OCdts from Birmingham University Officers’ Training Corps (BUOTC) have recently been undertaking a Single-Pitch Climbing foundation course in the Dolomites. Over 10 days, the group learnt the necessary skills to further develop their climbing repertoire, all within the scenic backdrop of the Italian Alps.
Starting the week off as beginners, the OCdts were introduced to the set-up, safety procedures and technical skills needed to equip them with a foundational knowledge of climbing. The Citta dei Sassi mountain range provided the perfect crags to enable this learning, with an abundance of purpose-built sport climbing routes which we utilised throughout the course. Starting on the ground with the basics of tying-in, setting up for belaying, and carrying the correct equipment, they were soon out on the crags putting their learning into practice. After the days of climbing ended, the learning didn’t come to a halt, but instead each had a small piece of rope each to practice their figure of eight knots into the evening; as the instructor said, “not a neat knot is not a knot at all!”
Whilst consolidating those primary skills, they moved onto developing a better understanding of the grading system, starting at grade three and four and moving up through the week to grade five and six pitches. The last day saw the group cheering each other on through a tough 6a+ pitch with a tricky overhang crux. OCdts were also introduced to lead climbing and given the knowledge to set up and carry out a releasable abseil. Throughout the course, they were encouraged to use the guidebook independently, choosing appropriate climbs, navigating the group through the boulders and mountains and quickly learning that crags aren’t always easy to find, but with a bit of teamwork and patience, they were rewarded with some breath-taking views on arrival. Inspired to carry on their climbing journey, The OCdts spent the week asking questions, curious about moving on to Rock Climbing Supervisor and Multi-Pitch Climbing courses which may also take them to picturesque landscapes like the Dolomites.
To complement the impeccable conditions and location they were fortunate to be in, the OCdts had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in local culture. The Gran Festa da d’istà takes place in the area and coincided with the course, enabling us to experience a traditional folk celebration of the end of summer. This congregation of the four Ladin valleys was a memorable event, one we were lucky to be in the Dolomites for.
Beyond the practical skills learnt, the trip did wonders for our personal development. Most notably, the confidence of all the individuals on the trip grew immensely over the course. Often, the only obstacle between the ground and the top of the climb, was the individual trusting their grip and foot placement. Becoming more and more comfortable with themselves and their ability over the course allowed OCdts to continue completing the tricker climbs. With a bit of bravery and focus, the ability of all the individuals developed considerably. In the same vein, the 10 days saw a clear solidification of the group as a team; not only is trust in oneself paramount, but trust in your belay partner is an essential element of developing that vital confidence and bravery.
To aid these transferrable skills, the OCdts were challenged to complete blind climbs and climbs with only their non-dominant hand. This encouraged clear communication and coaching from those on the ground as well as reminding the OCdts of their ability, even without assets that seem irreplaceable. Mastering these challenges left the team feeling empowered, whilst also resulting in some reflection on what they may actually be capable of with a little more belief in their own ability. Something we continued to revisit was the mental strength of climbers, and the benefit of staying calm under pressure and being self-assured in one’s physical ability.
OCdt Leimon has shared a summary of her experience on the trip: “Our trip to Italy was a privilege to be a part of, and one that not many people my age gets the opportunity to experience. From having the chance to acquire a qualification I have been hoping to get for some time now, to being able to experience the culture of the area with some of my closest friends, it is a trip that I will never forget”.
As a BUOTC highlight for many, the climbing trip was an excellent addition to the training year. Equipped with the skills to continue their climbing journey, the formative personal lessons and memories make courses like this so important for OCdts.
For this, we would like to thank the Ulysses Trust for supporting this incredible trip in a world-class climbing location, in order to better our development as individuals and team members.
