Spain·September 24 - October 1 2022
BEGINNER'S CLIMBING COURSE
An intensive 8-day course teaching you everything you need to know to become an independent outdoor rock climber.
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Overview
Are you an indoor climber looking to transition from the gym to real rock? Or do you already have some experience climbing outdoors and want to learn how to lead sport climbs safely? If yes, then this course is for you! Join Rockbusters in Sella, Spain, for 8 days of intensive climbing coaching focusing on learning the basics of sport climbing safety. On completion of this course you can expect to be able to go sport climbing independently anywhere that takes your fancy, practicing both top-rope and lead techniques. It’s a great opportunity to get A LOT of climbing experience, learn from the experts, meet likeminded climbers from all over the world, and immerse yourself in climbing culture for a week...
Local Partners
Meet our local partners on the Beginner's Climbing Course
Laszlo
Laszlo has been climbing since the age of 16, and instructing for over 10 years! He has experience in a wide range of climbing styles from Alpine mountaineering to big-wall climbing, and a lot of stories to tell of his travels.
Petra
Petra is a passionate climber and skier who guides and instructs in both sports depending on the season. A fluent English and Spanish speaker, she is the perfect person to guide this trip!
The Experience
8 days learning all the skills needed to sport climb safely outdoors.
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DAY 1
Arrive and meet the team
Arrive in Sella and settle into your accommodation. Meet your guides and fellow travellers, then rest up in preparation for the next few days.
DAY 2
First climbing day
It's off for your first full day of climbing! You'll start by developing the following skills:
- How to choose the correct safety equipment, maintaining and storing it
- An understanding the risks associated with outdoor climbing
DAY 3
Second Climbing day
Today will focus on learning the following:
- How to top-rope and lead belay safely, with a focus on catching falls dynamically
- Setting up top ropes.
DAY 4
More advanced skill development
Day 3 will touch on the following:
- Lead climbing techniques
- Cleaning anchors: how to retrieve all your gear
- Climbing calls and communication methods
DAY 5
Movement skill focus
At this point in the course, we'll introduce some basic climbing movement skills, such as:
- How to climb more efficiently - understanding the basic principles
- Balance and supporting your centre of gravity
- Footwork - why you need to trust your feet!
- Special overhanging climbing techniques (drop knee, heel hook etc)
DAY 6
Technical and tactical skills
Finally, the focus will move to developing basic tactical skills, including:
- Redpointing and on-sighting - how to approach a new climb.
- Breaking through mental barriers.
DAY 7
Final climbing day
The final day of the course is reserved for you to get on some projects, put your new skills to the test and (most importantly) have some fun. Now is the time to ask any final questions!
DAY 8
Departure
Pack your bags, enjoy one final breakfast with the team, then it's time to say goodbye and head home. Hope to see you again soon at the crag!
The program is very flexible to take into account weather conditions, climbing level, and endurance of the group
Gallery
Sella, Spain
Over 500 routes from 3 to 8c+, including loads in the 5th and 6th grades
The most popular rock climbing area in Costa Blanca, Sella is primarily known for its technical and fingery sport climbing. With almost 500 routes ranging from 3c to 8c+ - including tonnes in the 5th and 6th grades- there’s more than enough to keep most climbers occupied for at least a few weeks. The climbing is on excellent quality limestone, with the typical route being about 30m long, well-bolted, slabby to vertical and full of small crimps and huecos. While the main wall can get a little busy at times, it is possible to find some peace and solitude by heading to some of the lesser known crags.
Basecamp
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Climber's Accommodation
You’ll be staying in a shared local accommodation geared towards climbers - either a hostel, campsite, cottages, or B&B run by climbers. A private room is available for an additional fee if requested ahead of time.
What's Included
What's Included
6 full days of climbing
Individualised coaching by a certified guide
Max 5:1 client/coach ratio
7 nights' accommodation
Climbing safety equipment (except shoes + harness)
Accident insurance
What's Not Included
Food and drinks
Transportation to/from activities
Flights
Climbing shoes and harnesses
Anything not mentioned in the 'what is included' section
More Info
Climbing Skills
To get the most from this trip, you should have a minimum of 2 to 3 months regular indoor climbing experience and basic top-rope safety skills. Your coaches will build on this base, teaching everything you need to know to sport climb safely and with confidence.
Liability
Mapo Tapo selects crags and local partners with the utmost care. We can for any inaccuracies, however, accept no liability. Rock climbing is a risky sport that takes place in nature. Ultimately, you are fully responsible for the choices you make. Mapo Tapo recommends that anyone who does not have sufficient knowledge not to go outdoor alone.
Travel
Please DO NOT book your flights until this trip is confirmed. Most of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. Wait for the status of the trip to be confirmed and for more information go to the "How it works" section
Blog Posts
Thu 16 Dec 2021 · Climbing Tips
Rock Climbing Packing List: What to Bring on a Mapo Tapo Climbing Trip?
A short guide to help you pack for your upcoming Mapo Tapo rock climbing trip.
Tue 22 Feb 2022 · Climbing Tips
Training and Climbing with Patxi Usobiaga
Overcoming Adversity and Going 'A Muerte'
Fri 26 Nov 2021 · Climbing Tips
How to sport climb safely: an interview with Maurizio Oviglia
Climbing legend Marizio Oviglia tells us about his latest book 'The Sport Climbing Safety Guide'.
FAQs
What level do I need to be climbing at to join this trip?
This is a beginner's course - so no outdoor rock climbing experience is required. However, you should have at least 2-3 months regular indoor climbing experience, and be able to tie in and top-rope belay without assistance.
What group size can I expect?
The maximum group size for this trip is 8, allowing you to get plenty of 1-on-1 time with your coach.
How do I get to the accommodation and crags?
Airport transfers and local transport are NOT included in the trip price, so the best option is to hire a car. We can help organise a group carshare if required.
A meeting point and accommodation details will be shared once the trip's departure is confirmed.
Do I need lead climbing experience?
No, all skills needed to lead climb safely outdoors will be covered in this course. However, you can still book on if you already have some indoor lead climbing experience. Sport climbing outdoors requires a lot of additional skills and knowledge which are best learnt from an experienced certified guide.