'Learn to Climb' Group 1 week 2

Night two of the Northumbria University's 'Learn to Climb' course.  Tonight we continued the work on basic movement skills and belaying using the 'Bell Ringer' method. I use this method for the first two weeks of the programme so that the candidates can climb safely without really being taught how to belay.  It seems to work and the candidates certainly get enough climbing in to make them happy...if not completely knackered :-). 

 Straight arm traversing...one of the fundamentals for efficient climbing

 Kristy and Jahnese showing good style

 A little game to emphise the need for straight arms while climbing

 The 'Bell Ringer' belay method in operation

 Jahnese on the slab

 Cay on the exposed GRP wall

 Kristy cruising to the top

Cay following in Kristy's footsteps, hand holds and chalk marks ;-)

Evening 2 - CWA Training - Sunderland Wall

We were back at the Sunderland Wall again tonight for the second day of the CWA.  We looked at movement skills and centre of balance and ways to help improve and keep our clients happy.  This involved playing games and having a bit of fun.  All the exercises/games are designed to improve a particular aspect of a novices climbing, whether through climbing more efficiently, gaining strength or just improving technique generally.  I thinkk the 'Getting Dressed' exercise and the 'Amputee' game were by far the favourites.  Coaching was also a major component tonight and we looked at how as a coach we can use the mnemonics 'IDEAS' and 'EDICT' top help deliver little teaching sessions.

All in all a good night at a very busy Sunderland Wall

 Ruth getting to grips (or not) with centre of balance

 Sam demonstrating good straight arm technique...while 'Getting Dressed'

 Adam half way through getting the shorts on....nice face (AGAIN) Adam

 John showing everyone what they should be wearing down at the wall these days!

 Happy campers or better still......climbers :-)

CWA Training Course - Sunderland (Evening one)

Tonight was the first of a three evening Climbing Wall Award course and a full one to boot! Based out of the fantastic facility of Sunderland Wall the candidates were introduced to the rudiments of climbing instruction. Warm-up, tying in and belaying were all discussed in deatail. As well as this candidates were also asked to take falls while climbing and the belayer was asked to tie of the belay plate. All in all a good evening with an enthusiastic bunch. I'm looking forward to working with them all tomorrow night. :)



 Two of the ladies getting to grips with some unfamiliar belay devices

 Good belay demonstrations a basuc requirement for CWA

 Jennifer demonstrating one of the methods to tie off a belay plate

 Adam.....demonstrating....erh?????   Not so sure actually lol

Ruth trying another method for tying off a belay plate

Learn To Climb - Northumbria University (Thursday group)

Today was the start of another of the successful courses I've been running at the Northumbria University in Newcastle. The students attend five weeks two hours per week and at the finish are competent enough and armed with enough skills to climb at any wall in the country without supervision.


Today I introduced the students to the basics of climbing movement, and to some basic equipment and how it is to be used. The five candidates were very enthusiastic which made it a pleasure to be instructing them. It’s going to be nice to see how this lot progress over the next five weeks…I hope their arms are not too tired in the morning.

Anyone can join these courses (non-students included) simply by contacting the University’s Participation Sport Manager, Taryn Archbold. Cost is £35 for students who are non-members of the university and £50 for everyone else….not a bad deal considering.

Taryn’s contact details are as follows:

0191 243 7349

07500070942

taryn.archbold@northumbria.ac.uk
http://www.teamnorthumbria.com/

The Gang getting to grips with the basics of tying a Figure of 8 knot

 The 'Bell Ringer' Belay method is a great way to get everyone involved!

 Melissa showing how the New York girls do it with a smile

 Marina enjoying herself

 Sophie atentively being safegarded by Melissa

 Simon helping Maya with her knot....better luck next time eh Si!

CWA ASSESSMENT - Sunderland Wall

Another successful day for the 4 people on assessment today (Steve, Adam, Les and Ronnie).
Many thanks to all those people that offered their services as guinea pigs….you seemed like you enjoyed it

Interested in doing a course – get in touch in the usual way


Cliff

 Andy and Les discussing the technical aspects of modern climbing equipment

 Ronnie a VERY attentative belayer

 Steven helping the girls get ready for their climbing session

 Erh...Ronnie what is that strange girl doing behind you? lol

Many thanks to everyone involved today...Even the Greek with the strange aura around his shoes hahahahah

Getting oot on the white stuff

Looking back towards Blencathra at -15 degrees

Last pitch of Raven Grag Gully just before darkness kicks in

Paul and myself enjoying the not so nice conditions on Bowfell

Paul mixing it up in between spindrift avalanches