CWI Provider Course

Pre-Conference Workshop:
CWA Climbing Wall Instructor Program Provider Training

Workshop Description

This training will provide an overview for the CWA Climbing Wall Instructor Certification Program for prospective instructor pool members. As the program evolves, this training will also serve as continuing education option for instructor pool members.

This training will review the program policy manual, the CWA Industry Practices, the student manual and curricula and general course flow. Provider candidates must be familiar with the primary program documents prior to attending the training. A portion of the training will be spent evaluating the provider candidate’s skills, in scenarios to develop provider skills in consistent nationwide delivery of course content, fair student evaluation, providing effective student feedback, risk management, and in discussing the consensus pass/fail standards.

The CWI program provider course is a eight to twelve hour course. Some lecture, but emphasis on demonstration, collaborative learning, evaluation and group discussion of the program and curricula. We will review course flow from successful courses and participate in teaching scenarios to help prospective providers be able to offer a consistent course, consistent feedback to students, and a consistent standard of examination.

Preparation may be required for this course. Instructor may directly contact attendees before hand. Please review Certification Program Info.

Workshop Goals:

• Educate provider pool members in the Climbing Wall Instructor certification program and to prepare provider pool members to be effective advocates for the program;
• Help provider pool members understand the program’s policies and procedures;
• Orient the provider pool members to the CWA Industry Practices.
• Train provider pool members in the program curricula.
• Train provider pool members in evaluating and applying course standards, use of the evaluation instrument, and how to assess climbing wall students fairly.
• To train provider pool members in the use of the course/provider evaluation.
• Communicate the risk management and safety measures to be employed during the course.
• Provide a forum for provider pool members to have questions answered and discuss program issues;
• Train provider pool members to administer and deliver courses within the CWI certification program properly;
• Ensure that the certification program is delivered with consistency and quality.

Prerequisites

• Current membership in the CWA (self or employer).
• 21 years of age.
• Current first aid and CPR (American Red Cross Basic - 5.5 to 6.5 hours, or equivalent).
• A resume or curriculum vitae showing a minimum of 200 hours of work experience as a climbing instructor, showing expertise in indoor climbing settings.
• Climbing ability: 5.9 top rope and 5.8 lead on artificial structures.
• Current CWA Certified Climbing Wall Instructor.*
• Two non-related professional references, including contact info and phone number.
• A signed agreement and attestation on file.
• Proof of insurance.

*If the candidate is not a current CWA Certified Climbing Wall Instructor, the candidate may complete an alternative qualification procedure documenting that the candidate meets the requirements of becoming a provider but showing a minimum of 400 hours of work experience as a climbing instructor. Exceptional and wide-ranging indoor climbing teaching experience, prior experience as an instructor or guide, or other certification will be considered as evidence of qualification. Completion of a provider training course may or may not be required as part of the alternative qualification procedure.

Presenter Bio

Pat Mackin has thirty years climbing experience and have climbed or guided at numerous areas around the US and Canada. Pat started as a mountaineer in the Tetons and became hooked on the sport. He has traveled extensively to climb.

In 1991 Pat assisted Nate Postma in building Vertical Endeavors Indoor Rock Climbing Facility and have been part of the organization ever since. Pat rose up through the ranks to become Director of Instruction and was instrumental in developing an outdoor guiding service called Vertical Endeavors Guided Adventures (VEGA). Pat has taken two AMGA courses and has guided for 16 years in areas such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, the South Dakota Needles, Devils Tower and Red Rocks, Nevada.

Pat is currently a member of the CWA Certification Standards Committee.