I am trying to gauge if there is enough interest to run another SPA training course this year and if so around what dates.

What is SPA? Please read this page for details on the whole award scheme.

Whats on Offer? A heavily subsidised climbing skills, rope works and group management weekend forming the training part of SPA. Appox. cost is £60 + petrol, accom and optional £35 for MLTE registration on the scheme.

Who for? Anyone with some climbing experience and 15 trad lead routes who is interested in improving their skills and techniques. Great for those interested in, doing more outdoor climbing, taking out groups or using it as an outdoor qualification.

When? The dates are flexible, I just need to book them with the instructor. I would suggest the last weekend of Easter hols (25/26th April). This means you can still go on club trips this term, have revision time over Easter and not be going away at weekends over the exams.

...so...Post here if you are interested and state when you would be able/prefer to do it. Also post further questions you have. This is a fantastic opportunity for a cheep, professional course. Its great fun and make you climbing better; just ask those of us who have done it!

Also, for those who have already done it, let me know if you are wanting do your assessment.

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VP '08-'09

Just thought i'd point out that this course is such a good and worthwhile course not only if you intend on using it as an award for instructing with groups but on a personal level. The skills that you'll learn are second to none, and at this price you cannot go wrong.

To go elsewhere for the same skills would cost upwards of £100.

I really recommend doing it to anyone who wants to improve their trad climbing or general rope work.

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Level-headed member of Gadd-vey

Also, for those who have already done it, let me know if you are wanting do your assessment. £100ish per person.

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VP '08-'09

I want to do this.

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massive punter

Just realised i've only been climbing for 4months..... balls.

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massive punter

How much climbing have you done? Have you led 15 routes, placing gear? If so the 12 months climbing limit doesn't matter. And thats only for assessment normally anyway.

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Mountaineering Instructor and Asp. Level 5 Kayak Coach
Supported by : Team Pyranha | Peak UK

Jay we can do a few more weekends and get you to the standard you need to be, no probs, you should defo do this!

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Unlevel-headed member of team Gadd-vey

Cheif Scout

Having done the course in October I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to improve their trad game. With Paul's instruction you'll gain a wealth of skills and confidence that would otherwise take a very long time to develop.

For anyone keen to do the course but lacking the necessary leads dont let that put you off. There are loads of trips happening this term during which you can build up 15 climbs easily. If by the end of Easter you still dont have them done I'll take you out personally! Its too good an oppurtunity to pass up.

Tommy I'm planning to do my assessment after the Summer, three months of trad should provide enough practice!

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Developing Nicely.

Nice one, I'm definately up for it then. I'd like to try that E8 of yours gareth. Maybe we can work on it???

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massive punter

This course was pretty invaluble. Over the weekend Paul taught us so much, and went at everyone's individual pace. As well as being a really fun weekend. It really does make you a better climber (and climbing partner!) when you know whats going on, how to do it, and how to cut out the faff! I really would recommend it.

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where's that to? here tis!

It worked for Gareth... It could work for YOU!

Only just found the email in my inbox, any chance of doing it early summer? It's an excuse to get outdoors and shag

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massive punter

Anyone interested in doing this course should really go for it. If you could do it before pembroke that would be amazing as that is somewhere where good rope skills are invaluable. You will learn so much and you can never know enough!

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Ex-president

I'm very interested in doing this, however I'm more focused on just getting out and getting loads of experience first. Will it be running next year?

Tom

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TOM

certainly will!

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VP '08-'09