SPA Training in Pembrokeshire
This weekends Mountain Training SPA training in Pembrokeshire was a tale of two halfs weather wise… The 4 candidates were a group that had been working for TYF this season, a company that I act as Technical Advisor for, as well as freelance working with them too.
Using a climbing wall is a small but important part of the SPA training, so we spent a while inside at the Haverfordwest climbing wall, looking at loads of group skills, personal rope-work and problem solving, before heading into the grim outside! Up at Wolfs Rocks it was windy, wet and wild! The group climbing side of things is often part of the SPA training that people are less familiar with, but having worked with an outdoor center, all the candidates had a good idea of what was what already.. There was minimal complaining (apart from Charlotte!) about the weather, but in fairness it was at times awful! They absorbed loads of info, and we whistled through the rigging systems for group set-ups.. We looked at using a crag for warm-ups and skills coaching, having a lovely explore of the boulders and caves around the crag.
Charlotte setting up a top-rope during the SPA training this weekend in Pembrokeshire
Day 2 at Newton Head and the sun came out big time for us! With dry rock all the girls got on the lead, and enjoyed the Limestone of South Pembrokeshire. An important part of the SPA training is making sure the candidates are leading well, placing good gear, belaying well, and can deal with any problems that arise, so this is a great opportunity to iron out and bad habits people develop over time – we’ve all got them! With a lead and a personal abseil each under their belts we recapped the group set-ups, and I caused the girls some problems to solve…
Charlotte briefing the belayers during her SPA training in Pembrokeshire
Ella leading during the SPA training this weekend in Pembrokeshire
Giving them the opportunity to run elements of the day is important, and they all gave great briefings, managed the group belaying, and solved any problems I threw at them! We finished the day a bit sun bleached looking at releasable abseils. By now the girls were all setting up the ropes systems efficiently and swiftly. Over the 2 days SPA training they absorbed loads of information, put lots of energy into getting loads done, and were great company and fun to be with! Cheers for a lovely weekend guys!
Lou leading during her SPA training in Pembrokeshire
Ella using a releasable abseil during her SPA training in Pembrokeshire