UKC

Hi all. I have had an enforced absence from climbing and am just now seconding again. But I've lost my head for leading completely. I do lead indoors but I am not confident at all in my gear placements or setting up belays. So, can someone recommend a company/individual that does one to one training that can help me with this - probably over a weekend.

In reply to Vivvi: Hi Vivvi. There are loads of Mountaineering instructors that will be able to help. However I would suggest that you get together with a friend, as teaching people to lead is much easier if there are two students.

This is because one can belay whilst the other leads and is coached, and if you do this on multipitched or single pitched climbs then you can switch who leads each pitch.

If there is just you, then the instructor would have to belay, and its not something that many would be keen to do, as they can do nothing to check the runners or help you out and coach you from the ground.

Hope that helps.

In reply to Vivvi:

Thanks Mark. However, I would prefer to do this training on my own - or with one other student. Does anyone know of courses like this (the Plas y Brenin ones don't really seem to suit)? Thanks.

In reply to Vivvi:
You should look up the MIA trainee adverts in this forum. Loads of them loking for volunteers and free as well

In reply to Vivvi: there are loads, have you asked at your wall?

this guy is very nice:

http://www.peakmountaineering.com/

a 1 2 1 weekend won't be cheap, though.

In reply to Vivvi:

Where are you based? I'd be keen to take a course before I head off to warmer climes, more to boost my grade than anything. Not sure I have anyone who'd want to split the cost of a course either. If you're up (I'm in Lancaster) then there may be possibilities.

In reply to Vivvi:
Try Bryn Williams, Dragon Mountaineering, near Llanberis. He is lovely, patient and very encouraging, plus very keen on you having safe runners and anchors.

Hi Vivvi: As Mark says many Instructors will try and work on a 1:2 basis as they are free of the climbing pair. 1:1 is possible though and I often work at this ratio on the Derbyshire Gritstone.

Feel free to get in touch via my profile or via http://www.jamesthacker-mountaineering.co.uk

There are plenty of other instructors and guides who will work at 1:1 listed at http://www.ami.org.uk and http://www.bmg.org.uk

Cheers James

In reply to Vivvi:

Hi Vivvi, I have a learning to Lead course running 11-15 July and with all such courses, the training/coaching will be tailored to individual needs. For more info please follow the link http://www.snowdoniaclimbing.co.uk/rock%20climbing.html#learntolead . Best wishes, Mike Laing, MIA

In reply to Vivvi:

My partner and I had a day with Adrian Berry, he was very good and sits on a fixed rope next to you talking you through placing your gear and your climbing. Not sure on his current costs but it was around £180 for a day for both of us.