Rock Climbing Development Instructor
Course
Rock Climbing Development Instructor (RCDI) Course in Wales
If you’re looking to become a Rock Climbing Development Instructor (RCDI), we offer RCDI training and RCDI assessment courses here in Wales. The RCDI is the Mountain Training award for instructors who want to teach and develop climbers towards leading single-pitch trad or sport climbs. It’s the perfect qualification for anyone passionate about helping climbers progress and develop their skills in a safe and supportive environment.
As one of the most experienced RCDI course providers in Wales, we offer comprehensive training that prepares you for a career as an RCDI. Whether you’re teaching trad or sport climbing, our course ensures you have the skills and confidence to guide others towards becoming independent lead climbers.
Why Choose Our RCDI Course?
We’re passionate about helping you develop into a skilled and confident Rock Climbing Development Instructor. Our RCDI training and assessment courses are tailored to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to confidently develop lead climbers in a variety of climbing settings. We offer comprehensive, practical training that prepares you for the assessment process and beyond.
Our courses are led by a highly qualified and experienced instructor with a deep passion for rock climbing. With decades of experience in the UK, Alps, Andes, North America, Africa, and the Himalayas – both for personal adventure and as a guide – Stu has truly “been there and done it” and you can be confident that you’re in expert hands. With Stu, you’ll learn from someone who’s fully up-to-date, operates at the highest standard, and is passionate about helping you reach your potential.
Skills Covered on the RCDI Course:
On our RCDI training and RCDI assessment courses, we cover a range of key skills, including:
- Personal Technical competence – role modelling
- Management and Decision Making – how to manage and supervise groups at the crag
- Teaching and Learning Skills – being an effective coach
- Climbing progression – guiding climbers from novices to seconding to leading with the right techniques
- Developing climbers to lead – progressive teaching of lead climbing techniques for both trad and sport climbing
- Risk management – assessing potential risks and implementing safe practices on the crag
- Movement Coaching – climbing fundamentals and drills
- Access, Conservation, Fauna, Flora, History, Ethics – general climbing geekery!
DATES, PRICES & BOOKING
Minimum participants 2
RCDI training course – £450pp
RCDI assessment course – £450pp
Can’t quite find what you’re looking for or perhaps you’d rather alternative dates?
What experience do I need to start the Rock Climbing Development Instructor course?
- You must hold the Rock Climbing Instructor qualification
- You must have delivered a minimum of 20 days as a Rock Climbing Instructor at a variety of venues and with a variety of groups, recorded on the DLOG.
- You must have led a minimum of 60 named single pitch routes using leader placed protection in three different climbing areas at VS 4c or above and logged them in DLOG. You may include full multi-pitch routes using leader placed protection (up to 50% of the requirement).
- You must have led a minimum of 60 sport climbs in three different climbing areas at 6a or above and logged them in DLOG. Up to 50% of this experience can be outside the UK and Ireland
How do I register/sign up on the scheme?
- Register for the Rock Climbing Development Instructor qualification
- On the ‘Share’ tab of your DLOG, click the ‘Send to MT’ button to let Mountain Training know your DLOG is ready to be reviewed
- Your logbook will be reviewed by a Mountain Training technical officer – this can take up to 30 days
- Once its approved get in touch so we can book you on!
Do I need to bring my own climbing equipment?
Yes, you will need to bring your own personal climbing equipment, including a harness, helmet, belay device, and climbing shoes. We can provide some of the kit (e.g., ropes, protection, etc.) during the course, but it’s recommended to have your own basic gear. If you’re unsure what to bring, let us know, and we can advise you on the best equipment.
What will I learn during the Rock Climbing Instructor course?
Rock Climbing Development Instructor training lasts for four days and will cover:
- The Rock Climbing Development Instructor syllabus
- What to expect at assessment
- Feedback on your performance and areas to focus on prior to assessment
What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate during the course?
In the event of poor weather conditions (e.g., heavy rain, high winds), we’ll adjust the course itinerary as needed. We’ll work with you to ensure that you get the most out of the course, and if conditions prevent us from climbing, we’ll focus on other important aspects like theory, coaching, and problem-solving exercises. Safety is always our priority, and we’ll make sure you have a productive and enjoyable experience, regardless of the weather.
Is transport and accommodation provided?
No, transport and accommodation are not provided. We can advise on where to stay if needed. We generally meet on the first day at a café by the venue, and then subsequently meet at the venue for the day to maximise our time out, rather than meeting then having to drive a distance.
Climbing Equipment:
- Climbing Harness
- Climbing Helmet
- Climbing Shoes
- Chalk Bag
- Belay device
- Rope Protector/Mat
- Carabiners – A selection of locking (screw gate) and non-locking carabiners, more screw gates than you might normally use due to the group set ups!
- Selection of slings, 120cm and 240cm.
- Prusik Loops
- Climbing Rope – Generally, ropes can be provided, but if you want to bring your own, a 50m dynamic single climbing rope is ideal.
- Rigging/static rope – 50m is ideal, we will have some spares.
- Trad Protection– Basic set of protection (e.g. nuts, hexes, cams) for placing gear during lead climbs. If you don’t own your own rack, we can provide some bits.
- Quickdraws – 8-10 quickdraws, a couple of Alpine draw’s (60cm)
- A lanyard such as the Petzl adjust connect is super useful
- Petzl Rig – we will have one for you to use if you don’t have.
- If you have any fancy belay devices, sport climbing kit etc – bring along!
Miscellaneous:
- Climbing Guidebook – we can advise on which (though your instructor will have one too).
- Notebook & Pen – For jotting down any important notes or tips during the day.
- Phone – To stay in contact and to take photos/videos of what we do.
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Group shelter (we will have this)
If you have any of your own climbing equipment, feel free to bring it along, as long as it meets safety standards. Let us know in advance if you need any additional help with kit or suggestions for your day!