Outdoor Kickstarter course
...the best way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing...
Kickstart your outdoor instructing career this October in North Wales!
I'm looking for 2 or 4 individuals who want to kickstart their outdoor career this October in Snowdonia, North Wales.
During the month of October I have availability to deliver a 4-week (20 days of tuition) 'kickstarter' programme, designed to give you the perfect platform to kickstart your outdoor career. The 4 weeks will generally run over Monday to Friday each week, starting at 9am and ending around 4.30pm, allowing for you to have the weekends free (accommodation is included over the weekend).
Emphasis over the 4 weeks will be on:
Gaining foundation skills and experience to become a proficient hill-walker and climber
Learning good habits and safe practices to ensure a long and successful instructing career
Helping you to prepare so as to get the best out of your first Mountain Training qualifications
Anyone above the age of 18 is welcome; Whether you are looking to start your first career, or take your first steps in an exciting, new direction. No prior experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn and have fun!
The 4 weeks would following a rough itinerary, looking something like this:
Weeks 1 & 2 || 1st - 5th & 7th - 11th || 1:4 RATIO || Intro to Hill-walking & Climbing
Our first two weeks will be spent altogether, getting to know each another and exploring the fundamentals of hill-walking and climbing (both indoors & outdoors, including bouldering). We will venture out to the hills and crags of Snowdonia with a simple focus each day, such as improving navigation skills or climbing on a new rock type.
These days will be lead by me (I will decide where to go and what is best to do, relative to weather and your prior experience), and I will share my thoughts with you as to why we have chosen a particular venue and activity each day.
Over the two weeks you can expect to gain a thorough understanding of what each activity entails, along with improving your abilities and gaining insight into the responsibilities a leader would have when delivering such activities. All of these days would count towards the necessary pre-requirements of the Mountain Leader (ML) and Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI) training courses, and you will be guided through the process of inputting your new experiences into your Mountain Training digital logbook (DLOG).
These days will be lead by me (I will decide where to go and what is best to do, relative to weather and your prior experience), and I will share my thoughts with you as to why we have chosen a particular venue and activity each day.
Over the two weeks you can expect to gain a thorough understanding of what each activity entails, along with improving your abilities and gaining insight into the responsibilities a leader would have when delivering such activities. All of these days would count towards the necessary pre-requirements of the Mountain Leader (ML) and Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI) training courses, and you will be guided through the process of inputting your new experiences into your Mountain Training digital logbook (DLOG).
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Examples of hill-walking venues we would visit: Glyderau mountains, including Tryfan; Carneddau mountains, such as Pen yr Ole Wen; Moelwynion Range; Nantlle Ridge, and; The Snowdon Massif |
Examples of climbing venues we would visit: Fachwen crags (Llanberis); Clogwyn Cyrau; Tremadog Upper Tier; Holyhead Mountain, and; Beacon Climbing Centre |
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WEEK 3 || 14th - 18th || 1:2 RATIo || MULTI-PITCH CLIMBING, SCRAMBLING & MOUNTAINEERING
From week 3 onwards, another instructor would join us (based on 4 kickstarters). With lower ratios we could venture to even more adventurous places, broadening your knowledge and experience, and further progressing skills learnt during weeks 1 & 2.
Steeper and more challenging terrain will be sought during this week, done so through means of multi-pitch rock climbing, scrambling and mountaineering, all of which commonly go hand-in-hand here in Snowdonia. You could also have your first taste of sea cliff climbing, or head out on an overnight expedition into the mountains.
Exactly what you get up to this week is entirely open to your imagination, and all of your experiences throughout the week will be massively beneficial towards your overall development, by furthering your understanding of equipment and systems that can be used in a variety of contexts. And don't forget about all of those juicy DLOG entries!
Expect your instructor to be at the 'sharp end' of the rope, providing new and powerful experiences for you to learn from, as well as facilitating the chance for you to go up front in a safe and controlled manner, if appropriate.
