This course is intended only for students in the Sports and Physical Education (SBV) and Sports and Performance (SUL) programs at the German Sport University Cologne who already have relevant prior experience in the sport. For more information, see the next 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 skills assessment on the first session, participants must successfully climb 2 out of 3 selected routes rated upper fifth (UIAA: V) and lower sixth (UIAA: VI-) in difficulty. If the aptitude test is not successfully completed during the first session, further participation in the module is not possible. Experience in rock climbing is NOT required to enroll in the course.
In addition, the program-specific requirements of the German Sport University Cologne apply. See Requirements
The course will cover indoor sport climbing and rock climbing at an advanced level. During the semester, climbing will take place primarily at artificial climbing facilities (currently: Chimpanzodrome Frechen climbing gym). The field trip will then take place during the break between semesters and will focus on rock climbing.
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 biweekly in-person session during the lecture period, and a practical course in the form of a field trip 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 field trips.
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 offered only in the winter semester.
Yes, there are additional costs associated with this course (field trip fees). All information regarding the nature and amount of these costs will be available in the course description 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 provide detailed information on the required grade thresholds at the start of the course).
Successful completion of the course requires both a written exam (with open-ended questions / “essay-style exam”) and a practical exam. The practical exam is conducted during the field trip on rock faces and covers difficulty grades 4c to 6c+ (French difficulty scale).