S.P.A (single pitch award

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The SPA (Single Pitch Award) Training | Assessement | Refresher days

Introduction

Originally called the SPSA (Single Pitch Supervisors Award), this has been renamed the SPA! This ticket qualifies you to take groups on easily accessible Single Pitch Routes for both climbing or abseiling. It does not cover you for mountain crags or crags that are affected by the tide - for these you will need your MIA (Mountain Instructors Award) which is a much tougher proposition!

For the purposes of these courses a single pitch is as follows:

- Is climbed without intermediate stances.
- Is described as a single pitch in the guidebook.
- Allows climbers to be lowered to the ground at all times.
- Is non tidal
- Presents no difficulties on approach or walk-off.

The Award is aimed at those who have already done a bit of climbing (see below for experience required).

If you would like to sample what sort of work you will actually get if you become SPA qualified please contact us and we can arrange some (unpaid!) work experience.

Venues

Both the Training and Assessement dates below refer to courses run in Devon, from a base on Dartmoor. Additional venues/dates can be arranged subject to demand. i.e. if there are four of you we should be able to sort something out!!

The Training Course Dates | Cost

The course runs over 2 days and will cover everything you need to know about taking people out to accessible crags for Single Pitch routes/abseiling on a professional basis. Although it is not a qualication in itself, you should be able to find some work after having attended the course.

Experience Before attending the course it is recommended that you have at least 1 years personal climbing experience. As a guideline you should have lead a minimum 15-20 routes (on natural gear i.e. not bolts!); this is not essential but you will get most out of the course if you are at this level.

What else will I need to do before the training? You will also need to join the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) and register with the Mountain Leader Training Board (MLTB). This process can take a few weeks to complete so get it done sooner rather than later. The MLTB will send out a log book, in which you must record both your personal climbing experience and also any supervising (instructing) you have done.

Training Course Requirements Summary

- A minimum of 12 months rock climbing experience.
- Be registered with the Mountain Leader Training Board (MLTB).
- Have led at least 15 routes outside, using leader placed protection.
- Be not less than 18 years of age at registration.
- Be a member of a Mountaineering Council. (BMC)

It is possible to gain exemption from the training course (i.e. going straight to assessement) but this must be approved by the MLTB (Mountain Leader Training Board). It is well worth completing the training course to make sure you are aware of current best practice before going for the assessement.

Dates

2005

Mar 26–27 (ref. SPAT051)
Apr 9–10 (ref. SPAT052)
Apr 23–24 (ref. SPAT053)
Aug 13–14 (ref. SPAT054)
Oct 1–2 (ref. SPAT055)
Nov 19–20 (ref. SPAT056)

Cost Course only £90 | Insurance £12

email martin@spirit-of-adventure.com to book

Assessment Dates | Cost

When you have lead a minimum of 50 pitches and collected a total of 20 sessions (a session is a half day/evening) supervisory experience you will be able go for your assessment. The recommended consolidation period between training and the assessment will vary according to experience levels, although in most cases a minimum of 6 months is recommended to enable practising of new techniques learnt on the training course.

You will also need to have an MLTB approved First Aid Certificate.

Assessment Course Requirements Summary

- Must have attended an SPA training course ( or gained exemption ).
- Have led 40 routes, outdoors on leader placed protection.
- Assisted with supervision of 20 climbing sessions at a variety of locations.
- Hold a valid First Aid Certificate.

The assessement runs over 2 days.

Dates

2005

Apr 2–3 (ref. SPAA051)
Apr 30–May 1 (ref. SPAA052)
Oct 8–9 (ref. SPAA053)
Oct 29–30 (ref. SPAA054)

Costs Course only £90 | Insurance £12

email martin@spirit-of-adventure.com to book

Refresher Courses

Whether you're unsure if you are ready for assessement and want to try "mock exam" to highlight any possible shortcomings, or whether you need refreshing on techniques learnt during training, this one day course can prove to be very economical!
This one day course will be tailored to personal requirements.

Cost £50 (minimum of 3 candidates)

Dates Arranged subject to demand

email martin@spirit-of-adventure.com to book

Please contact us if you require further information.

Additional dates can be arranged subject to demand

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