CAVING
& ROCK CLIMBING,MOUNTAIN SKILL
COURSES

Explore our range of personal skills courses designed to enhance your knowledge and proficiency in various outdoor activities. Please note that these courses focus on individual skill development and are not intended for certification purposes but will help gain knowledge for doing so.

Group & Club Cave Training Skills

*By Raymond Bell*

Course Description: The Group & Club Cave Training Skills course is designed to provide participants with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills necessary for safe and effective caving. The course will cover various aspects of cave exploration, including cave formation, essential gear, belaying techniques, handlines, traverse lines, ladder and lifeline usage, as well as self-rescue and group rescue techniques. Additionally, participants will receive SRT (Single Rope Technique) training to develop proficiency in descending, ascending, and rope management during caving expeditions . All courses are for personal skills which will help an allow you to carry out caving with safe techniques , the skills courses will also give you the skills and knowledge “at a low cost” you need to carry out any awards later on with any Governing Bodies.

Course Structure: same colour can be done along side each other.

CAVE SKILLS LEVEL 1

Module 1: Introduction to Cave Skills

(PRICE £50)

items needed: cave-suit, wellingtons, gloves ,belt, helmet & light

(emergency equipment)

Duration: 8-10 hours (1:6 )
Overview of limestone and cave formation
Flooding, weather ,Radon & More info
Basic caving gear and equipment
Belt usage and care
Spotting techniques and safety measures

Module 2: Assisted Belays and Methods

(PRICE £50)

extra items needed: 25-30m static rope, 2xHMS ,Slings , 3 Carabineers 2 HMS

Duration: 8-10 hours (1:6 or 2:8 ratio)
Different types of assisted belays and their applications
Knots required for assisted belays
Rigging and de-rigging the system
Safety considerations during belaying

Module 1 & 2 together will be done over a weekend or two days

CAVE LEADER SKILLS 1

(Must have Cave skills or poir record of caving Knowledge)

Module 3: Handlines and Traverse Lines

(PRICE £50)

extra items needed: 25m - 30m rope , 5-7 carabineers , 2 x HMS , selection of slings.

Duration: 8-10 hours (1:4 ratio)
Types of handlines and their purposes
Knots used for rigging and de-rigging handlines
Proper usage of traverse lines
Self and group safety protocols

Module 4: Small Ladder and Lifeline Techniques

(PRICE £100 )

(Must Have Cave skills & Cave leader Module 3 done)

10M LADDER & NEEDED GEAR INCLUDED IN PRICE TO USE

extra items needed: Harness , D Ring ,Chest strap , Cowtails.

Duration: 10-12 hours (1:4 or 2:6 ratio)
When and how to utilize small ladders and lifelines
Pitch safety and rigging considerations
Climbing techniques for ladders
Rope management and advanced rigging
Self-rescue and group rescue techniques

Module 3 & 4 together will be done over a weekend or two days

SRT & ROPE WORK

SRT Training Sections: Same colour can be done along side each other.

SRT SKILLS NOT NEEDED,GEAR INCLUDED IN PRICE TO USE!

extra items needed: Full SRT KIT. (Must Have Cave leader Module 3 done)

Module 1:

(PRICE £100)

Duration: 8-10 hours (1:4 ratio)
Overview of SRT kit components and their functions
Ground rigging for pitch head safety
Descending on a releasable abseil line with safety measures for the group
Ascending using a ladder and lifeline
Cleaning and maintenance of SRT equipment

Module 2:

(PRICE £100)

(Must Have SRT Module 1 done)

NEEDED GEAR INCLUDED IN PRICE TO USE

extra items needed: Full SRT KIT.

Duration: 10-12 hours (1:4 ratio)
Pitch head safety during abseiling
Pitch rigging and re-belay techniques
Rope management during ascent and descent
safety lines methods
Troubleshooting common issues
Practice in controlled environments and caves
Equipment cleaning and care

SRT Module 1 & 2 together will be done over a weekend or two days

SRT LEADER SKILLS 1

(Must Have SRT Module 2 done)

Module 3:

(PRICE £120 )

NEEDED GEAR INCLUDED IN PRICE TO USE

extra items needed: Full SRT KIT.

Duration: 12-14 hours (1:4 ratio)
Ground practice for pitch head safety
Descending without safety lines
Advanced rigging and de-rigging techniques
Problem-solving exercises
Equipment cleaning and care

Module 3 will be done over a weekend or two days

SRT LEADER SKILLS 2

(Must Have SRT leader Skills 1 complete)

NEEDED GEAR INCLUDED IN PRICE TO USE

extra items needed: Full SRT KIT.

Module 4:

(PRICE £150)

Duration: 12 hours (1:3 or 2:5 ratio)
Ground practice and equipment overview
Advanced re-belay and traverse techniques and more
Knot passing and problem-solving scenarios
Self-rescue and group rescue techniques
Pulley and hauling methods
Rope management and maintenance

Module 3 will be done over a weekend or two days

Note: The course duration mentioned for each module is approximate and may vary based on the learning pace and individual/group needs.

Assessment: Assessment methods will include practical demonstrations of skills learned, participation in training exercises, and successful completion of knowledge assessments related to cave skills and SRT techniques.

A certificate is provided for attending the skills courses if the guide/instructor taking the course is convinced that the person attending shows the skills required to complete the tasks safely at the end of the skills course.

Course Policies:

Attendance: Regular attendance is expected to maximize learning opportunities.
Safety: Participants must adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines provided by the instructors.
No Refunds for late or non-attendance of the skills courses.
You are expected to have your own basic caving gear in areas needed.
Hire of gear is available if needed.
Must fill in form poir to course.

Rock Climbing Experience - £30 per person for a 1-hour session

Try your hand at rock climbing under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

Basic Rock Skills - From £75 per person for a 4-hour session

Learn fundamental skills such as top and bottom rope climbing, belaying, anchor building, knot tying, and more.

Advanced Rock Climbing - From £100 per person for a 5-hour session (additional hours at £20 per hour)

Take your climbing skills to the next level with advanced techniques, including top and bottom rope systems, anchor setups, gear placements, and other essential skills.

Sport Climbing - From £100 per person for a 5-hour session