What is the CWA/AMGA Instructor Certification Course? This is a new climbing wall instructor certification course offered jointly by the Climbing Wall Association and the American Mountain Guide Association. This pilot course will be approximately two and a half days in length, and will address the basic technical skills necessary to instruct at a climbing facility.
Why was this course developed? Other recreational activities have found the need to offer certification programs such as those provided by the ski industry and the diving industry. The ski industry offers Professional Ski Instructor's Association (PSIA) certification. In order to go scuba diving, one has to demonstrate appropriate skills and go through a certification process. These courses were created to help insure the safety of the participants which is also a concern in the climbing industry. Previously, there were no standards for accepted practices and guidelines for climbing instructor certification. The indoor climbing industry has increased in size where there needs to be consistency, guidelines, and rules to maintain a level of professionalism and safety necessary for proper operation.
What does the course cover? This course will address the following areas: client orientation and instruction, teaching general climbing skills including movement, belaying techniques, lead climbing, and bouldering. Proper equipment use, facility inspection and documentation as well as emergency response are also included. The course combines lecture, demonstration, hands-on practice, and participant assessment.
What are the pre-requisites of this course? You must be 18 years of age, First Aid and CPR certified, and have at least one year of personal climbing experience consisting of a minimum of twenty outings of indoor and/or outdoor climbing.
Who should take the course? Any person who desires to instruct people in the sport of indoor rock climbing should take this course.
How long is the certification good for? The final decision is pending but currently appears to be three years. This may change.
When is the course? Dates coming soon! Cost is $245. Scholarships are available. Apply online now.
Course Description:
The CWA/AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Certification Program is a pilot program. The course will be two and a half days in length, (approximately 20 hours of instruction, skills demonstration, and evaluation) and will address the basic technical skills necessary to instruct at a climbing facility. The workshop will address the following general topic areas: client orientation and instruction, teaching general climbing skills including movement, belaying techniques, equipment and facility use, and rescue and emergency procedures.
Workshop Outline:
CWA Climbing Wall Instructor Certification Program (Pilot)
At a minimum, training for candidates shall occur in each of the following technical competency areas. Candidates shall possess knowledge, demonstrate skills and teaching ability in each competency area.
Pre-requisites
1. 18 years of age.
2. At least one year personal climbing experience (a minimum of 20 outings climbing indoors and/or outdoors).
3. Current first aid and CPR (American Red Cross Basic – 5.5 to 6.5 hours).
Movement
1. Climbing ability: 5.8 top rope and 5.7 lead on artificial structures.
2. Movement demonstrating calm, confidence, good position, balance, solid base of support, no falls, and general body awareness.
3. Descending techniques: rappelling, and down climbing.
4. Ability to demonstrate a controlled fall.
Equipment and Facility Care, Use, and Inspection
1. Demonstrate the proper care, use and inspection of personal climbing equipment, including but not limited to: shoes, harness, belay devices, carabiners, rope, cordage, and slings.
2. The candidate possesses adequate knowledge of routine facility inspection practices according to the manufacturer's instructions and employer's policies and procedures.
3. Assess the physical condition and set up of the climbing facility and take appropriate corrective actions based on this assessment.
Orientation and Instruction
1. Ability to conduct a thorough patron orientation covering inherent risks of climbing, personal responsibility for risks and safety, and facility rules.
2. Ability to teach proper belay skills and technique for top roped climbing;
a. using an auto blocking belay device;
b. using a tube or plate type belay device;
c. belaying directly from the ground anchor using an auto blocking system;
3. Ability to teach proper belay skills and technique for lead climbing using a tube or plate type belay device.
4. Ability to teach proper use of an auto belay device.
5. Ability to teach basic rope management skills.
6. Ability to teach basic movement skills.
Belaying Skills
1. Demonstrate proper use of locking carabiners for climber belay rope attachment.
2. Tie and evaluate a figure eight knot for climber belay rope attachment.
3. Proper set up of belay system using an auto blocking belay device and a tube or plate type belay device.
4. Perform an effective top rope belay using an auto blocking belay device, and a tube or plate type belay device, demonstrating proper: technique, position, control, and communication.
5. Perform an effective lead belay using an auto blocking belay device and a tube or plate type belay device, demonstrating proper: technique, position, control, and communication.
6. Perform an effective self-belay.
Bouldering and Spotting
1. Ability to coach bouldering movement skills, including proper falling techniques.
2. Ability to teach proper spotting techniques, both stationary and moving.
3. Ability to select and use appropriate impact attenuating surfaces for bouldering.
Rescue and Emergency Procedures
1. Perform or provide for appropriate technical rescue in a timely manner.
2. Ability to activate facility emergency procedures if and when necessary.
3. Ability to record and report required factual information pertaining to emergencies.
COURSES:
Location: To Be Determined, St. Paul , MN
Time: Friday 5-9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Date: Dates coming soon!
Price: $329
Location: Vertical Endeavors, Warrenville , IL
Time: Friday 5-9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Date: Dates coming soon!
Price: $329
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