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Chockstone Forum - General Discussion

General Climbing Discussion

Author
Learn to lead course

Dunc
11-Sep-2003
2:06:02 PM
A couple of us have been climbing for a few months at the gym but now want to start to learn to climb outdoor. I have been trying to call Peter Canning about the Learn to Lead course mentioned on the VCC website. I have been trying since Monday but it keeps ringing out.

Since the climbing community seems to be reasonably close I thought I might see if anyone know why I am having trouble reaching him or maybe have a different number or email address to get in touch with him.

Also does anyone else have some more info on the course? Any positive or negative comments on that particular course? Does anyone have any other alternative course/method for learning to climb outside?

Thanks for your help.

nmonteith
11-Sep-2003
2:33:30 PM
Guiding companies in Natimuk offer learn to lead courses. If you ring the Nati Mountain Shop I am sure they coudl point you in the right direction.
dodgy
11-Sep-2003
2:39:06 PM
A lot of us learn by following someone more experienced up things, practicing belay setups on safe ground, placing pro at ground level and jumping on it etc.
Some others have read a book then gone out and jumped on a route, most of them don't climb anymore (or do anything else).
The "formal" way is very thorough and organised, important info doesn't tend to get missed. The "way of the old bloke", can be OK too, but I suggest bolstering it with thorough readings of "The Freedom of the Hills". And after all that, everything else is experience (your's and other people's, as evidenced on Chockstone).
If you are thinking about learning with someone "experienced", ask around and make sure they are! And if you have ANY reason to think they might be a cowboy, exit quietly... (You don't learn good things from these people, and may die on your first trip)

Mike
11-Sep-2003
2:39:49 PM
First, try giving Bill Andrews an email since he's very involved with the VCC and is active on this forum. He should be able to tell you why Peter isn't answering his phone and who else to contact.

Then maybe try some of the guides I've listed here, though I can't say I've any personal experience with them.

If that fails to produce results, try talking to the ACIA directly and maybe ask them who they recommend.

And of course you could appeal to the more experienced members of this forum to mentor you, since learning from another climber is how many (most?) of us got into the sport.

Dunc
11-Sep-2003
4:42:24 PM
Thanks for that I have emailed Bill. I did think about posting a message to see if anyone would be interested in taking a couple of novices out to show us the ropes but thought it might be pushing it considering there are 2 of us and the only gear we own is harness and shoes. But hey if any non cowboy types are interested in helping us out send me an email - we would be very thankful.

I would still like to do a course like the one I was discussing in the OP as well. I figure that doing that along with some sort of mentor type help/training would be the best way to go. I would really like to be climbing for awhile and dont want to take any shortcuts -especially the safety side obviously.

Rupert
11-Sep-2003
4:46:55 PM
I spoke to VCC treasurer Dave Mitchell last night who said he had personally been in touch with Pete Canning in the last couple of days - so he's around! - I suggest you persevere with calling him as his courses are (apparently) very good.

Cheers, Rupert
DL
12-Sep-2003
8:29:33 AM
I went on a "Learn to lead course" with Pete Canning three years ago and found him to be a very good teacher, he was very patient and knew what he was talking about. I would throughly recommend him

Dunc
12-Sep-2003
8:41:37 AM
It was bound to happen I had trouble getting in contact with Pete for a few days and then a couple of hours after I posted my message I finally got in touch with him. Anyway thanks everyone for responding so quickly.



There are 8 messages in this topic.

 

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