This is a two day course and is all about becoming a confident top rope climber outside. It will cover setting up anchors for top and bottom rope systems as well as the skills required to be a competent second (following a lead climber up a route).

Minimum age: 12.

Course length: 2 days.

Climbing experience required:
Completion of a Rock Skills Introduction course
OR
Have logged 10 routes on walls or outdoor crags; and
Have logged 10 belays of a fellow climber.

Course Content

The Rock Skills Introduction & Rock Skills Intermediate is a Quality Qualification Ireland (QQI) Level 4 Award.

Rock Skills Intermediate courses are typically 2 days, although some providers may deliver the course over 3-5 days.

There are approved tutors across the UK and Ireland. A variety of cost packages are available depending on what's included; food, accommodation etc. so you can choose one that's right for you.

What next?

Learn to Lead Sport Climbs or Learn to Lead Trad Climbs courses are the next steps in the Rock Skills pathway.

The Rock Skills Introduction & Rock Skills Intermediate is a Quality Qualification Ireland (QQI) Level 4 Award.

This is a two day course to introduce people to lead climbing on sport routes. It is suitable for competent outdoor top rope climbers or competent indoor lead climbers.

Course Providers

Participant Registration

• Be at least 14 years old.
• Have logged 20 indoor or outdoor climbs
• Have belayed on at least 20 occasions
• Desirable - Completion of Rock Skills Intermediate

• Be at least 14 years old.
• Have logged 20 outdoor climbs at VD or above OR
• Have led 20 sport climbs (indoors or outdoors)
• Have belayed on at least 20 occasions
• Desirable - Completion of Rock Skills Intermediate and/or Rock Skills Learning to Lead Sport

Minimum Course Duration

• 16 hours.
• Delivered in a 2 day programme (inc. 5 hours min. each day at an approperiate crag (i.e. sport or trad dependent on scheme).

Course Size

• 1 participant minimum
• 12 participants maximum

Staffing Ratio

• 1 staff: 3 participants
  
  

Course Content

Background and Planning. Choosing suitable venues and routes, how to use guidebooks and mobile devices to find crags and routes, crag etiquette, the importance of the climbing partnership, the work of the mountaineering councils.

Climbing Skills. Safe and assured movement on the lead and optimising natural rests for clipping bolts.

Equipment. Ropes and technical equipment for sport climbing.

Technical Skills. Fixed equipment, anchors, ropework, belaying, holding/taking falls in a controlled environment, lowering, lower offs and abseiling.

Environmental Knowledge. The impact of climbers at the crag, ethics, access and environmental considerations for climbers.

Hazards and Emergency Procedures. Identifying hazards, decision making and managing risk, understanding common injuries, what to do in the event of an incident, managing common problems, how to get help and the role of the Mountain Rescue.

By the end of the course you can expect to:

• Have covered the course content in a safe and enjoyable outdoor environment and classroom-style setting;
• Have climbed outside for a good proportion of each day on an appropriate crag; and
• Be in a strong position to lead bolted sport routes on rock and indoors, using appropriate techniques and safe practice.

 Rock Skills Learn to Lead Sport Climbs courses are typically 2 days, although some providers may deliver the course over 3-5 days.

A Learn to Lead Trad Climbs course is all about learning trad climbing skills including how to place protection, build belays and move in an assured manner on rock.

Minimum age: 14.

Course length: 2 days.

Climbing experience required:
Essential
Have belayed on at least 20 occasions;
AND
Have seconded a minimum of 20 outdoor rock climbs at Very Difficult (VDiff) or above;
OR
Have led 20 sport climbs (indoors or outdoors).

Desirable
Completion of Rock Skills Intermediate and/or Rock Skills Learn to Lead Sport Climbs course.

Course Content

Background and Planning. Selecting suitable venues and routes, how to use guidebooks and mobile devices to find crags and routes, crag etiquette, the importance of the climbing partnership and the work of the mountaineering councils.

Climbing Skills. Safe and assured movement when leading climbs and optimising natural rests for placing gear.

Equipment. Ropes and technical equipment for lead climbing, contents of a lead rack and how to carry it, selection and function of gear.

Technical Skills. Selection and placement of suitable gear to protect leader and second, choosing anchors, effective ropework, attaching to multiple anchors, belaying, holding leader and second falls in a controlled environment.

Environmental Knowledge. The impact of climbers at the crag, ethics and environmental considerations for climbers.

Hazards and Emergency Procedures. Identifying hazards, decision making and managing risk, understanding common injuries, what to do in the event of an incident, managing common problems, how to get help and learning how Mountain Rescue works.

By the end of the course you can expect to:

• Have covered the course content in a safe and enjoyable outdoor environment and classroom-style setting;
• Have climbed outside for a good proportion of each day on an appropriate crag; and
• Be in a stronger position to lead trad routes on rock, using appropriate techniques and safe practice.

What next?

Rock Skills Learn to Lead Trad

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