Youth Ready to Rock | Sport climbing courses
The Youth Ready to Rock Sport climbing course is designed to help young climbers (11-17 year olds) make their first moves onto rock by having a fun day out, as well as covering the use of some key skills and equipment, for both the participant and the parent/carer.
Course Content
The courses are designed to teach you everything that you need to know to safely climb bolted routes outside, including:
- Lowering off different sport routes
- Re-threading belays
- Retreating from routes
- Pre-clipping to safeguard starting moves
- Differences between the wall and the crag
Please note that the course content will be adapted to match the ability of the participants on each course, with instructors teaching techniques appropriate to the age and experience of attending young people.
Parent/Carers want to know more?
READ: The Parent's Guide to Climbing, Walking, and Mountaineering
Who is it for?
The Youth Ready to Rock Sport climbing course is ideal for young climbers, between 11 and 17 years old, who are confident in leading routes on indoor climbing walls. Young climbers who may have had the odd taster of climbing outdoors and who wish to gain further knowledge and skills. You should already know how to put on a harness, tie in to a rope, and belay. This is a good precursor for anyone contemplating further training; such as a Rock Skills course.
This course is aimed at Young People involved in Sport Climbing. More Ready To Rock courses, catering for more people, can be found below:
Youth Ready to Rock Trad Climbing Course
Who will be instructing?
Course instructors are highlight experienced and qualified climbers and are members of the AMI (Association of Mountaineering Instructors). The name and contact details of the instructor delivering the course can be found in the information below.
Cost
Courses cost £75 per person, with a discounted rate of £67.50 per person for BMC Members. We are currently running courses with a maximum of 5 young people per course.
The BMC have funding available for young people experiencing difficulties in accessing this course, provided by the Lee Bower Fund, please contact Cressida Allwood cressida.allwood@thebmc.co.uk for more information and details to access funding.
Duration
The course will run from 10.00am until 5.00pm.
Parent/Carer Supervision
Participants are required to remain under the supervision of a parent/carer over the age of 18. The supervisor must be willing and able to approach the crag with the group which may involve uneven and steep ground.
What do you need to bring?
- Climbing shoes
- Harness
- Helmet
- Belay Device
- Rope and quickdraws (if you have them)
- Lunch and warm clothing
- Suncream!
Booking
You can contact your local course provider for any local information using their email address below.
We run courses throughout Spring, Summer and Autumn. You can find a list of dates, venues and instructors below. Simply head over to our booking site, create an account, and purchase your course here.
Venues, Dates, and Instructors
South Wales (Southgate on Gower)
Sunday 14th April 2024
Sunday 9th June 2024
Sunday 15th September 2024
Contact Matt Woodfield:
Email - climbwithmatt@gmail.com
Bristol
Dates to be confirmed soon
Contact Jamie Evans:
Email - jamieevansclimbing@googlemail.com
Website - https://jamieevansclimbing.com/
Dorset (Portland)
Dates to be confirmed soon
Contact Martina Spisiakova:
Email - m_spisiakova@yahoo.co.uk
North Wales (Conwy Area)
Saturday 27th April 2024
Saturday 8th June 2024
Saturday 13th July 2024
Saturday 10th August 2024
Contact Simon Verspeak:
Email - simon@orange-mountaineering.com
Website - www.orange-mountaineering.com
For any dates above; head over to our booking site, create an account, and confirm your place here.
Youth Outdoor Climbing Courses
Whether you want to make the leap from indoor climbing into Sport or Trad climbing outdoors, we run many courses across the country and throughout the year that are specially for 11-17 year olds.
Subsidised Youth Course Places
There are a large number of free places on courses for families who may struggle to afford it. Any families who live in rented accommodation and who receive income support or universal credit may contact the instructor of a course or Alex West for a place.
About the Lee Bower Fund:
Lee was introduced to climbing in the Peak District by a school teacher, Tony Boreham. It was a real revelation for him and became a lifelong passion. Unfortuantely, his plans for a long and happy retirement on the crags were cut short by cancer on 12th February, aged 59.
He said he wanted any donation to help some youngsters, who would not otherwise be able to afford it, to taste the adventure of outdoor climbing.
