Southern Sandstone Leader Award Assessment

Learn to teach other rock climbing skills on the outdoor crags of Sussex and Kent. Whether you're an experienced outdoor instructor, sports coach or health and fitness professional this is the place to start.

Pre-ASSESSMENT

Before attending an assessment you must have:

  • Shared your D-Log with the Assessor.
  • Personal experience of climbing on at least 3 Sandstone Outcrops.
  • Climbed a minimum of 20 routes since training (a total 40 routes including pre-training routes) and be confidently able to climb 4a.
  • Be familiar with all aspects of the syllabus.
  • Have observed at least 20 hours of instructional sessions at a number of different sandstone crags with a range of groups and providers.
  • Reference from a suitable person on your climbing / teaching / leadership experience.
  • Provide evidence of a 16hr First Aid Course.

For information about SSLA training and assessments criteria please click here.

About Our ASSESSMENTS

Our SSLA assessents are run by experienced assessors who specialise in the Sandstone rocks and crags of Sussex and Kent.

Information

Season

Available all year round for groups of 4 or more

Duration

1 day

Group Size

1-4

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18 Max weight: 18 stone (115kg).

Included in the Course Fees

  • All course tutoring and administration.

Not Included in the Course Fees

  • Registration for the award, or reference books related to the course.
  • Climbing venue entry fees.
  • Transport / Accommodation / Catering.
  • Provision of any personal equipment.

Prerequisites

  • Be 18yrs old
  • Have a genuine interest in rock climbing and group supervision.
  • You have met the minimum requirements for attending.
Itinerary

Day 1

  • Personal climbing
  • Group management
  • Emergencies and problem solving
Locations

Various southern sandstone climbing venues in Sussex and Kent

Equipment

Equipment supplied

Group rock climbing and safety equipment is supplied.

Equipment needed

You will need your own personal climbing kit including harness, helmet, rope and rigging kit.

For all outdoor climbing courses you must have extra warm clothes and waterproofs, we will provide you with a full kit list upon booking.

  • Comfortable clothing, suitable for the time of year*
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Approach shoes / trainers**
  • Climbing shoes
  • Harness
  • Rucksack (approx. 40-50ltr)
  • Packed lunch and plenty of water
  • Medication / Tablets / Inhaler etc.

The above list is just a guide and appropriate clothing for the time of year should be worn.

*Clothing should comprise of several layers to trap the warmth. Please do not wear denim as it restricts movement, is cold when wet and is slow to dry.

**For the walk-ins we’d recommend sturdy approach shoes or trainers with a substantial tread should be worn.

Please remember the crags can be a fair walk or scramble from the car park, so it's important to put all of your kit in a suitable size rucksack leaving space for climbing equipment.

Equipment shop

Take a look at our online shop for any equipment you might want for your outdoor adventures. We stock a variety of equipment and can give expert advice if you have any queries. Choose to collect your order on a course (free of charge) and your instructor will have it ready and waiting for you when you arrive.