This course is intended only for students in the Sport and Performance (SUL) program at the German Sport University Cologne who already have relevant prior experience in the sport. For more information, see the question: Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in the course?
Yes, basic belaying skills for indoor climbing or climbing on artificial walls (e.g., by completing the BAS 5.1 Sport Climbing course, the SBV7 Sport Climbing course, or through personal experience with sport climbing on artificial walls) are a prerequisite for enrolling in the course and will be assessed during the first session (top-rope AND lead climbing). In addition to safety skills, basic climbing ability is also a prerequisite for enrolling in the course. Therefore, during the climbing ability assessment on the first session, participants must successfully climb 2 out of 3 selected routes rated at difficulty level 6 (UIAA: VI). If the aptitude test is not successfully completed on the first session, further participation in the module is not possible. Experience in rock climbing is helpful but not mandatory for enrollment in the course.
In addition, the program-specific prerequisites of the German Sport University Cologne apply. See Prerequisites
The course covers selected practical climbing skills and techniques at an advanced level, both on artificial climbing walls (lead, bouldering, speed) and adapted to various types of rock (e.g., limestone, sandstone, basalt, conglomerate, granite). During the semester, climbing takes place primarily at indoor climbing facilities (currently: Chimpanzodrome Frechen climbing gym). Field trips are held on various weekends during the semester and during the break and provide instruction in sport climbing on natural rock.
Yes, you will need your own equipment starting in the first week of the semester: a climbing harness, a belay device with carabiners, and climbing shoes; later on, you will also need: a sling, a helmet, quickdraws, and, if necessary, a rope.
The course consists of a theory seminar, which takes place as a weekly in-person session during the lecture period, and a practical course in the form of various weekend field trips held both during the lecture period and during the break between semesters. Please refer to the information in the LSF at the start of the first registration phase for the exact course times and locations, as well as the dates and locations of the excursions.
The venue during the lecture period is usually the Chimpanzodrome climbing gym in Frechen. Please keep this in mind when planning your semester! Please also note that attendance is mandatory for all parts of the course.
The course is only offered starting in the summer semester. The course runs for two semesters.
Yes, there are additional costs associated with this course (field trip fees, admission fees). All information regarding the type and amount of these costs will be available in the LSF at the start of the first registration period and will be communicated by the instructor during the first class session.
Please note that some of this course requires you to bring your own sports equipment. For more information, see the question: Do I need my own equipment?
Yes, the following certification can be obtained: Climbing Instructor (in cooperation with the German Alpine Club (DAV)). To qualify, you must complete the course with satisfactory grades (the instructor will announce the specific grade requirements at the beginning of the course). Cooperation regarding additional certifications is currently still under discussion.
Successful completion of the course requires passing an oral exam, a teaching demonstration, and a practical exam. The teaching demonstration and practical exam will be conducted during the course sessions in the winter semester. The instructors will announce a separate date for the oral exam at the end of the winter semester.