Steeper and more challenging terrain will be sought during this week, done so through means of multi-pitch rock climbing, scrambling and mountaineering, all of which commonly go hand-in-hand here in Snowdonia. You could also have your first taste of sea cliff climbing, or head out on an overnight expedition into the mountains.
Exactly what you get up to this week is entirely open to your imagination, and all of your experiences throughout the week will be massively beneficial towards your overall development, by furthering your understanding of equipment and systems that can be used in a variety of contexts. And don't forget about all of those juicy DLOG entries!
Expect your instructor to be at the 'sharp end' of the rope, providing new and powerful experiences for you to learn from, as well as facilitating the chance for you to go up front in a safe and controlled manner, if appropriate.
The list of venues for this week would include some of the most exciting and iconic locations in North Wales:
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Llanberis Pass; Crib Goch; Idwal Slabs; Milestone Buttress; |
Castell Helen; Clogwyn yr Oen; Tryfan East Face, and; Tremadog Bwlch Y Moch |
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WEEK 4 || 21st - 25TH || 1:2 RATIO || LEARNING TO LEAD ROCK CLIMBING
The final week would see you combine all of your skills and experience thus far, by leading your own single pitch rock climbs. Learning to lead is a significant stepping stone in any climber or mountaineer's journey. Most people can remember their first ever lead - this week will ensure you remember it for a positive reason!
This week would once again be spent at a 1:2 ratio under the watchful eye of myself or a fellow instructor. We would concentrate on the fundamentals of single pitch lead climbing, with opportunities to visit both indoor venues and outdoor trad & sport venues. The exact amount of leads you complete throughout the week will vary from person to person, but if you are ready and keen then we will facilitate as many as you can muster!
This week would once again be spent at a 1:2 ratio under the watchful eye of myself or a fellow instructor. We would concentrate on the fundamentals of single pitch lead climbing, with opportunities to visit both indoor venues and outdoor trad & sport venues. The exact amount of leads you complete throughout the week will vary from person to person, but if you are ready and keen then we will facilitate as many as you can muster!
Some fantastic venues for experiencing your first leads could include any of the following:
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Dinorwic Slate Quarry; Castle Inn Quarry Penmaen Head; |
Tryfan Bach; Craig Y Tonnau, or; Chwarel Bach Y Penrhyn |
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more information
Not only would the 4 weeks of instruction be on offer, but there would also be opportunities to practice your skills over the weekends, and to observe myself or another instructor at work.
And when the 4 weeks are up, your contact with me doesn't have to. I can assist you in booking your ML and RCI training courses, advise you on future apprenticeship/trainee opportunities, and even put you in contact with potential employers to help you break into the outdoor instructing scene.
So, don't wait any longer!
This is your chance to start your outdoor career in the very best way. Learn in a bespoke fashion from experienced instructors; Cement good habits for a safe, fun & long-lasting career, and; Make positive contacts for the future.
Get In Contact today and secure your spot!
And when the 4 weeks are up, your contact with me doesn't have to. I can assist you in booking your ML and RCI training courses, advise you on future apprenticeship/trainee opportunities, and even put you in contact with potential employers to help you break into the outdoor instructing scene.
So, don't wait any longer!
This is your chance to start your outdoor career in the very best way. Learn in a bespoke fashion from experienced instructors; Cement good habits for a safe, fun & long-lasting career, and; Make positive contacts for the future.
Get In Contact today and secure your spot!
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FAQ's
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How much does it cost per person?
Without accomodation: £1850 - Full 4 weeks £1600 - First 3 weeks only £1250 - First 2 weeks only |
How much does it cost per person?
With self-catered accommodation: £2500 - Full 4 weeks £2200 - First 3 weeks only £1800 - First 2 weeks only |
- What is included in the price?
Instruction at the above ratios, self-catered accommodation with single room occupancy, return transport to included accommodation, all emergency first aid equipment, maps & teaching resources, and a helmet & harness. - What is not included in the price?
