Page 25 - RADC 2020

Rock Climbing Single-Pitch
Foundation (RSF) Course
Cyprus – October 2019
LCpl M Cacho, RADC
After many attempts applying for the RSF Course, I successfully landed a place on the Joint Service Adventure Training Wing (JSATW) Cyprus.
As it was my first time doing Adventure Training outside of Phase 1, I had mixed feelings about it, both excited and
nervous. The administration process was overwhelming to me, but my eagerness to pursue rock climbing was all I needed to get through it.
At RAF Brize Norton, I met my colleagues from 3 Medical Regiment, who were also flying to Cyprus, so the wait at the airport went by quickly. Once there, we were greeted by the Adventurous Training staff. It was a very long day as we arrived very late in the evening at Dhekelia station. We sat through our safety briefs and had a quick tour of the accommodation block.
Day 1: The Basics
Location: Dhekelia Station Although most of us had previous climbing experience, completing ‘the basics’ was fundamental, with safety being key for a fun and successful climb. This was more of an induction day than a climbing day. We got to know our small team on a first-name basis, so it was a comfortable atmosphere, learning where they were posted, their trades, and why they chose rock climbing. After our introductory session, we were
all measured and geared up ready for the week’s adventure.
Day 2: Out in the wild
Location: Cape Gkreko
Today was where we tested our trust in each other. Top rope climbing is the laziest and safest way to climb and often the most fun! The rope is looped at the very top of the climb on an anchor and one person belays (holds the climber) while the other climbs. Because the location was situated on the seaside, the rocks were sharp and rugged making it easier to hold on to but also easier to get cuts and grazes. What I found most challenging that day was the heat and the height; the higher I got the more nervous I became. After a good few climbs ranging in difficulty, it was safe to say that my trust in the others had grown.
Day 3: Techniques Galore Location: Dhiarizos, Kourtelorotsos
We travelled a few hours to get to the new destination. As we arrived, we could see
this area was full of pro climbers. My aim for the day was to challenge myself, so I chose routes out of my comfort zone, and also graduated from top-rope climbing. Sport Climbing is a route equipped with bolts drilled securely into the rocks with climbers carrying quickdraws which attach to the bolts when they get closer to them, securing the rope in anticipation of a fall. However, when they fall it is from the last quickdraw attached to the wall. The challenge I came across here was trusting my hold. My entire body weight, often in an awkward position, was being secured by my grip and balance on ledges with barely enough hold. On
top of this, heat radiating from the rocks made your palms and finger sweat. I fell a few times but gained confidence from it. After a tough day, we treated ourselves to a local greek restaurant while temporarily accommodated at Akrotiri Station.
Day 4: Tougher Climbs Location: Gerakopetra
Another beautiful day on the rocks and this time it was time to climb overhangs and abseil off the highest point of the cliff. While our instructor set up the abseiling area, half of us started warming up with some tricky climbs. The area was very popular and became busy very quickly. We made friends and got tips and tricks from other climbers.
The overhang climb was one I wanted to
try out however, it was so busy that I didn’t get to attempt the route. Nonetheless,
there were similar climbs that tested out techniques, and a lot of them we completed successfully.
Day 5: Last Day
Location: Cape Gkreko
The location of our last day of AT was decided by the majority. At this stage, our muscles were exhausted but always looked forward to a good climbing session. We tackled as many climbs as we could for our logbooks and managed to ascend the hard routes. At the end of the day, we had a great dinner by the seaside at sundown. A good way to end the week!
Overall, the week taught me many things about becoming a rock climbing instructor, the challenges it brings, and the feeling of satisfaction and reward after completing
a climb. I hope in the future, when I successfully become an instructor, I can bring this great opportunity to the Dental Centre team for a taste of rock climbing and share my passion and expertise.
RADC BULLETIN 2020 23