In reply to McT:
> Mentorship is sorely lacking in some clubs. It's often a asking a lot for the stronger more experienced climbers to take out the weaker ones who are keen to learn, but don't have the skills. At the same time without proper mentorship it is hard for the weaker climbers to gain those skills in a safe manner. It is great to see MCofS putting some effort in to close that gap.
Mentor's are also severely lacking in University clubs - even if an "experienced" member has been climbing since their mid-teens this only translates into 4-5 years experience at most before taking out complete novices. Whilst at this point you may have varying tickets (SPA, ML etc) it's very unlikley you would have any of those that actually demonstrate you have the skills to teach leading outdoors and heading out in winter. As such, even the "experienced"* members in a university club are passing on skills way beyond their station. On a personal front, I've experienced this recently - I'd like to think I'm one of the more knowledgeable climbers in our University club, but still get left for dead in regards to efficiency and knowledge (admittedly of more obscure aspects of things) when I head out with CC members, on courses, or simply when heading out with those with more experience. Basically I guess my point is (it's early!) is that Uni clubs can turn into a case of the blind leading the blind.
However, Uni students are tight, and will never pay for instruction if they can avoid it. Hence, I think this is a great idea, and exactly what the Mountaineering Councils should be doing to promote and encourage safe participation in our sport. Why are the BMC not doing this as well?
*note that I was in this camp (and still am to a degree) reasonably recently, so I'm not an old codger hating on the youth.
As the new university year begins, thousands of Freshers around the country will be looking to continue existing sporting activities or take up something new as they begin their university studies. Climbing and mountaineering clubs are growing in popularity at Universities throughout the UK. Although climbing is a fun extra-curricular activity with numerous social occasions, it's easy to overlook the risks involved when new, inexperienced members sign up for meets and events.
