Instruction Courses
These are free courses (well, you have to pay for petrol and food) run by CUTC for our faithful members. You should take part in as many of these as you can while you have the chance, because elsewhere these courses cost hundreds of dollars. How is this possible you ask? Thank our caring instruction volunteers and instruction officers, Vaughan - instruction (at) cutc.org.nz
-
River Crossing Course: (8/9th March)
This year the river crossing course will be combined with the Freshers trip. Rivers kill far too many people in New Zealand, so before you tramp make sure you understand the when, where and how of crossing rivers. If you can't make the Freshers trip, you have another chance on the Bushcraft course. -
Outdoor First Aid: (2nd or 3rd term)
A great skill to have! We'll work with the Mountain Safety Council to provide a special Outdoor First Aid course for CUTC members. First-Aid is compulsory for all engineers and this is the best way to get it! -
Snowcraft
Every year, the CUTC organizes a snowcraft instruction course. This course covers basic snowcraft techniques and equipment. We cover things like; how to walk in snow, how to use ice axe and crampons and how to self arrest a fall. The course is designed for people with limited to no experience with tramping in alpine areas in winter. It will you give you enough confidence and competence to safely venture into the New Zealand hills in winter in easy to moderate terrain, with a competent leader.
This year we will organize two weekends.
Snowcraft 1: 11- 13 July
Snowcraft 2: 19- 20 JulySnowcraft 1:
Cost: 60$
New this year is the chance to do a 3-day snowcraft course. The first day focuses on teaching basic skills. That evening we will spend in a nice, warm lodge and do a slide show of inspiring photos. The next day, we head into the mountains, utilizing those newly learned skills. We'll camp out true alpine style with tents and possibly a snow cave for the brave and willing. On Sunday we walk out and drive back to Christchurch, with the usual stop at Springfield pub on the way back.This covers the transport, dinner on the Friday night, breakfast on Saturday and the accommodation. All technical equipment will be provided. However, lunches, breakfast and Saturday night dinner are for your own expense. We will form cooking groups for the night we camp out and, as a token of appreciation; each cooking group will provide dinner for their instructor (remember these are experienced people that share their knowledge and skills for free!!)
You will need all your personal gear for tramping, plus a WARM SLEEPING BAG, extra warm clothing, gaiters and sunglasses- you will not be allowed on the trip if you don't have these items, so start saving/ begging/ trading etc. For a detailed gear list, see the first newsletter. We will send out a full list of gear with the other info when you sign up.
Snowcraft is easily the most popular instruction weekend and spaces are limited, so don't wait too long! Signing up is easy. Just come to the meeting and pay the 60$. Entry closes on June 4th or earlier if fully booked.
Snowcraft 2: 19-20 July
Cost: $50
The traditional 2 day instruction weekend. The same basic concepts are covered on this course. We will stay at a lodge overnight and go on a daytrip on Sunday to practice our skills.Includes transport, accommodation, all technical equipment. Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast. See Snowcraft 1 for other info.
You can sign up for Snowcraft 1 or 2 during Term 2. We will work on a first come, first served basis.
-
Bushcraft Course: (15-16th March)
A two-day course designed for beginners (although trampers with a few trips under their belt should get a lot out of it too). Covering what to take (clothing, equipment, food), planning a trip, navigation, camping, cooking and what to do when things don't go to plan. It will also include river crossing. All covered while on the move through a variety of easy-medium terrain in the Canterbury foothills. -
Orienteering (2nd term)
This 1 day course will prepare you for Twalk - the biggest event of the CUTC year! It will cover basic navigation skills: map reading, compass use, etc. We will organise an orienteering course for you to practice these newly learned skills as well! Great if you haven't done much navigation or are a bit rusty with the old compass. -
Rockclimbing (4th term)
The rockclimbing course is usually based in the Port Hills. This two day course is an introduction for beginners. -
Avalanche Talk (end term 2 or start term 3)
We will have a speaker at a Wednesday evening meeting talk about avalanches. How and where they are formed, preparation before venturing into avalanche terrain and most importantly: how to avoid getting caught in one! Not to be missed by anyone wanting to go tramping in wintertime. -
Mountaineering instruction camp, 26-31 August
We will be running an intermediate level mountaineering course/camp these coming August holidays (26-31 August 2008) in conjunction with the Canterbury Mountaineering Club. The aim of the camp is to cater for those who have previously done a basic snow craft course and/or spent some time climbing around in the mountains with crampons and ice axe in hand, and wish to take things a step further.
The course will take the format of 3 days of intensive skills learning with the help of professional instructors followed by a further 3 day climbing trip to practice those newly learned skills. The first day of instruction (26th) will be dedicated to brushing up on the basics as required and may be optional to those who genuinely already have a lot of experience. As to what gets taught/climbed will depend on what you and your instructors decide on the day.
Glacier travel, snow and rock anchors, rope work and avalanche issues are likely skills we will look at over the camp.
If you are keen please email instruction@cutc.org.nz , or better still talk to your trips/instruction officer (Vaughan) at the wed meeting.
