An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 35 We started off with a few scrambles to build our confidence before moving on to some ac- tual climbing. I managed to lead-climb up 'Right Crack', which is graded VD (very difficult), the minimum grade climb you must do for your climbing test. My climb- ing buddy, Anto Cooney, seconded the climb and removed all my safety gear on his way up. With the first successful climb out of the way the rest of the week was spent honing new skills on vari- ous aspects of climbing. Our confidence was starting to show as the first week drew to a close, and we were practicing dif- ferent techniques and trying different climbs. Some of us were managing grade S (severe) climbs. Week 2 started back at Ballyryan Crag for further instruc- tion and more time on the rock face. It was also test week, so things moved up a gear or two while we were still trying to absorb all the information we were receiving. The em- phasis was on getting the systems and drills done perfectly and needless to say there were late nights all week until we passed our tests. Thankfully, all the hard work and commitment by the in- structors and students paid off and the whole group passed their individual exams. Once again the banter was alive and kicking as we began to focus on our final week, which would be dealing with heavy rope-work, and we were all eager to participate in the DF indoor climbing competition in Awesome Walls in Finglas on the Wednesday. We moved to McKee Bks for the last week, from where we travelled to Kilbride to learn how to use heavy ropes to construct various types of bridges for obstacle crossing. We covered rat slides, commando bridges, Burma bridges and aerial runways on the Monday and tweaked everything the next day. There was just one more obstacle looming, the infamous Blessington Bridge confidence jump scheduled for first thing Wednesday morning. When the time came to face the demon, one by one we climbed onto the bridge wall, clam- bered over the handrail and stepped off into the abyss that is Blessington Lake. I'm sure everybody that jumped in came out an inch taller. The demon had been banished and with an abundance of bravado and confidence we set off for Awe- some Walls, eager to put our newfound skills to the test. Over 60 members of the DF took part in the indoor climb- ing competition. The format included bouldering problems, top-rope climbing and lead climbing. Points were awarded for reaching designated markers on the wall or, in the case of bouldering, how many attempts it took to complete the problem. The skills of the competitors were varied but re- gardless of level everyone had a great day's climbing. At the end of the competition first place was taken by Pte Paul Gascoigne (Eng Gp, 1 Bde), a very experienced climber who completed even the most difficult problems with ease. Second place went to Capt Alan Mordaunt (12 Inf Bn), and joint-third place to Aptce Danny O'Brien (Air Corps College) and Pte Ian Walsh (12 Inf Bn), one of the students on the CTI course. The vast array of prizes (donated by various compa- nies and very much appreciated) ranged from guidebooks, adventure outings, starter kits, climbing equipment and vouchers, and a first place trophy! Sponsors of the competi- tion included Mountaineering Ireland, 53 Degrees North, Kippure House and Awesome Walls – many thanks again to all of them for their generosity. Following this great event all that remained was to run some students from 7 Inf Bn through our heavy-rope obstacle course the following day. After all students passed their heavy-rope assessment it was simply pack-up, check equipment, debrief and RTU. We had enjoyed a great three weeks and left as newly qualified CTIs, ready to use our new qualification in our home units to promote confi- dence training and DFAM activities. Great course, great qualification, don't miss it next year!!

• Cover