Rope Management and Safety Techniques. Training Courses
The course is divided into two units, 1 and 2 and is designed to be imparted over two weekends. In unit 1 we will practise basic rope techniques and in unit 2 we will focus on managing problem situations and more complex techniques.
UNIT 1: Basic techniques
PROVISIONAL DATES: Ask for information
INTRODUCTION
This course is designed to impart a basic level of knowledge of safety techniques, rope management, progression and self-rescue, to allow participants to enjoy their mountain activities safely and autonomously. Completion of the course in no way prepares participants for the responsibility of guiding a group in the mountains.
During the course, participants will be challenged to find solutions to different problem scenarios, which could conceivably occur during that activity. These problems should be adequately overcome in order to be able to complete the course.
OBJECTIVES
- Recognise and tie basic knots.
- Learn and practise different safety techniques.
- Practise simple rope management.
- Practise different types of belaying.
- Build basic anchors.
- Practise self-rescue and self- belaying techniques.
CONTENTS
- Basic knots: tie-in knots, friction knots, knots used in self-rescue.
- Simple rope work .
- Safe progression techniques, self-belaying techniques.
- Equipment review.
- Belaying techniques.
COURSE PROGRAMME
- DAY 1
Rope work practice in Peña Castibián (Alquézar)
- Duration: 8 hours
- Contents:
- Abseiling with single and double ropes using a figure eight belaying device.
- Abseiling with a Munter hitch..
- Knots: figure of eight, figure of nine, Munter hitch, fisherman’s.
- Abseiling with an auto-block back-up.
- Belaying a companion from below.
- Belaying a companion from above with an auxiliary rope.
- Blocking the belay device while descending.
- Unblocking a girth hitch during the descent.
- Untying a knot during the descent.
- Techniques with an improvised etrier and blocking devices.
- DAY 2
- Duration:
- Contents:
- Rope management: finding the middle, throwing...
- Use of lanyard.
- Installing ropes on bolted belays.
- Use of different types of belay station.
- Scrambling and down climbing techniques.
- Securing a companion in descent from an abseil station.
- Securing a companion in descent from the foot of the abseil.
- Securing a companion’s access to slightly exposed abseil stations.
- Lowering a companion with a Munter hitch.
- Practise of some of the previous day’s content.
- Basic problem solving.
Dry canyon descent (equipped)
MINIMUN REQUIREMENTS
- Some experience of activities using ropes: climbing and abseiling.
- Some experience of basic rope work.
- Not to suffer from vertigo. We mostly work at a height of 15-20 meters, but on occasion you will be suspended from the ropes for quite a time.
- A level of fitness which allows you to enjoy two intense and demanding days of rope work and activity.
PRICES
Prices incluyed:
- 2 days practise of rope techniques in the Sierra de Guara.
- 1 picnic lunch on day 2.
- 1 night’s bed and breakfast in the trekking hostel.
- Use of all the necessary equipment for the course; ropes, self-rescue equipment etc.
- Accident and health insurance.
OPTIONAL:
- Bed and breakfast (if you arrive the day before the start of the course): 21,5 euros.
- Evening meal : 13,5 euros
- Picnic for day 1 : 6,5 euros.
PRICES
In the case of a group of 2:
2 day course + 1 nights accommodation and breakfast + 1 picnic
175,50 €
In the case of a group of 3:
2 day course + 1 nights accommodation and breakfast + 1 picnic
165,50 €
In the case of a group of 4:
2 day course + 1 nights accommodation and breakfast + 1 picnic
155,50 €
In the case of a group of 5 to 8:
2 day course + 1 nights accommodation and breakfast + 1 picnic
145,50 €
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT TO BRING
- Sports clothing.
- Sports shoes (closed, lace-up shoes - not sandals - to walk safely and comfortably).
- Change of clothes and footwear.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Swimsuit.
- Small backpack.
- Those who wear glasses should use a retaining cord, or if possible not use their glasses during the activities.
- Two 7 mm cordelletts (1,5 and 3 meters respectively).
- Water bottle or similar.
- Leather gloves for abseiling.
- For those staying in the hostel - toiletries and sleeping bag or blanket (optional).
EQUIPMENT PROVIDED
- Specialised, qualified mountain guide.
- Accident and health insurance.
- First aid kit.
- Snowshoes.
- Hiking poles.
- Maps.
- Compass.
- GPS.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- All the programmes on offer are CLOSED packages. Any changes or modifications to the programme would cancel any discounts included in the package and the activities would therefore be charged for individually at the normal price.
- In all packages and programmes, the order in which the activities take place will depend on weather conditions and group numbers. Whilst we will do our best to accommodate the clients' preferences, the final order of activities will be at the discretion of Vertientes Aventura.
- Vertientes Aventura reserves the right to partially or totally change the programme due to adverse weather or river conditions.
- If any participants require a specific diet (e.g.. vegetarian), medication or have health problems which may affect the programme, Vertientes Aventura before the arrival of the group.
- In the case that the client, by choice or due to lack of condition, preparedness or fitness, cannot participate in the programmed activities there will be NO REFUND.
- In the case of adverse weather or river conditions affecting the programmed activities, Vertientes Aventura will provide alternative activities of similar value.
- Only as a last resort and in the case that activities cannot be substituted for, will a partial refund be made. Organizational costs and the guide's fee (approximately 35 %) will not be returned. All refunds will be administered by the agency responsible for the sale of the programme.
- Vertientes Aventura takes no responsibility for other activities undertaken by the participant during their stay, whether with another company or on their own initiative, including trekking routes suggested by Vertientes Aventura. As such, our insurance will not cover these other activities.
- It is important that participants collect a European Health Insurance Card before leaving their country of origin so that they can be treated by the Spanish Social Security Services in the case of accidents or illnesses that may occur outside the activities contracted with Vertientes Aventura.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
- All the prices shown for individual activities and programmes are for groups of 5 or more participants. (Except where indicated.)
- For groups of less than 5, the fees for some activities will be increased. Please consult prices on our web site or by calling our offices.
- All reservations require a booking deposit which should be paid by bank transfer:
- Individual activities: 20€ per person and activity.
- Weekend and three day programmes: 50€ per person.
- Four and Five day programmes: 75€ per person.
- Longer stays: consult prices.
- Individual activities: 20€ per person and activity.
- The outstanding balance should be paid on the group’s arrival, if possible in cash.
- Bookings will only be recognized as made once the deposit has been received
- Participants in all bookings involving adventure activities must complete our accident insurance form which can be found in the “Information and bookings” section of our web site.
CANCELLATIONS
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In the case of cancellation, the client will be liable for the following costs:
- Any cancellation made more than 5 days prior to the planned arrival date will incur a cancellation charge of 30% of the deposit.
- Deposits will be FORFEITED on cancellations made during the 5 days prior to the planned arrival date, whatever the motive for the cancellation.
