Climbing is amazing sport that demands a lot from you, both physically and mentally, but gives back so much more - your climbing memories will stay with you long after the route is finished. The climbing experience is all the better when the rock is perfect and the sun is shining - and Spain has lots of both perfect rock and sun
This rock climbing taster course helps you start rock climbing and gives those with little or no experience of climbing an opportunity to learn to climb in one one the best and most varied climbing areas in Spain.
Our base is the small town of Villanueva del Rosario, which is set amongst rolling olive fields in the hills 30km north of Malaga. It is a surprisingly temperate region that allows climbing virtually all year round; when it's hot then we head into the hills and when it is colder or rain threatens we can head towards lower ground or the coast.
We are lucky enough to be surrounded by a complex labyrinth of hills and valleys with lots of rock. These limestone crags are largely undocumented in the UK press and thus climbing here is tranquil and on rock that is not polished. The crags offer all types of climbing from scrambling to sport climbing, from bouldering to traditional routes. There are even multi pitch lines up to 300 meters high.
The highest peak in the area is El Chamizo at 1600m which has a summit log book that the successful can sign for posterity.
You can choose to focus on one or all of these activities according to your interests, aspirations and experience.
We supply all of the technical climbing equipment and topics covered can include:
- Mountain/crag safety and objective dangers.
- Climbing terminology: Understand the guides, other climbers and your partner.
- Choosing equipment so that you know what is suitable if you need to buy your own kit in the future.
- How the equipment works together to form a safety system.
- Rope work and knots: How manage the rope and how to tie the main knots used by climbers; the figure of eight knot, double fisherman, prusik and the clove hitch.
- Top roping / bottom roping systems: The most common rope systems used by those starting out.
- Belaying Techniques. How two climbers use the equipment and work as a team to ensure each others safety.
- Movement and technique. How to move over rock efficiently so that you stay in control and save energy.
- Abseiling and choice of safe descents from climbs. Reaching the top is only half the story and many mishaps happen as people relax on the descent.
- First steps towards lead climbing and setting up safe belays.
- Basic Problem Solving.
We can also offer comfortable accommodation in a newly renovated house in the old part of the town - see here for more details.
Dates, venues and duration of the courses are by arrangement and totally customisable. Please do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss your requirements.