Rock Skills - Introduction

OVERVIEW
A Rock Skills Introduction course is designed to provide participants with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for safe and enjoyable rock climbing. This introductory course typically covers basic climbing techniques, equipment, safety procedures, and an introduction to rock climbing environments. 
This course is ideal for those new to climbing, or for folk looking at moving from indoors to outdoors and take their climbing to the next level. It will set the perfect foundation for the intermediate course, which we often run on the back of this introductory course.  

COURSE OUTLINE: 
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 style explored through a bouldering session.  Our instructors are on hand to offer coaching and introduce a foundation of climbing movement skills to you that will help towards your climbing progression. 
Footwear and Equipment
Footwear and equipment selection and how to use the kit you choose. E.g. types of shoes, harnesses and technical gear such as: cams, nuts, hexes and ropes. 
Technical Skills
Tying into a harness, belaying, spotting and how to abseil.  These are all fundamental climbing skills and we will teach you up to date best practice and build your understanding towards being independent and autonomous with these key skills. 
Environmental Knowledge
The impact of climbers at the crag, ethics, access and environmental considerations for climbers.  Looking at the BMC RAD app and the leave no trace ethics of mountaineering and climbing. 
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.

SKILLS COVERED: 
Movement and technique
Footwork, handholds, weight transfer, smearing and momentum
Bouldering
Spotting, matt arrangement and route reading 
Rope climbing
Wearing a harness, tying in, belaying, lowering and abseiling 
Gear
Introduction to trad gear; nuts, cams and hexes and the placement of this gear

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