Are you ready to rock in 2021? On the back of last year’s successful traditional climbing courses we ran in partnership with the Association of Mountaineering Instructors, Dorset-based Ready to Rock instructor Eddy Young gives us an inside look into the the courses:

These climbing courses are open to anyone who has an interest in trad climbing and expanding their climbing knowledge for some safer adventures in the future. 

Want to know more? Read on.

‘We had a real mix of people from the south, from a passionate nine year-old lad accompanied by his parents, to people who were interested in starting down the instructor route’ - Director Eddy Young on last year's Ready to Rock clients.

So what do BMC Traditional Climbing Courses entail?

The professional mountain instructor will help you learn a variety of new skills, work on existing skills that need polishing up, and will take into account the individual skill levels of everyone within the group to ensure that everyone gets the most out of the session. 

Here’s what happened on last year's course in Dorset:

Learning to lead in Swanage. Photo: Eddie Young

As soon as you park up for your climbing course, you’re overlooking the beautiful Purbecks. Here we examined all the different types of equipment, ropes, helmets, rock protection etc. and explained their correct use. Rucksacks loaded, we headed towards the cliffs ready to start our day of climbing.

After a short, but aesthetically pleasing walk to the top of the cliffs, we talked through anchor selection and building belays. We explained the reason for each, and included some of the science behind the processes. We also looked into the setting up of abseils. After the abseil was set up we had a chat about the safest way to abseil down, including how to manage other less experienced people on the abseil, before all abseiling down the cliff.

Once the group were all at the base of the cliff, we looked at lead climbing, route selection and the effects of the sea. Then it was time to put it all into practice as we headed back to the top of the cliff.

The instructors also provided some basic principles for climbers to follow when faced with an emergency situation.

One of the values of Young’s Adventure Solutions is to respect the playground mother nature has given us, so we made sure that as well as having fun climbing, we all examined what makes an environmentally responsible climber.

‘This was an excellent introduction to trad climbing. I learnt how to set up a belay anchor and the basics of lead climbing. Eddy is very knowledgeable and takes the time to answer all your questions. It was fun and great value’. - Paul, 2020 participant.

BMC Ready to Rock Courses for 2021 🤩

Bookings are open now for this year's set of traditional climbing courses being run. For 2021 there will be six spaces per course and they are open to all levels of skill and experience.

CHECK THE DATES: This year we're running courses in Northumberland, the Lakes, the Peak, Dorset and South Wales

 About the author

Eddie Young is the founder of Young’s Adventure Solutions, one of the most successful climbing providers on the South Coast. With 10 years’ experience of working in the outdoor industry, MIA qualidfied Eddy decided to take the leap and set up his own climbing and outdoor pursuits business.

Find out more on the website: http://www.youngsadventuresolutions.co.uk/

WATCH: How to abseil on BMC TV

WATCH: BMC Travel Insurance built for the mountains

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For full terms and conditions see our Evidence of Cover

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Seat61 has a plethora of information, ready-planned for you to make your train journeys to Europe plain sailing. We fully recommend checking out the routes available and booking in advance to get the best deals on cheaper tickets.

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