Learn to Climb | indoor to outdoor climbing

Learn to rock climb outdoors! If you have done some (or lots!) of indoor climbing and are looking to start climbing outdoors then this is the course for you. We will work towards the skills and knowledge to climb outdoors. The skills learnt in these courses will be the stepping stones towards learning to lead climb outdoors and sets a strong foundation of skills in your rock climbing journey. Indoor to outdoor skills courses will take place outside, on the Aberdeenshire sea cliffs, Pass of Ballater or Kirriemuir.

About

What Does this Course Cover?

Each course is tailored to the participants and will typically be over 2 days but could be longer if you have the time or are looking for more depth. With more days this course could continue into lead climbing. Typically we will aim to cover;

• How to second (follow up after) a lead climber
• How to place gear and make robust anchors for climbing on
• How to set up top and bottom ropes for belaying
• Abseiling
• Movement skills on rock
• How to belay on two half ropes (for seconding trad climbs)
• Lower off safely from and rethread an anchor on a sport climb
• Best practise using sport climbing bolts and anchors
• Belaying a lead climber on an outdoor sport route
• And more….

Who is this Course for?

This course is ideal for your indoor climber who wants to start climbing sport or trad outside – it can give you skills to second a lead climber. It is also ideal for those that have done some outdoor climbing but want to learn how to place gear for themselves, build robust anchors that you can belay off or rethread and stay safe on sport climbs. These skills are the stepping stone to lead climbing, and the course could be extended to include lead climbing with more days.

You should ideally already know how to belay indoors and how to tie in to a rope with a figure of eight knot.

What Kit Do I Need?

Kit list will vary based on the weather conditions and objectives for the day, but most courses will require:

• Warm clothes to climb in with spare layers to keep warm
• Sturdy shoes (ideally rock climbing shoes but walking boots or trainers can also be used)
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Harness *
• Helmet*
• Climbing Equipment (Such as Belay device, Carabiner, Slings, etc) *
• Snacks and Lunch

* Cove climbing can provide all the items with an asterisk but if you have your own please bring them along too!

Why Choose Cove Climbing?

Liam has been climbing for over ten years and has been qualified and teaching climbing for over eight years. He has worked with a wide range of clients and is experienced in helping develop confident, safe, independent climbers.
Liam is a very experienced climber and has extensive local knowledge having climbed sport grade 8A, bouldered 8A and trad climbed E7 all on local seacliffs.

How do I book or find out more?

If you have any general enquires about our indoor to outdoor skills courses then get in touch with Liam@coveclimbing.co.uk. If you have already decided this is the course for you then great! There are two ways to
book. You can either book onto an open Learn Indoor to Outdoor Climbing course (limited availability each year). Alternatively you can make a private booking.

All Open Sessions and Courses

Browse our selection of open courses available below. If you can’t find a date or a course suitable to your requirements please make a private booking. Note on these courses you will be in a group of between 2-4.

Private “Learn Indoor to Outdoor Climbing” Booking Form

Want a day out tailored exactly to your requirements, private one-to-one instruction or a private group booking? Get in touch using the form below. The cost for a half day of instruction is £130 and £230 for a full day of instruction.