So please use this money, raised from his family, friends and organised climbing mates, to help as many young people as possible gain a grounding in the skills, safety techniques and appreciation of sport climbing.
U27 Membership
From just £1.77 a month it's never been easier to join and support our work:
JOIN TODAY: BMC Under 27 Membership
Related Content
Rock Destinations
Dreaming of big numbers this year? We reveal six sizzling holiday rock destinations that will send your grade through the roof. Whether your sight is on 6b or you're aching for 8a, here are Steve McClure's top picks.
Rock Climbing
A peregrine survey by boat with high-quality photography organised by local BMC Access Reps Iain Peters and James Mann has helped to identify peregrine nesting sites so that a blanket ban on climbing at the Cornish climbing site of Carn Cowla can be lifted. A temporary ban had been put in place by the National Trust covering the cliffs between Tubby Head and Bawden Cliff, including major route locations up to and beyond the America Buttress. The ban has now been lifted so all sections are open, with only crag- and area-specific restrictions in place when necessary.
Indoor Climbing News
Zoe Peetermans and Sam Butterworth claimed the 2024 British Boulder Champions titles on Sunday 25th August at Last Sun Dance in Leeds.
Performance News
The IFSC Paraclimbing European Championships in Villars, Switzerland, this weekend saw 13 GB Climbing athletes clip into the Lead wall, delivering strong performances and personal bests across the board.
Indoor Climbing News
The British Mountaineering Council is proud to present the 2024 edition of the British Boulder Championships being held at Last Sun Dance in Leeds.
Olympics News
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have been a historic occasion for British climbing, marking a significant milestone in the sport's journey.
Rock Climbing
A climbers’ meeting this week expressed their opposition to the continued ban on climbing at Symonds Yat, Herefordshire, imposed by Forestry England.
Olympics News
The 2024 Olympic Games are underway, and the nation's eyes are firmly on Paris and all the Team GB athletes. As Sport Climbing makes its second-ever appearance at the Olympic Games, we get to witness a new chapter in history as four climbers step out onto the mats to represent Great Britain.
Indoor Climbing Skills
All the tips on how to move from indoor climbing to outdoor climbing
Rock Climbing Skills
Do you know your gaston from your guppy, and can you spray about it while sandbagging your mate? Find out what it all means with our guide to climbing terminology.
Rock Climbing Skills
It’s Britain, it’s summer, and it’s wet. Why am I not surprised? But all is not lost! There are ways to circumvent the weather when you want to go climbing...
Hillwalking Destinations
It's no easy feat, but with a little advice, organisation, knowledge and determination, climbing the Wainwrights is doable for almost anyone. This beginner-friendly guide aims to teach you about the fells and how to plan for and complete them.
Rock Climbing Articles
It might seem like a lofty goal, but maybe it’s time to give 8a a go. All you need is the right route, a shot of determination, and to read this 10 step guide on how to climb 8a.
Hill Walking Articles
Snowdonia-based fell running guides Sarah and Ian Ridgway share their top 10 tips for beginner fell runners.
Rock Climbing Skills
Lowering off from a sport climb isn't always as easy as it is at the climbing wall. Knowing a few techniques can make the difference between an enjoyable day's climbing and a trip to A&E.
Rock Climbing Articles
Back in 2017, Margo Hayes ticked La Rambla 9a+ in Siurana, Spain. By September that same year she had climbed another 9a+, Biographie at Ceuse, and in 2019 she ticked her third. How does she do it?
Hillwalking Skills
Are you a hill walker wanting to tackle steeper terrain, but nervous about heights? Don’t panic – there are steps you can take to fight the fear.
Rock Climbing Gear
Everything you need to know about the various types of rope for climbing and mountaineering can be found in our handy, free guide.
Access Articles
Access to the south side of Cheddar Gorge is fragile and relies upon climbers following the agreements in place with the landowner.
Rock Destinations
Climbers have a responsibility to understand the relevant access and conservation issues associated with the places we climb. Here are a few pointers to help you enjoy these areas sustainably.
Rock Climbing Skills
A look at the essential skill of abseiling. What do you need to know to get down in one piece?
Rock Climbing Skills
A common and false perception of abseiling is that it is an adventure activity that is completely safe. But accidents do occur even in controlled circumstances.
