Climbing Wall Instructor Training and Assessment
Climbing Wall Instructor Training – Who is it for?
The CWI is suitable for those that have a genuine interest supervising climbers at a climbing wall or an artificial climbing structure.
The training runs over two full days covering all aspects of good practice within the context of the CWI remit.
The CWI is a Mountaineering Ireland certified qualification and is recognised in Ireland and the UK as meeting the current standard for good practice.
Requirements for attending the Climbing Wall Instructor Training
There are prerequisites before one can attend the CWI Training.
One must be a member of Mountaineering Ireland
Be 17 years (18 at assessment)
Have a minimum of 6 months climbing experience
Have lead climbed 10 indoor routes French 4 or higher
Have climbed at 3 different climbing walls
Have a genuine interest in supervising climbers
Before attending the training you are expected to provide proof of the above. This can
be done using Mountaineering Ireland’s ‘D-Log’, an Excel sheet or equivalent.
You must also register with Mountaineering Ireland on the Climbing Wall Instructor scheme.
CWI Training
During the two days training you can expect to cover the following.
Technical Knowledge (Equipment and Skills)
Risk Identification and Assessment
Communication Skills (Teaching and Adaptation)
Planning and Decision Making
Problem Avoidance and Solving
Duty of Care
And much more.
Candidates can also expect to cover the practical aspects of running a climbing session for various group.
The maximum number of candidates on the CWI Training is six people.
Consolidation – After the Training
When the training is completed you are expected to consolidate your learning and build upon your skill set.
You are advised to take a minimum of at least six month before you attend the assessment,,
It is important to not rush the consolidation period as to be really good at anything takes time.
During your consolidation period you are expected to complete the following.
Log a minimum of 30 visits to at least three different climbing walls
Have lead climbed a minimum of 40 climbs on indoor walls.
Have assisted in the supervision of at least 15 instructed sessions on at least two different walls
At least five of these sessions must have personal reflective comments recorded on DLOG
Have attended a one day first aid course
The Climbing Wall Instructor Assessment runs over one day at an indoor climbing venue
The Climbing Wall Instructor Training costs €200 per person.
Group Discounts available upon request.
This excludes the registration fee paid directly to Mountain Training Board Ireland
I primarily run the CWI training in Dublin, but can travel for group bookings.
For more info on my style of instruction/training, please see the reviews here – https://hikeandclimb.ie/about-hikeandclimb/