Award Description
Our Rock Skills courses are designed to provide structured training opportunities for people who want to learn more and become independent climbers. There are three different levels so that complete beginners and those with more experience can choose the most appropriate starting point.
This course is ideal for beginner climbers; those who have never climbed on rock and those with limited experience of climbing indoors. No previous experience is necessary as the course is designed to teach you the basics.
Minimum age: 12.
Contact time: minimum 8 hours.
Climbing experience required: none
Background and Planning. An awareness of the types of places you can climb in the UK and Ireland, how to use guidebooks and mobile devices to find crags and routes, crag etiquette and the work of the mountaineering councils.
Climbing Skills. Fundamental movement skills and climbing styles.
Footwear and Equipment. Footwear and equipment selection and how to use the kit you choose.
Technical Skills. Tying into a harness, belaying, spotting and how to abseil.
Environmental Knowledge. The impact of climbers at the crag, ethics, access and environmental considerations for climbers.
Hazards and Emergency Procedures. Identifying hazards, managing risk, understanding common injuries, how to get help and the role of Mountain Rescue and associated emergency services.
Progression after this course could involve gaining further climbing experience with friends or through a climbing club.
A Rock Skills Intermediate course is the next step in the Rock Skills pathway.