New climbing wall award in 2008

Posted by Jon Garside on 16/07/2007

Following last year’s national consultation exercise Mountain Leader Training will be introducing the new Climbing Wall Award in early 2008

Until now, the nationally recognised minimum qualification for working in climbing walls has been the Single Pitch Award (SPA). Created in 1992, there are currently over 9000 SPA holders. Since then, there has been a steady development in wall design, and a large increase in both wall numbers and participants. Many regular climbing wall coaches and instructors may not work outside, but are keen and competent climbers. Some are frustrated by the lack of a suitable national qualification that recognises their competencies.

Many local authorities have developed their own site-specific schemes over the last few years using written guidance from Mountain Leader Training England. People who have completed such schemes can apply for exemption from the Climbing Wall Award (CWA) training course and will be able to proceed straight to assessment.

The CWA training and assessment courses will be delivered at suitable walls that offer a variety of features and teaching facilities. Mountain Leader Training will be taking registrations for the scheme from people who have logged suitable experience on artificial climbing walls in early 2008.

The CWA is aimed at typical top-roping and bouldering facilities. The course will focus on party supervision, safety and coaching movement skills. Due to the variety of facilities available, an additional “bolt-on” module is offered for facilities including top-access belay stations and abseiling. Some walls may choose to train both elements during the same course programme, which will typically be a weekend but may also be a series of evening sessions.

Looking into the future, a qualification for teaching leading on artificial awards will be introduced once the CWA is up and running. Pre-requirements for this award will be either the SPA or CWA plus suitable additional experience.

Contact info@mltuk.org for further information about the CWA.

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