WAAC Trad Climbing Development Meet (8-11 th August, Pembrokeshire)

My first foray into the world of WAAC did not disappoint. Based at Shearwater House, Stackpole centre we had a very comfortable base at minimal cost.

My objectives – development of lead climbing skills, fun in the world of sea cliff climbing and networking with climbers with similar aspirations. All of the above and more were delivered in an inclusive and exciting course provided by the inspirational Jenny Dart and the superb coaching team of Leading Edge Mountaineering (Samantha Leary, Cath Wilson, Vicky Owens, Jenny Dart and Charlie Chambers. Supervised with composure and cuteness by crag dog, Jester).

So why would busy women from diverse professional backgrounds, from around the British Isles (From Brighton to Edinburgh to Dublin) spend up to 9 hours driving to get to this little corner of Wales?

For Sea cliff climbing at its finest! Beautifully intimidating locations, with the sea crashing below, seals peeking out to see what we were up to and fabulous rock. It really does have special challenges – weather, tidal patterns, access routes before you even touch the rock. Our instructors engaged us fully in the planning and it became obvious that this is special climbing and requires very focussed preparation.

Eight motivated participants divided into 4 teams at 1:2 instructor ratio. Climbers with a range of prior experience from several accomplished sport climbers, to a range of trad experience, mostly at the more mellow grades. On this occasion everyone wanted to learn to lead. Four days with a consistent team enabled development from “ghost roping” (simulating leading but with a rope above for security) to get used to placing gear, gradually moving to “the sharp end” of trad leading. We all made great progress and at the end of the course all of our participants had led routes as buddy teams, whilst our dedicated instructors “jugged” on fixed ropes beside us to offer psychological support, technical expertise and safe supervision.

It was intense, at times the sea cliffs are intimidating, but we all felt exhilarated at our achievements. Swapping contact details on Monday, we have plans to meet up to consolidate our skills as buddy pairs. A great group of inspiring women with intriguing back stories and warm friendship. I do hope this course runs again next year as I for one will be signing up. Thank you to everyone, instructors and participants, for making the four days so special.

Jo Drummond, North Yorkshire