Training to achieve AOAC Outdoor Second Competent status, which opens up greater opportunity to take part in Club climbing events and is a stepping stone to becoming an outdoor lead climber.

This will be an intensive course so a good level of experience of indoor climbing is essential, and you should have the AOAC Outdoor Foundation competence:

• Has attended at least 3 AOAC or equivalent sessions of which at least 1 was outdoors.
• Has attended an AOAC Outdoor Foundation training course or has been assessed to have equivalent skills, including.
  • Can tie a figure eight knot onto a harness, and on a bight.
  • Can confidently and safely belay from below on outdoor top rope and can catch a falling climber.
  • Can safely take a fall themselves as a climber on top rope.
  • Communicates using standard climbing calls for bottom/top-rope.
  • Understands the reasons for, and complies with the Club requirement for outdoor climbers to wear helmets during the activity.
  • Can abseil on an anchor set up by a competent lead climber.
  • Knows fundamental climbing movement skills and climbing styles.
  • Can identify hazards, manage risk, understand common injuries, knows how to get help and the role of Mountain Rescue and associated emergency services.
  • Understands basic climbing venue etiquette, the impact of climbers at the crag, ethics, access and environmental considerations for climbers.

The ability to belay a lead climber indoors would be an advantage.

If you don't have the prerequisites listed above please contact the organiser before buying a place.