Big Wall Skills

Overview

You’ll get practical instruction and advice on aid climbing techniques, hanging stances, hauling and sleeping on the wall; delivered by our experts who are highly qualified climbing instructors experienced in big wall climbing. They will share their in-depth knowledge of big walling with you in the controlled environment of the climbing wall. You’ll then progress to local crags where you’ll put what you’ve learned into practice, ready to get the most from your trip. As they’re so passionate about what they do, they’ll add that personal touch too by helping you plan your trip using their first-hand experience, so you can get the most out of it.

The Objectives 

• We’ll cover all of the technical aspects of big wall climbing, from equipment to managing long traverses and crossing roofs.
• You’ll get a chance to pick the brains of a Plas y Brenin instructor about your big wall trip and have a chance to discuss your plans with an expert.
• You’ll have two days of practical learning both in the Plas y Brenin climbing wall and on any number of the great crags for which the area is famous

What To Expect 

We’ll begin in the controlled environment of the climbing wall, and progress to local crags once the basics have been mastered. We intend to cover the following areas

• Basic aid climbing techniques
• Stance management, and fixing ropes
• Jumaring – a variety of systems
• Hauling systems
• Pendulums and tension traverses
• Pegging and de-pegging
• Marginal gear – mashies, rurps, sky hooks, beaks
• Bivouacking skills with and without portaledges
• A review of Big Wall areas

Our staff will help you plan your trip, with first hand experience and advice. All our staff are dedicated climbers and have a great depth of knowledge of Big Walling. They’re qualified and experienced in teaching climbing at all levels, and will be keen to pass on their knowledge to you.

Experience Required

You should be confidently leading at VS or above on multipitch crags, with an eye to going big walling.

How Do I Prepare?

Ensure you’re climbing regularly at VS before the course, to make sure you’re moving confidently in that kind of terrain, so as to enable your learning.

Course Itinerary