Breakfast/lunch/dinner, personal insurance, indoor climbing wall entry, personal equipment (unless stated otherwise). - What is the minimum number of participants required to ensure my course runs?
This course will run with any even number of people, so 2, 4 or 6 etc. - Do I need to be able to drive and/or have my own vehicle?
No, however having your own vehicle would be advantageous.
- Where would I be based for the month?
If you choose to pay for the included accommodation, you will be based with 1-3 other like-minded people in Airbnb accommodation in or near to the Snowdonia National Park. Final details will be confirmed at the time of booking, but expected journey time to Bangor would be around 30mins maximum. - Is accommodation and transport included on the weekend?
If you choose to pay for the included accommodation then it will be available on the weekend. Exact days of inclusion will differ depending on how many weeks you book. For example, if you were to only book 2 weeks then you would be able to check in on the Sunday afternoon prior to the course, and you would need to check out on the Friday morning of the 2nd week. Transport will not be provided over the weekend, no matter the length of stay. - Are there other places I can stay?
There are a variety of other accommodation options in Snowdonia to suit everybody's tastes and budgets. Of the options suggested below, all operate independently from me:
Hostels - Plas Curig; YHA Pen-Y-Pass; Snowdonia Mountain Hostel.
Campsites - Bryn Llys; Gwynant campsite; Llanberis campsite; Gwern Gof Isaf; Gwern Gof Uchaf.
B&Bs - Glyn Peris; Snowdon View; The Ferns Guesthouse. - What would happen on the weekend?
If you still have plenty of energy then the weekend will be free for you to do whatever you want. You and your fellow kickstarters may wish to head to the crags to further your skills, or you may wish to go it alone into the mountains for some navigation practice and solitude. I will be on hand to give advice, and there may be opportunities to shadow other instructors at work. You could also have a rest! - What equipment will I require?
You will require personal hill-walking equipment and comfortable clothing to climb in. All technical equipment such as maps, compasses, ropes, helmets and harnesses will be supplied. You may wish to invest in your own as the course develops. - Can I hire hill-walking boots, a rucksack and rock climbing shoes?
Yes, this can be arranged. However, it would be advantageous to have your own before the start of the course. - Can I bring along my own equipment to use or ask questions about?
Yes, however this equipment will be thoroughly checked by me or another member of staff before it is deemed suitable for use. - Who will staff my course?
Your course will be staffed by me for the first two weeks. For the latter two weeks you will work with myself or another fully qualified mountaineering and climbing instructor. - What happens at the end of the course?
November is a great time to book onto your first Mountain Training qualifications. Many people complete their Summer Mountain Leader Training course and Rock Climbing Instructor Course at this time of year. After 4 intensive weeks of learning you will be in an unparalleled position to get the very best out of your training course, and potentially shorten your consolidation period, meaning you could be qualified and working during the following summer. I can offer personalised advice for each kickstarter and help guide you in whichever way you wish to go - you may wish to apply for a job as a centre assistant, or join a traineeship at one of the local centres; You may also look to organise permanent accommodation and take a more 'main-stream' job locally, and further consolidate your experience in your own personal time. - What kit do I need to bring?
A thorough kit list will also be supplied at the time of booking. It is essential that you bring the following equipment with you (*or are willing to rent it upon arrival):
1. Warm clothing, including suitable hats, gloves and sunglasses where appropriate
2. Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers
3. Walking boots*
4. Food, drink and personal medication
5. Small personal first aid kit, to include things like blister plasters, suncream, personal medication
6. Mobile phone & whistle
7. Head torch and spare batteries*
8. Rucksack (30L minimum recommended) and waterproof liner*
Have a question about something else? Try the Frequently Asked Questions page.
"Alex was such an excellent instructor. A perfect mix of inspirational, professional, knowledgeable and fun. An all-round good egg!"
H. Willow (Summer Mountain Leader Training Course 2018)
H. Willow (Summer Mountain Leader Training Course 2018)
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