Activity Snapshot
Activity description
Come and learn to climb on some of the most beautiful rock faces of South Africa! If you have never climbed before, this is the course to get to grips with the fundamentals of the sport.
The Rock Climbing Skills Course (endorsed by the Mountain Development Trust of South Africa (MDT) is an introductory personal recreational training course, which provides training for those who wish to be introduced to the sport of rock climbing. The course covers both traditional and sport climbing skills. The two days are spent enjoying easy to moderate climbs in a safe and non threatening environment.
Day 1
Meet at Monteseel (midway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg) 9am. This day is about learning the basics about tying knots, fitting harnesses etc. This is followed by an easy top rope climbing and learning to second climbs. All the climbing on this day is what is known as traditional climbing. Traditional climbing is where the protection points are placed and later removed from the rock by the climbers. Items such as spring-loaded-cams, nuts and hexcentric chocks are used.
Day 2
Meet at Shongweni Cliffs near Durban. This is an introduction to sport climbing, where bolts have permanently been placed in the rock. There is also some easy abseiling to be done. In the afternoon, if you're feeling confident then you may also lead some easy sport climbs.
The Rock Climbing Skills course covers:
- Equipment care and usage
- Seconding of traditional and sport climbs
- Types of climbing activities
- Terminology and communication in climbing
- Anchors, knots and tying in
- Movement on rock
- Belay skills
- Personal abseiling
- Solving common problems
- Emergency Procedures
- MDT and NQF training and qualification structure and skills
And either of the following:
- Leading single-pitch sport climbs
- Further trad seconding skills
- All necessary climbing gear
- Comfortable clothing adapted to the weather conditions
- Bottled water and snacks
- Sunscreen
