Produce a good practice guide for two contrasting outdoor education activities. (P4) Good practice guide for Climbing and Paragliding
In order to achieve a PASS grade you need to:
. Produce a good practice guide for two contrasting outdoor education activities. (P4)
Good practice guide for Climbing
For many of us climbing is about recreation and freedom from structures. Outdoor Rock Climbing can be a very rewarding activity. Just as physically challenging as gym climbing, it is substantially more complex and ultimately more engaging. Outdoor rock climbing is divided into numerous categories including bouldering, Top Roping, sport climbing, Trad Climbing and big wall climbing.
The enjoyment of these areas brings with it a responsibility, we need to be aware of the impact we have on our environment and take responsibility for our own safety. We must respect the interests of others and act as responsible partners in the use and development of the countryside. To ensure continued enjoyment of the hills and the crags, we have to accept some guidelines for our activities:
Preparation...
"" Be properly equipped and fit for the activity concerned
"" Have the skills to cope with the chosen route
"" Have an up-to-date weather forecast and know the time of dusk
"" Be aware of the potential hazards and know what to do if something goes wrong
Parking and access...
"" Keep the number of cars used to the minimum
"" Park safely, with particular regard to allowing for entry to property
"" All land is owned by somebody and you use that land with the goodwill of the owner, not as a legal right
"" Avoid aggravating known problems, use approved routes in these areas
"" Be friendly and courteous when you meet landowners and local residents
"" Respect private property and do not interfere with machinery, crops or animals
"" Make no unnecessary noise, especially when passing near houses
"" Be careful not to damage fences, walls or ...
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"" Park safely, with particular regard to allowing for entry to property
"" All land is owned by somebody and you use that land with the goodwill of the owner, not as a legal right
"" Avoid aggravating known problems, use approved routes in these areas
"" Be friendly and courteous when you meet landowners and local residents
"" Respect private property and do not interfere with machinery, crops or animals
"" Make no unnecessary noise, especially when passing near houses
"" Be careful not to damage fences, walls or hedges
"" Use stiles and gates where they exist, leave gates as you find them (open or closed)
Leaders should...
"" Be competent to lead groups and be appropriately equipped to ensure the safety of the group
"" Be trained in first aid and carry a small first aid kit
"" Know the route and the ability of the group members, and ensure that they are all properly equipped
"" Be prepared to alter the route to meet the needs and interests of the group, and the weather conditions
"" Show a good example to the group, with regard to conservation issues and relations with landowners
"" Ensure everybody in the group knows what to do, what not to do, and why
Environmental considerations for climbers and scramblers
"" Cliffs are a final refuge for some plants, birds and animals that have become rare, or even extinct elsewhere
"" Avoid disturbing nesting birds and adhere to any climbing restrictions during the nesting season
"" The removal of vegetation including mosses and lichens (gardening) should be avoided wherever possible
"" Damage can be caused by repeated top-roping of routes or by using a wire brush for cleaning
"" Avoid any form of chipping or defacement of the rock; never carve your name in the rock etc
"" Abseiling down routes can be harmful to the rock, damage vegetation and inhibit other climbers
"" Where abseiling from trees is necessary, use a rope protector; even then this activity could kill the tree
"" Climbing on frozen turf, or thin ice, can cause a lot of damage to vegetation
Fixed equipment for climbing
"" For all established climbing areas in Ireland, bolting is not permitted. Bolts have been used in a few new climbing areas only (details of these crags can be obtained from the MCI's Climbing Committee.
"" Anyone considering placing new fixed equipment or replacing existing equipment should take careful account of local climbing ethics, the environmental sensitivity of the area, potential liability and public safety factors. The use of cliff-top belay stakes should be kept to a minimum, especially in popular or scenic areas where walkers have access to cliff tops.
These simple guidelines should be adapted to all outdoor activities.
Good practice guide for Paragliding
If you choose or have chosen a course in paragliding, you will quite soon find that your dreams of walking on air and soaring like a bird are beginning to be realised. There are many challenges, and it will take some time and effort to become a competent pilot, but it will be worth it for the rare experience of being one of the few who can truly enjoy free flight.
This guide is meant as an aid to learning, and can be referred to throughout, and after your course.
The basics
> Paragliding must only take place under supervision until fully qualified. Paragliding is perhaps the simplest form of aviation, but like all adventure sports, paragliding can result in injury or death through ignorance, or practiced in the wrong conditions.
> You must produce a doctor's note certifying you are fit to fly.
> 3rd party insurance is essential
Preparation
> Before flying the weather must be checked. The weather is a vital part of flying if conditions are not quite right this can lead to fatal consequences.
> Correct equipment is essential: Be properly equipped and fit for the activity concerned. Pre Flight checks are mandatory: The consequences of failing to do up a buckle are liable to be a lot more serious than falling of you're windsurf.
> Be aware of the potential hazards and know what to do if something goes wrong
Access, launching and Landing
> Any flying accident must be reported to the safety officer as soon as possible. All accidents should also be reported to the BHPA
> Any damage to crops, property or animals must be reported to the sites officer immediately so that the landowner can be informed.
> Cars or other motor vehicles must not be driven across farmers' land unless prior permission has been obtained
> Do not bring dogs onto club sites that are privately owned
> Follow the country code: do not leave litter, do not climb over fences or walls and always shut gates behind you
> Park your car with consideration to other road users and land owners
> When flying try not to land in fields containing livestock and never land in fields containing horses
> Check there is no shooting, or lambing (Feb to May)
> Do not launch if the sky is crowded
> Offer to act as anchorman or woman for other pilots
These simple guidelines should be adapted to all outdoor activities
Essie Ryan
