Rock Climbing Instructor Training
The Rock Climbing Instructor is the nationally recognised qualification that covers the skills required to safely supervise groups in the single pitch crag environment and on climbing walls.
To give you the best learning opportunities, we make use of the huge variety of different crags on our doorstep so you can practice clipping bolts both inside on the resin, outside on the limestone, as well as climbing on the famous gritstone trad routes.
We are one of the most experienced providers of the Rock Climbing Instructor scheme in the UK.
Who is it for ?
The course is suitable for climbers who want to work with groups in the outdoor sector, schools or in the voluntary sector. It is also useful for individual climbers who want to expand their knowledge and become safer climbers, demonstrating rock climbing good practice.
Rock Climbing Instructor Training – Overview
Over three days (09:00 to 17:00) we discuss, and practice, the hard skills of teaching and managing groups in the more dynamic outdoor climbing environment and also on one day indoors. Importantly we also discuss the soft skills so you can reflect on your coaching style and understand the challenges different groups or individuals face when climbing
In Apr 2018 the qualification changed its name from Single Pitch Award to Rock Climbing Instructor in alignment with the renaming of the other climbing qualifications administered by Mountain Training. The scheme is very similar and assessment is almost identical to the SPA. Candidates who hold SPA training need no conversion to be assessed under the new award name.
At the end of the course you will receive detailed feedback on any areas that you may need to improve on together with an action plan and a realistic timetable to assessment.
Rock Climbing Instructor Training – Course Format
The course is largely practical in nature and will be spent at two different crags and an indoor wall.
A typical outline of the three days is:
Day 1 – Introductions, you, us, Mountain Training and the course. After some discussion on the climbing environment (access, organisations,etiquette, and environmental issues) we head out to a local crag. We look at personal skills in ascent and descent and the equipment that we use for this, group management and some of the soft skills useful for different types of groups.
Day 2 – The day is spent at one of our international standard local climbing walls. We cover working in this different environment and the opportunities and challenges it presents.
Day 3 – We head to the crag and polish the skills learnt the previous day. We consider some typical scenarios of what might go wrong, the importance of avoidance but in extremis, how as a Rock Climbing Instructor you can solve them.
At the end of the course, we will give individual feedback and help you to develop an action plan, including a realistic date for assessment.
Course Details
- Location: Peak District
- Cost: £255 per person
- Duration: 3 days
- Ratio: 1:4
- Level: Instructor
More Information
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Course Dates
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Bespoke Dates and Locations
If there are two or more of you that want training, and you would like some different dates or a specific location please contact the office and we will arrange something to suit your diary.
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Meeting Point
The course will meet at The Sir William Hotel at 0900 in the village of Grindleford. The village has good bus and train links with Sheffield and good train links to Manchester.
The hotel has ample free parking.
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Equipment Required
In addition to your normal climbing clothing (including waterproofs), you will need to bring your personal climbing equipment and food for the day.
A suggested equipment checklist together with some tips and links to gear reviews is in the joining instructions.
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Recommended Reading
We give some suggestions below, but more detailed suggestions together with a host of helpful links and videos are contained in our Rock Climbing Instructor Training Joining Instructions
- The Rock Climbing Instructor Scheme Handbook contains all the details of the syllabus and the remit of the award.
- The official handbook of Mountain Training’s climbing schemes is Rock Climbing essential skills & techniques Libby Peter.
- The BMC have a range of useful articles and a dedicated video site BMC TV covering a range of climbing issues.
- Mountain Training also have a YouTube channel, which can be found here.
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Eligibility
Before you book onto a Rock Climbing Instructor training course, make sure you have done the following:
- You must be registered on the scheme. You can do this here.
You must have an up to date logbook (preferably DLOG) with evidence of the following:
- 15 led routes which must be graded rock climbs with traditional protection.
- 15 led routes at a climbing wall.
- 5 led routes which must be outdoor bolt protected sport climbs
Some answers to frequently asked DLOG questions can be found on the Mountain Training website here.
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Accommodation Options
This Beyond the Edge course is non-residential to allow you to select between a thermarest or 5 star hotel as you require.
There is lots of accommodation in the Hope Valley and we recommend The Sir William which offers BtE clients a discount and this course runs from here.
Further details and other options are listed on our Accommodation page.
If you are struggling to find something or want something special, contact the office and we will endeavour to assist.
FAQs
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How do I book ?
The best way is via this webpage. Choose the date from the options on the above and then submit your booking and request an invoice or pay. If your course is under six weeks away you must pay the full amount.
For bespoke events get in touch first so we can check diaries and if required give you a quote. Get in touch by either calling the office on 01142 631 155 or emailing us.
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Does the course include accommodation ?
Not usually! We prefer to let you choose where you will be most comfortable. This may be in a tent or in a luxury hotel.
In the Peak District we work out of the The Sir William hotel. This is a comfortable Inn with stunning views over the Hope valley and it also serves great food. We recommend that you stay here as they are well versed in looking after walkers and climbers, offer a discount to BtE clients and it’s a 30 second commute from the breakfast table to our meeting room! Further details and other options are listed on our accommodation page.
If this doesn’t suit you for whatever reason, further accommodation options can be found on our accommodation page.
For bespoke courses and events we can arrange whatever you desire from a bivouac under the stars to a spa hotel.
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Children, Parking, Dogs, COVID and everything else...
You will find all of the most frequently asked questions and their answers on our FAQ webpage.
