Climbing Wall Instructor Training
The Climbing Wall Instructor is the nationally recognised qualification that covers the skills required to safely supervise climbers on purpose built artificial walls and boulders.
We use some of the best walls in the UK to train on, and, naturally for Beyond the Edge, some of the best and most experienced instructors in the UK.
“Excellent delivery of training course (CWI) by friendly instructor, definitely worth it!” Gert.
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 climbing good practice.
Climbing Wall Instructor – Course Overview
Over two days we discuss and practice the hard skills of teaching and managing groups. 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.
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.
Climbing Wall Instructor – Course Format
The course is largely practical in nature and will be spent at two different walls.
A typical outline of the two days is:
Day 1 – Introductions, you, us and the course. We will then talk about structuring sessions, assessing risk and etiquette at walls and move on to discussing and practicing movement skills. We develop the movement skills so there is a thorough understanding of how to coach them in warm ups, bouldering and roped climbing. We look at equipment and top roping and personal climbing / leading and finish the day with a planning exercise to structure sessions and develop climbers.
Day 2 – We review our planning exercise and practice what he learnt on Day 1. In addition we cover the differences between indoor and outdoor structures, problem prevention and problem solving.
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: Sheffield
- Cost: £160 per person
- Duration: 2 days
- Ratio: 1:6
- 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 different location please contact the office and we will arrange something to suit your diary.
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Meeting Point
For our Sheffield based courses we meet at 10:00 at The Foundry climbing centre in Sheffield.
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Equipment Required
In addition to your normal climbing clothing, you will need to bring your personal climbing equipment and food for the day. A full equipment checklist together with a lot of useful links, recommended reading and other useful information is included in the course 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 Climbing Wall Instructor Instructor Training Joining Instructions
The Climbing Wall Instructor 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 is here.
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Eligibility
Before attending a Climbing Wall Instructor training course, you must be registered on the Climbing Wall Instructor scheme. This is relatively straightforward and can be completed online at:
www.mountain-training.org/climbing/awards/climbing-wall-instructor
Here you can also find short videos explaining the award and other useful resources.You must have an up to date logbook (preferably DLOG) with evidence of:
- Visiting 3 different climbing walls on at least 15 different occasions and,
- Have led 10 routes at Fr4 on walls.
Some answers to frequently asked DLOG questions can be found on the Mountain Training website here.
To register, you must be a member of a mountaineering council (eg British Mountaineering Council, Mountaineering Scotland or Mountaineering Ireland).
Please note you must register with Mountain Training specifically for the Climbing Wall Instructor Scheme, in addition to other themes you may have registered for.
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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 Sheffield area to suit a range of budgets.
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 pay the deposit.
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.
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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.