Rock Climbing Skills
What are the different types of climbing and mountaineering and what do they involve?
Article
Here's how winter climbing grades work.
Hill Walking Articles
The health and well being benefits of physical activity are numerous. Apart from the obvious physical benefits, there are many mental health and social perks to hillwalking and climbing too.
Mountaineering Learn Skills
Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Rob Johnson explains the essentials of choosing and using your first ice axe and crampons for winter mountaineering.
Rock Climbing Articles
Dream of climbing 7a but think you’ll never reach that level? With a little hard work and some secret beta from top sport climber Steve McClure, you’ll be clipping the chains on your project in no time.
Rock Climbing Articles
In this booklet for managers and landowners, the aim has been to address a range of common questions and concerns about rock climbing in disused quarries. Covering all aspects of access and liability, through a selection of case studies, it showcases the benefits not just for climbers, but for the wider public and land managers themselves. Benefits which can be realised with assistance from climbers and the BMC, through the repurposing of disused quarries as rock climbing destinations.
Rock Climbing Skills
Trad climbing offers an unparalleled sense of freedom. With the appropriate skills, training, and equipment you really do have the ability to go anywhere. Here we give the low down on how to get started.
Rock Climbing Articles
Test your knowledge and see if you can name these 10 famous British female mountaineers and climbers, from pantaloon-clad pioneers of the alps, to contemporary crushers.
Rock Climbing Articles
The Youth Ready to Rock Trad climbing course is designed to help young climbers (11-17 year olds) make their first moves onto rock by having a fun day out, as well as covering the use of some key skills and equipment, for both the participant and the parent/carer. Trad climbing is the most popular style of climbing on British crags.
Mountaineering Destinations
What's the best 4,000m peak in the Alps for beginners? We asked five British Mountain Guides who are based in the Alps this question - Tim Blakemore, Jon Bracey, Matt Helliker, Andy Perkins and Tania Noakes. All of them picked a peak in Switzerland - testament to the concentration of excellent peaks of that altitude there.
Rock Destinations
Thought sport climbing was all about tiny holds on short routes? Think again. Here we've got five top European venues to recommend you:
Rock Climbing Skills
Rock Climbing Skills
Rock Climbing Gear
If you’ve never climbed before or have only climbed indoors, the equipment used for tackling real rock can seem mysterious, exciting and expensive. We've put together a list of the essentials...
Get Climbing
Here's all you need to know about starting indoor bouldering
Rock Climbing Learn
If you've learnt to climb routes indoors, sport climbing can be a logical first step into the exciting world of outdoor climbing. Here's how to get started...
Rock Destinations
Planning a winter sport-climbing escape? Leave the crowds and polish behind with these five best-kept mid-grade Spanish sport secrets. Dos cervezas por favor.
Rock Climbing Skills
Climb grade 5 outdoor sport routes, but want to progress? How do you start pushing your comfort zone, and what should you focus on?
Rock Climbing
Here’s a selection of the best novice sport crags in the UK along with tips on essentials such as parking, guidebooks and what each is best for.
Rock Destinations
The British Isles is famous for having some of the best trad climbing in the world, and for good reason: it’s all packed into a relatively small area, yet offers a huge variety of rock types and styles of climbing.
Indoor Climbing News
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) can today announce that the 2024 British Boulder Championships will be hosted at Last Sun Dance in Leeds.
Hill Walking Learn
The British hills offer beauty, challenge and adventure, as well as the opportunity to keep fit and healthy. Find out more in this BMC booklet.
Olympics News
Four sport climbers will make their Olympic Games debuts this summer for Team GB as the British Olympic Association (BOA) name the team that will compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Rock Climbing
Dinorwig slate quarries gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2018
Mountaineering
The Julie Tullis Memorial Award is a small grant to assist deserving female mountaineers or any disabled climbers or mountaineers, both male and female, to achieve their climbing or mountaineering ambitions.
Mountaineering Articles
An introduction to BMC and MEF mountaineering grants
Mountaineering Articles
Where are you currently getting your mountain inspiration from? Are the walls in your house lined with photos and paintings of stunning peaks? Your social media feeds endlessly presenting you with trails and skylines to add to the list of high places to explore? We're here to add to that by giving you five more films to keep your inspiration levels up. Enjoy the watch.