending down a rope under controlled conditions
Can I really abseil safely off a building?
Qualified professionals from Zenith Events will provide the expertise and equipment to manage your abseiling challenge. No experience is necessary as all participants will receive sufficient onsite training to effectively descend the building. The roping infrastructure, systems and procedures developed by Zenith Events result in a safe descent experiences. All Zenith Events’ equipment and operations meet or exceed Australian Standards. All participants are secured by 2 ropes, one of which is controlled by your Zenith Events dispatcher. Zenith Events has run many successful abseil events in Australia with a high safety record. They know how to look after a first time abseiler to ensure you feel safe, and have a fun and experience.
Do I need to have abseiling experience to participate?
Although previous experience may make you more comfortable on the day, it is certainly not a requirement for participation. Zenith Events will conduct a thorough briefing and training session with you prior to your descent and will take the time to answer any questions you may have.
Can I forward abseil at the event?
When forward abseiling, the harness can put unwanted pressure on your body resulting in significant discomfort for some people. Noting the length of the abseil off the building Zenith Events does not allow forward abseiling at its events.
Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate in the event?
Currently there is no vaccination mandate to participate in the event. This is subject to change in accordance with Government regulation at the time of the event. If or should the Government regulations change, Participants will be required to show their vaccination certificate at the registration marquee on the event date. In this situation if participants cannot produce a valid vaccination certificate they will not be permitted to participate.
Is the event covered by insurance?
Central Park Plunge event participants are covered by public liability insurance policies maintained by both Zenith Events and the event Charities
Do I need to be a certain age, height, or weight?
Participants must weigh less than 125kg (if your weight is greater than 125kg please contact Zenith Events prior to registering) and be aged 16 and over. Participants under the age of 18 will require the consent of a parent or guardian and a chaperone present (onsite) during the abseil.
Can a person with disabilities, medical conditions or health issues take part?
In most situations yes but you are required to contact the Charity you wish to register with and have them provide approval for registration prior to registering. You may be asked to obtain a doctor’s certificate in order to clear you for participation in the event.
How do I register? How much money do I need to raise?
To register to participate in the Central Park Plunge as an individual or a team, each person will need to select their Charity of choice, complete the online registration form and pay a $100 non-refundable registration fee per person. From this point, participants will need to raise an additional $1,100 per person to qualify to have an abseil. Your personal fund raising page is where you direct donors to donate to your campaign.
How many people can be in one team?
Teams can comprise of 2 or more participants. But please not there will be 4 descent ropes operating. On the day it is likely that participants will descend in multiples of 4 alongside each other.
How do I fundraise?
Fundraising can be an easy and fun experience if you plan and start early. Your Charity of Choice will provide ideas for you. One way to raise your $1,100 is to compile a list of 50 (or 20) people that you know from family, friends and work, and invite each of them to donate $20 (or $50) to your personal fundraising page.
What happens if I don't reach the fundraising target?
When registering for the Central Park Plunge, participants agree to meet a minimum fundraising target of $1,100 by one week prior to the event. If the charity does not feel a participant is making reasonable efforts to fundraiser and/ or the Participant is not meeting fundraising milestones set by the charity; at the discretion of the charity and or Zenith Events the participant can be withdrawn from the event. Most people reach their target easily, however, if you don’t, you may be asked to make up the shortfall or risk forfeiting your spot.
What time should I arrive on the day? How much time should I allow to abseil?
Participants will be asked to arrive on site at Central Park no later than 1 hour prior to their scheduled descent time and allow 2 -2½ hours.
The Central Park Plunge Experience will involve
Meet and greet with Charity staff and volunteers – please arrive dressed to abseil!
Finalisation of paper work and information update
Provision of participant wristband/ valuables storage etc
Escort to safety briefing, equipment fit out and abseil induction with Zenith Events’ staff
Escort to roof
Participant descent
Return to earth to be met by family, friends and colleagues
Photo opportunities
Gear de fit
Further details will be provided prior to the event date via email from your selected Charity
Can I choose my abseil time?
Participants will be provided with a confirmed descent time 2 to 3 weeks prior to the event if they reach their fundraising target of $1100. Every effort will be made to meet requests but the descent times will be allocated by the charity.
All attempts will be made to schedule teams together or in subsequent descents when possible however, factors such as weather conditions, as well as an individual’s pace and experience may impact upon overall timing and scheduling ability throughout the event.
What do I need to bring to the event?
Dress comfortably and wear clear or white rubber-soled shoes to protect the exterior of the building. If you plan on wearing a costume, bear in mind that Zenith Events will have the final say as to the suitability of your attire and that any loose elements will need to be tucked into the harness and or removed. All Jewellery and watches must be removed; it is advised that they be “left at home”. Headwear is not suitable due to the necessity of wearing a helmet and long hair must be tied back. Sunglasses and other eyewear are not permitted unless they are prescription and if worn, they must be secured by a retainer strap supplied by the participant. It is also important to empty all pockets before ascent to the rooftop, as items such as mobile phones; wallets and loose coins can become extremely dangerous falling from a height and are thus not permitted.
Can I bring my friends and family along to watch my descent?
Yes! The more, the merrier. We certainly encourage you to bring plenty of people as your support crew on the day to celebrate in your abseil challenge and achievement. Your supporters will not be able to accompany you to the rooftop however, they will be able to view your descent from the base of the Central Park building. Our event crew will announce your name as you begin your descent so that your supporters can easily spot you and follow your progress. To ensure they do not miss your descent they should arrive at the same time as you do.
Can I take photographs at the event?
Your supporters are welcome to take photos of your participation in the event. Due to safety reasons, we cannot allow cameras or mobile phones to be taken onto the rooftop as you prepare for your descent. We recommend that you leave these personal belongings with a trusted friend on the ground. In addition, photographers on site will be taking general event photographs on roof and ground.
Can I bring my Personal Recording Device?
In the interests of participant, public and staff safety, the only personal recording devices Zenith Events accepts are GoPro Cameras. All of Zenith Events roping helmets are fitted with a Vented Helmet Strap mount. If you choose to use our mount all you will need to bring is your GoPro camera, and case. Alternatively, if you wish to bring your own mounts only genuine GoPro mounts of Chesty, and Head Strap will be accepted. No other cameras, camera mounts or mounts attached to other parts of your body (such as limbs) will be permitted. If supplying your own mount please also bring case and all other connecting clips and screws
What happens if the event is cancelled due to bad weather?
If the event is postponed on the day due to inclement weather in part or whole, the event will be delayed until it is safe to resume (on the day). If resumption is not possible, the event will be canceled and not rescheduled. All donations to the charity partners will be treated as such.