Page 113 - RAPTC Mind, Body & Spirit

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of utter exhaustion resonates amongst the group as we wearily lift our boats in silence back up the hill to the waiting minibus. Had we done enough to convince the instructor we were worthy of the top award in the JS Open Canoeing scheme? We would soon find out.
To conclude, I am delighted to report my success at O5L alongside the other 5* Leader students. A mutual pat on the back to POPT Jamie Buttle and SIO ‘Skelly’ Skelton, very well deserved both.
As a newly qualified O5L, my CANPADDLE dream is over; however, the opportunity to lead fellow SP on advanced white water, worldwide begins. I would unreservedly commend Ex CANPADDLE to any aspiring Open Canoe leader within the Corps seeking a unique and rewarding challenge. To those on next year’s RAPTC Canoeing Expedition in Canada (Ex APOSTLE PADDLE), the Vermillion Gorge awaits – watch this space!
The Rock Concentration is a 10 day concentration that is run out of JSMTW (I) in North Wales during early June. As with all concentrations run by JSMTC, the aim is to allow those taking part to gain further knowledge, experience and qualifications in summer rock climbing conditions.
As a pre-requisite, all students must arrive on the concentration having completed their Rock Climbing Supervisors (RCS) course. This means that all students will have an understanding in both basic climbing techniques, calls and set ups which in turn will give them a better understanding of the more advanced skills taught during the concentration.
During the concentration there will be a number of different courses delivered from Rock Multi-Pitch Training/Leader (RMT/ RML) to Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI), the latter being the highest qualification available in the Joint Services Adventurous Training Scheme (JSAT). These courses are delivered by some very
experience instructors within JSMTC and also civilian freelance instructors. This gives the students the opportunity to get some good quality teaching, coaching and experience.
The week starts gradually with students being expected to demonstrate basic skills in climbing from tying a figure of 8 knot to simple climbing calls and, in some instances, setting up a belay stance. From these first couple of days the instructor can gauge how the remainder of the course is going to run to ensure the students get the best from it. After a few days of teaching it is now time to get the students on the sharp end of the rope. Here students will be challenged physically with the climbing element which will include placing safety gear, setting up belay stances and bringing up both the instructor and the other student. They will also be challenged mentally with tasks ranging from choosing routes to suite the weather condition/ability to having the responsibility for not only their own safety but also their climbing partners.
ROCK CONCENTRATION
Sgt (SI) L Mills RAPTC
Sgt (SI) S Davidson-Webb Rock Concentration
Sgt Dunn Leading