Southern Sandstone climbing.

Who is this course for?

This course will suit climbers who have been climbing for at least 6 months on a regular basis in an indoor environment.

This course is designed for indoor climbers who would like to venture into the world of rock climbing in the great outdoors. This course could also be used by climbers as a refresher who have climbed outdoors before (not necessarily on sandstone) and who need an update. Sandstone outcrops in Sussex like Stone Farm Rocks near East Grinstead and Harrison's Rocks near Groombridge are where Chris Bonnington first cut his climbing teeth so it's a great place to start, or continue, your own rock climbing journey. Sandstone outcrops offer a range of climbing opportunities ranging between the very easy to downright impossible. A perfect environment to graduate from Wall to Rock without travelling too far.

Where and when?

Harrison's Rocks car park · Groombridge

How to find us:

What3words link:

https://w3w.co/overdone.masterful.fattest

Meeting in the car park at 0900hrs we will check kit and walk to the crag through Birchden Wood. Once at the crag we will set up a base from which to work. We may move this base a couple of times during the day. We will stop for lunch at a mutually agreeable time and aim to be back in the car park for around 5pm. However, there is nothing stopping you from continuing your climbing day if you wanted to.

Summary of syllabus:

The course will cover types of climbing guide, their pros & cons, route finding, navigating around a crag environment safely and considerately. Knots, safety at height. Ropes and slings types and use e.g. climbing and rigging, rope management. The sandstone environment, it's geology and history. Bouldering, techniques, equipment, and safety. A basic sandstone climbing kit, rigging a climb safely and considerately with due regard for the environment and rock. Climbing on sandstone, ascent, exit and descent policy. Personal equipment, first aid, risk assessment.

What to bring:

You will need to bring an appropriate, serviceable sit harness, helmet (if desired), rock shoes, belay device and appropriate screw-gate Karabiner, plus any additional personal equipment (ideal opportunity to discuss it's serviceability, appropriate use etc). Packed lunch, suitable clothing, and footwear for walk in/out and weather conditions.

Minimum numbers and price:

Minimum 2 people required for course to run.

£70 per person.

Covid-19 compliance:

All our courses follow current government guidance. We can also provide facemasks and other PPE to our clients at course commencement and at any point of course duration. As professional outdoor providers of adventurous activities and related courses we understand the nature of risk and how to mitigate it.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

Postponements, cancellations, and refunds:

The course will go ahead in all weathers except possibly a prolonged downpour. In the event of highly inclement weather on the day halting proceedings, we will discuss and mutually agree one of the following 4 actions:

1. Adjourn to an indoor climbing environment to complete syllabus (depending on content of outstanding syllabus – and local Covid-19 regulations);

2. Soldier on regardless of the weather (most clients opt for this as we are not there primarily to climb);

3. Cancel and reschedule whole, or part of the course (refund not necessary);

4. Cancel and refund.

NOTE: If weather conditions dictate cancellation before commencement i.e. before arrival in car park, the course will be rescheduled to a mutually agreeable date. Full refund given if cancellation by client 5 days before course starts (not including course date). No refund given 4 days, or less, before course starts (not including course date) unless cancelled by Outdoorhire. If course participant numbers drop to one, or do not rise above one, we reserve the right to postpone the course to a negotiated, alternate course date.