Climbers Self-Rescue and Sea Cliff
Skills Course
Climbers Self-Rescue and Sea Cliff Skills Course in Pembrokeshire
If you’re a climber, taking a Self-Rescue Skills Course is one of the most important investments you can make in your climbing safety. Trust me, I wish I’d done one earlier in my own climbing career!
How confident are you in your self-rescue skills? Be honest with yourself—if something went wrong, do you know how to respond?
Whether you’re already lead climbing and want to add essential rescue skills to your repertoire or you’re keen to improve your ability to deal with worst-case scenarios, this course will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills you need. From safely navigating sea cliff climbs to rescuing an injured climber on a multi-pitch route, our Self-Rescue Skills Course is a must for anyone serious about climbing safely and effectively.
We run these courses in Pembrokeshire, one of the best locations in the UK for learning sea cliff rescue skills. With its stunning sea cliffs and quiet, varied rock climbing routes, it’s the perfect environment to practice these crucial techniques. Plus, if you’re a Mountain Training Association member, you can earn CPD points while enhancing your skills!
What You’ll Learn on our Climbers Self Rescue Course:
Depending on your current abilities and how much time you spend with us, we’ll cover a range of self-rescue techniques, including:
- Abseiling into sea cliffs safely
- Ascending fixed ropes and getting yourself up the cliff
- Hoisting a stuck or injured climber
- Escaping the system to perform a rescue or call for help
- Rescuing a casualty from a cliff using a range of rope techniques (it’s a very long list!)
- Who and how to call for help, and what happens next
This course will give you the tools and confidence to manage emergencies, ensuring that you and your climbing partner are prepared for any situation. Whether you’re climbing on sea cliffs, multi-pitch crags, or other challenging terrain, the skills you learn will prove invaluable in keeping both you and your partner safe.
DATES, PRICES & BOOKING
Minimum participants 2
2 DAY COURSE – £300pp
Can’t quite find what you’re looking for or perhaps you’d rather alternative dates?
Why Choose Our Self Rescue and Sea Cliff Skills Course?
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.” He is also a trainer/assessor for the National Governing Body Rock Climbing Instructor awards, and provider of CPD for the Mountain Training Association, so you can be confident that you’re in expert hands.
Stu has spent many thousands of days working on the sea cliffs and mountain crags, so fully understands the real-world use of the skills, and knows which YouTube or Instagram tricks are a load of rubbish! 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.
Do I need previous climbing experience to join a lead climbing course with The Climbing Company?
You need to be a competent trad lead climber, able to place good protection and build belays. It doesn’t matter what grade you climb, and throughout the self-rescue course we sadly do very little climbing!
What equipment do I need to bring?
At The Climbing Company, we provide all the essential technical equipment for your climbing experience, including ropes, harnesses, helmets, and climbing shoes. All you need to bring is suitable clothing for the weather (think layers for comfort and warmth), food and drink for the day, and any personal medication. If you have any climbing kit you’re welcome to bring it to use so long as it meets our safety standards. It’s expected you’ll want to use your own rack – make sure you have lots of screw gates, some prussic loops, slings and any rope ascending devices you might have.
How safe is climbing with The Climbing Company?
Safety is our number one priority. Stu holds the highest UK qualification (WMCI – Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor). We ensure that all equipment is of the highest standard, and we adhere to robust safety procedures. You’ll receive a thorough safety briefing before you start climbing, and throughout the day, we’ll make sure you feel confident and safe. We’ll get you fully involved with the safety process and decision making to aid your development.
What happens if the weather is bad during my course in Pembrokeshire?
Pembrokeshire’s coastal weather can be unpredictable, but we monitor conditions closely to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. If the weather isn’t suitable for outdoor climbing, we will either move to a sheltered indoor location or alternative climbing site. Occasionally a delayed start and late finish pay off! We pride ourselves on being flexible and ensuring your safety, so we always have a backup plan if needed. Lots of learning can still happen in the rain!
Can I book a private climbing lesson with The Climbing Company?
Absolutely! We offer both private climbing lessons and group courses. Private guided climbing days are tailored specifically to your goals, experience, and pace, allowing for a more personalised adventure.
Is transport included?
We arrange to meet you at a carpark close to the venue for the day, maximising time out on the crag. If you’re travelling by public transport we can advise where to stay either close to the venue or so we can car share.
Where is the course based?
We will pick a location based upon where you’re staying in Pembrokeshire and what sort of routes we aim to do, but the ideal locations are St Davids or Tenby.
What we provide:
We can provide all the technical climbing gear you’ll need. Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need to bring along:
- Climbing harness
- Climbing helmet
- Climbing shoes
- Belay device
- Chalk bag
- Ropes
- Climbing rack
What you need to bring:
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing (e.g., lightweight layers for warm weather, or waterproofs and layers for cooler, wet days)
- Sturdy outdoor shoes (for walking along the coast path)
- A small daypack (for carrying snacks, drinks, and any extra layers and some kit)
- Water bottle (hydration is key!)
- Lunch and snacks (energy for climbing – think snacky energy things)
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen on sunny days)
- Personal medication (if applicable, please bring any medication you may need during the day)
- Camera or phone to take pics of the systems
Additional tips
- Wear clothes you can move comfortably in (avoid anything too tight or too loose)
- Bring a warm jacket if the weather looks chilly or windy, as it can cool down quickly on the crag
- Waterproofs in case of rain
If you’re a climber, taking a Self-Rescue Skills Course is one of the most important investments you can make in your climbing safety. Trust me, I wish I’d done one earlier in my own climbing career!