ROCK CLIMBING INSTRUCTOR

We run both Rock Climbing Instructor training and assessment courses using our centre in Eryri (Snowdonia), North Wales, as an ideal base. We use some of the most highly qualified, competent and diversely experienced course staff in the UK to run these courses.

Mountain Training courses aim to inspire, enable and develop people in climbing and mountaineering through the provision of nationally and internationally recognised skills training and leadership qualifications. You can learn more about their vision, mission and ethos here.

The Rock Climbing Instructor is all about taking people climbing and abseiling on single pitch crags and artificial structures.

Rock Climbing Instructor TRAINING

Training Dates:

16th – 18th August 2023

13th -15th December 2023

Cost:

£230 non residential
£260 with self catered accommodation

Before booking on to an Rock Climbing Instructor training course you need to have registered with Mountain Training and have an up to date Dlog. You should have 15 led routes which must be graded with traditional protection, 15 led routes at a climbing wall and 5 led routes on outdoor bolt protected sport climbs.

Our training course will be held on a mixture of crags, each of a different rock type. This will enable a full and varied Rock Climbing Instructor training course that will give you experience in setting up many different anchors. All aspects of the syllabus will be covered with extra time built in to re-address the topics you want to concentrate on. The course will be based from Arete Outdoor Centre.

ROCK CLIMBING INSTRUCTOR TRAINING PROGRAMME

Day 1: Initial introductions at the centre before moving on to an overview of the requirements and the skills needed to be a Rock Climbing Instructor. Particularly looking at choice of venue, group management, crag etiquette, use of guidebooks/identifying routes, ability to lead Severe and protect a second climber, a controlled lower and abseil, correct use of equipment and top and bottom rope systems.

Day 2: A visit to a local climbing wall to look at development of warming up and injury avoidance, bouldering/movement, correct use of equipment, personal climbing skills, group management and managing an assistant and supervising the session.

Day 3: Looking at the development of the management and organisation of a group at a crag, current conservation practices and access legislation, top and bottom rope systems using a mix of appropriate anchors, a range of belay devices and techniques for different situations and running group abseils. Return to the centre for debriefs to finish by 1630.

Rock Climbing Instructor ASSESSMENT

Assessment Dates:

8th – 9th February 2024

Cost:

£160 non residential
£175 with self catered accommodation

To book on an Rock Climbing Instructor assessment you need to have either attended an Rock Climbing Instructor training course or have exemption from Mountain Training. For assessment you must have led 40 graded rock climbs with traditional protection, 20 of which need to be at Severe. Be proficient in the use of climbing walls and have a minimum of 30 climbing leads graded at F4 or above, assisted in the supervision of 20 instructed sessions and a current first aid certificate.

The Rock Climbing Instructor assessment will be run from Arete Centre. We will give you every opportunity to demonstrate your climbing skills at the Rock Climbing Instructor level. Our instructors are all experienced and very aware of the standard required so you receive a fair assessment.

ROCK CLIMBING INSTRUCTOR ASSESSMENT PROGRAMME

Day 1: Course introductions and the assessment process. We will look at choice of venue, group management at a crag, conservation practices, awareness of crag etiquette, use of guidebooks and identifying routes. Also assess your ability to lead climb at the Severe grade and protect a second climber, correct use of equipment, top and bottom rope systems and an appropriate group abseil. Evening session will be at a climbing wall to cover; use of equipment, personal climbing skills, group management, managing an assistant and supervising and delivering an indoor session.

Day 2: Visiting a second appropriate crag we will continue to assess group management at a crag, conservation practices, awareness of crag etiquette, correct use of equipment, top and bottom rope systems. We will also look at current access legislation, belay devices and techniques appropriate to different situations and running group abseils. Return to the centre for debriefs to finish by 1630.13

RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION

If you choose to include the accommodation option this will be at Arete Centre. We have a mix of shared rooms, or for a premium a single room can be booked. The accommodation is for one night after the first day and includes lunch on both days, an evening meal and breakfast on the second day. Extra nights can be added before and after the course. There is plenty of space to relax in the evenings include a friendly public house just 100m away. For more details on accommodation check out the information on the website.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Take a look at the Mountain Training Syllabus for full information on the qualification.