Why PPE checks matter just as much as climbing skills for CWI and RCI Candidates

May 12 / James @ Learn the Ropes






When preparing for Mountain Training awards such as Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) or Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI), most candidates naturally focus on personal climbing skills, movement coaching, rope work, belaying, abseiling and anchor building.

But one area that’s often underestimated is making sure you have a good knowledge of using PPE safely at the wall or crag.
During a training course for your CWI or RCI qualification, you cover a great deal of ground - from coaching tips to personal climbing techniques, warm-ups to group management. You’ll also cover a fair amount of detail around the selection and use of PPE (harnesses, helmets, ropes and carabiners to name a few). 

Once that’s all over, you have the consolidation period before your assessment, where you are expected to build on the knowledge learned at training, and progress your skills by climbing in a range of different venues.

But in all honesty, most candidates don’t invest any of that time considering the safe use of PPE, and gaining experience in carrying out pre-use checks of this essential safety equipment. It’s much more likely that they will spend time heading out to crags or walls and logging climbs, developing their personal climbing techniques, and maybe shadowing qualified instructors to pick up tips. This, instinctively, is what candidates feel they should focus on - getting that S4c pitch at the assessment crag climbed like a pro. 

But PPE and equipment checks sit right at the heart of safe climbing instruction - and safe personal climbing, too!
Candidates for CWI and RCI are expected not only to use equipment correctly, but also to understand how to identify it as safe and suitable for use, check its condition, and know what to do with it if it’s unsafe.

The RCI syllabus, for example, requires that candidates can: 
  • Select and fit suitable climbing equipment for personal and group use.

  • Demonstrate an ability to evaluate the condition of personal climbing equipment and ensure appropriate use, care and maintenance in line with manufacturer’s guidance.

  • Demonstrate an ability to evaluate the condition of climbing wall equipment and ensure appropriate use of: ropes, Auto-belays, Fixed matting, Holds, features, Anchors/lower offs and fixed equipment.
That’s why the Introduction to PPE Inspections Course by Learn the Ropes is such a useful addition for aspiring instructors.

The course covers pre-use checks for ropes, harnesses, helmets, carabiners, pulleys and slings — exactly the kinds of equipment candidates will need to demonstrate checks of during CWI or RCI training and assessment.
Importantly, it reinforces a professional mindset around safety as you approach your assessment.

A slick belay demonstration means very little if worn equipment, damaged stitching or poorly maintained, out of date PPE goes unnoticed.

Likewise, the certificate issued on completion is accredited by the CPD association, and gives you proof of that mindset and skill when approaching potential employers at outdoor centres or climbing walls. 
Strong technical climbing skills may get you onto a course — but strong safety systems and equipment awareness are what help make you a trustworthy instructor.

Click the link below to find out more about the course and take advantage of our current 25% discount for CWI and RCI candidates! 
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