Iain Smith enjoying another sunny day at Gogarth
Climb safely outdoors
Have you always wondered what’s beyond a climbing wall and what our historically enriched British traditional climbing is all about? Maybe you’ve been enjoying some climbing outside, but would like to increase your level of safety and awareness.
I’d love to share with you all the techniques you need to enjoy climbing safely by yourself.
Some techniques to learn
Crag safety and etiquette
Rock climbing techniques (you don’t find many cracks to jam at the wall)
Rope types (there are many), their uses and good rope-work
Climbing hardware, it’s use and removal
Building a good belay and using it correctly (direct and indirect etc.)
Assessing rock quality
Grades, route selection, route finding and escaping a route
Abseiling: setting up, checking and using
Communication and climbing calls
Learn / develop your lead and multi pitch climbing
Lead climbing is a logical progression in any climbers career. It allows you to lead the way on cliffs, wherever you want to venture. It undoubtedly holds an added element of seriousness and as such it’s very important to make sure you are doing it correctly. There are many ways that I can help you to take your first steps or further your journey in to this exciting world, while keeping you safe.
Multi pitch climbing is exciting and allows you to go higher, but again gives a few extra things to think about.
Further techniques to learn
Advanced rope techniques and management while leading, double rope technique and extending runners.
Protecting yourself on a route
Multi pitch stance and rope management
Leaving the belay and changeovers
Fall factors and shock-loading on anchors
Multi pitch abseiling and retreat
Finding rests and thinking ahead
Psychological techniques and focus.
Hannah leading “One Step in the Clouds” at Tremadoc
Nearing the end of a two day retreat from “Koyo Zom” in Pakistan
problem solving
Things don’t always go to plan in life and the same is true when climbing. Personally I have been involved in a wide range of rescues in remote and serious areas, from the mountains of Pakistan, Patagonia and the Alps; to the cliffs of the Outer Hebrides and Ben Nevis. There are many different skills to learn and practice, which can keep you safe or even save the day in these unexpected circumstances.
some Skills to learn
Tying off a belay and escaping the system
Ascending a rope safely
Abseiling / lowering past a knot (required if part of the rope needs isolating i.e, due to damage)
Haul systems (assisted and unassisted)
Accompanied and counterbalance abseiling
Rescuing off a traverse
Casualty evacuation and emergency procedures
