The Big Rappel

Outward Bound makes history with the first-ever abseil down the The Empire State Building

On 6 May 2024, twenty brave Outward Bound supporters abseiled down the Empire State Building in New York today – along with celebrity participant Jared Leto, and supported by our Trustee, Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice.

The event – the first of its kind – is raising funds for Outward Bound in the UK and other Outward Bound partners around the world. Participants' total donations so far exceed £2.4 million.

“Bringing young people out of their comfort zones and supporting them to achieve something they never thought possible is what Outward Bound is all about. I am so happy to offer my support as a Trustee and I am a great admirer of Outward Bound and all they stand for - these participants really are an inspiration.” Said Princess Beatrice.

Bringing young people out of their comfort zones and supporting them to achieve something they never thought possible is what Outward Bound is all about

Her Royal Highness, Princess Beatrice

Leto kicked off the Big Rappel, which spans nearly 900 feet from the building’s iconic spire down to the 30th floor.

“Recently, I climbed up the fin of the Empire State Building to announce Thirty Seconds to Mars’ world tour and now as the tour begins, I’m excited to head the opposite direction and rappel down to shine a light on the incredible work of Outward Bound.” said Jared Leto. “I’ve always admired Outward Bound and how they inspire people around the globe to transform their lives through adventure, challenge, experience, and discovery.”

Outward Bound is a worldwide educational and charitable network whose mission is to change young people’s lives through challenge, learning, and adventure.

Martin Davidson, our Chief Executive, said: “It is awesome to put on this event at the Empire State Building. Outward Bound has been supporting young people to push through and challenge themselves for the last 85 years, and the participants of the Big Rappel will be showing that appetite for adventure in abundance!

“In the UK, Outward Bound inspires thousands of young people every year to achieve something they never thought possible by taking them from inner-city environments into our national parks where they experience the extraordinary and learn what they are truly capable of.

It’s so great to see the rappelers in action – they really are an inspiration!”