Single Pitch Award Training
This two day course is intended for experienced climbers who wish to introduce groups to climbing on single pitch crags. Its aim is to address the technical skills, judgement and areas of knowledge which will make you a safe leader, and which you will need to practice before returning for assessment.
Pre-requisites for the training course
The MLTUK strictly requires that all students are registered prior to commencing the course.The Board will not recognise completion of the course by non-registered participants. Copies of " The SPA Handbook" are available from the MLTUK. Bring your logbook to the course fully completed with your experience. Before attending the training course you should have led at least 15 climbs outdoors, where the protection is leader placed.
The MLTE may be contacted at the following address for registration and syllabus enquiries:
Mountain Leader Training Board,
177-179 Burton Road,
Manchester.
M20 2BB
Tel No 0161 445 4747
http://www.mlte.org
Course content
The two day course closely follows the syllabus of the scheme. In particular it will look at practical skills and techniques required when leading and supervising groups in climbing at single pitch venues, concentrating on areas that the board feels it is difficult for candidates to learn on their own.
The programme may be revised at short notice to take account of weather and other considerations, in such a way as to satisfy the spirit and detail of the Single Pitch Award syllabus.
During the course, different crag locations will be visited, appropriate to the topics covered. In addition, there will be a number of local sessions using the excellent facilities of the centre and grounds to introduce new techniques.
The two days are generally split into the following areas:
- Group management
- Knots and their application
- Anchors and how to attach to them
- Handling the rope
- Communication and organisation on the crag
- Abseiling
- Use of climbing walls
- Personal climbing
In addition, there will be evening classroom or centre based sessions, covering some of the more theoretical aspects of the syllabus. We intend to look at the following areas:
- Access and Conservation
- Professional Codes and Ethics
- Historical issues
All our members are dedicated climbers and have a great depth of knowledge of the local crags. They are qualified and experienced in teaching climbing at all levels from beginners to more advanced climbers, and will be keen to pass on their knowledge to you.
The day begins with breakfast and collection of packed lunches at 7:30am. After an 8:30am briefing we commence the day about 9:00am returning from a full day of activity for tea and cakes by 5pm. Some evenings there will be a further session, usually classroom based, at 5.30pm. Dinner is normally at about 7pm, and on some nights there will be a further talks at 8pm.
The Venue
The venues used in South Wales are normally either one of the Scout Association Centres which include; Dolygaer, Ty-Hir, or Penrhiwvarteg, or one of the Hampshire County Council Centres at Heol Senni, or Argoed Lwyd. These centres are all within or in the case of Penrhiwvarteg on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The venues used in North Wales are normally either one of the Scout Association Centres which include; The Old School at Penybontfawr, The Old School Lodge at Deiniolen, Coetmor Mill, Yr Hen Neuedd, Cornel, and Yr Hafod. These centres are all in the more rugged mountains of North Wales.
The crags of Wales provide ideal ground for this award.
The Accommodation
Accommodation varies between the centres but all the centres provide, multiple toilets and shower rooms, a large kitchen that conforms to food safety standards and a dining room. In addition some centres have a further lounge, ideal for lectures or socialising.
Catering
Breakfast and dinner are served each day in the centre, except for the expedition. Each night there is a main course and dessert (including vegetarian option -if pre booked). Each morning bread, fruit, cake and biscuits etc. will be laid out, for you to make up a packed lunch.
Equipment
At this level we expect students to have most of their own equipment. However, it is possible to borrow technical gear, outer clothing and rucksacks if necessary by prior arrangement. We will provide all ropes.
The following list is a suggestion of what you should bring:
Kit List
- Personal climbing clothing
- Small amount of cash
- Waterproof top and bottoms
- Cup and Cutlery
- Hat and gloves
- Day rucksack with liner
- Harness
- Small first aid kit
- Helmet
- Water bottle
- Climbing rack
- Vacuum flask
- Belay devise
- Walking boots
- Prussik loops
- Gaiters
- Karrimat or thermarest
- Personal toiletries and medication
- Sleeping bag
- Informal clothing for leisure wear
- SPA Logbook, up to date
- notebook and pens
- SPA Handbook
Useful Books
Recommended by instructors on our courses are the following:
- The Handbook of Climbing
- by Fyffe and Peters
- Complete Guide to
Rope Techniques - by Nigel Shepherd
Also recommended reading
- Rock Climbing for Instructors
- by Alun Richardson
- Mountain Skills Training Handbook
- by Pete Hill
- Welsh Rock
- by Jones
- Classic Rock
- by Ken Wilson
- Mountain Weather
- by D. Pedgley
Magazines
Reading magazines is also a good way to keep abreast of current issues in the climbing world. The following are particularly useful:
- On the Edge
- Good for rock climbing
- High and Climber
- General
- Climbing (American)
- Good for training articles/injuries
- Summit
- BMC Newsletter
