A trad teaching day with Sandra. ( I had previously had a day of trad instruction with Sandra but it was over 2 years ago) Started with talking about guide books and how to locate routes. Then talked about hazards and emergency procedures. We then did a session on belay building using big blocks on the quarry floor. Next we did placing of gear, nuts, torque nuts and cams. Once Sandra had had a practice placing gear I set up a top rope on Vaseline. Sandra climbed this with a full rack of gear. I then top roped it afterwards to give feedback. During this a second climber turned up, David. As the bay we were in was very busy we moved around to the main crag.
Sandra decided she was happy to lead Nova, with me on a fixed line beside her. David was seconding. This went well. I was able to give reassurance on every piece of gear placed and some moves. Despite being a good climber Sandra lacks confidence in her own abilities. The fact I was there made her relax and enjoy the climb.
As there were birds nesting on one part of the crag and all other routes were busy I decided to take them up Delectable Variation - this gave them both an opportunity to try something slightly harder and with a scary traverse.
Reflection: It was a shame that the roadside bays became busy as I had planed to use Straight Crack as well as Vaseline. I wasn't as organised to-day. I didn't sort all my kit out first before instructing - need to set up with all required kit before instructing! The fixed line climb was a bonus and this was rigged quickly and I was able to give good feedback and advice when required. I need some additional gear to take with me.
Area :
Peak District Grit: Lawrencefield, Millstone, Mother Cap, Yarncliffe and nearby quarries and crags
Mostly the quarried grit crags south-east of Hathersage, including Lawrencefield, Millstone, Mother Cap, Tegness and Yarncliffe, but also the natural grit crags of Over Owler Tor and Secret Garden.
