Outdoor Climbing Coaching
Rock & Sun Outdoor Climbing Coaching
The Rock & Sun Outdoor Climbing Coaching Courses aim to maximise and develop your rock climbing ability and enjoyment, whatever your previous climbing experience. At all levels, Rock & Sun instruction and coaching is geared to target and develop the key elements: technique, balance, movement, and mental approach. To get an idea of some of the things you will learn during the week, please read our blog.
Climb 2 grades harder
Whatever your current rock climbing grade, each of our Outdoor Climbing Coaching courses will enable you to observe, practice and acquire a wide range of efficient movement techniques and useful skills for increased confidence and performance.
Consolidation of learnt skills is deliberately thorough during both courses, to enable deep understanding of how to keep progressing your climbing skills independently after the end of the coaching week.
Many of our clients end up climbing two grades harder than they have ever climbed on real rock before!
Which Coaching Course to book?
The Rock & Sun Outdoor Climbing Coaching courses are no longer separated by grade. Both the Fundamentals course and the Performance course are open to any climbing grade.
The information below gives an indication of what the different coaching courses are about and who they are for. Please contact us if you are not entirely sure which course suits your climbing experience and aspirations best. Describe us what you have done so far, indoors and on real rock, toprope and lead, over how many years. And let us know what you would especially like to work on in your climbing. Based on that our team will advise you which Outdoor Climbing Coaching course is best for you.
Coaching Fundamentals
The Coaching Fundamentals is for climbers that have not been coached outdoors before. It is designed to make you aware of all the different aspects of outdoor climbing. Before we can start coaching in an outdoor setting it is important that Rock & Sun’s safety procedures are understood and met at a group and individual level.
Then we will teach you the essential element of outdoor climbing: route finding. You will come away with the ability to ‘read the rock’. After we have introduced the ‘formula’ to make climbing easier by finding the easiest way up the route, we will then continue your progress by focusing on the fundamentals of efficient movement on rock. You will end up being able to find the easiest route and climb it in an efficient way.
Video analysis and climbing drills are two of the instruments used on this course to improve your climbing and bring it to the next level.
A third main course element is our Fall Practice routine, which we actually started to refer to as Landing Practice. The step-by-step routine that we have developed over the years is not only essential to minimise the risk of injury and to reach your potential as a climber, it is also fun so you will continue to incorporate it in your climbing after the course.
The Costa Blanca has many crags with a wide spread of grades. Your climbing instructor is easily be able to coach one person on a F5 and someone else on a F7b at the same time.
We do require you to have rope climbing experience before booking this course. If you are completely new to rope climbing, then please first book onto one of our Sport Climbing Holidays.
Coaching Performance
The Coaching Performance is for climbers with at least a few years of climbing experience, indoors as well as outdoors. We expect everyone to be experienced lead belayers. And to have a good understanding of the Fundamentals (route reading and the three basic elements of an efficient movement pattern) which you may have gained by attending one of our Fundamentals coaching courses or by having been on one of our Sport Climbing Holidays. Participants are also required to have a good understanding of our safety procedures so we can quickly move on to a more personalised approach, incorporating things like more subtle ways to gain efficiency in your climbing movement pattern, dealing with fear issues and landing practice, and strategies for projecting routes.
Our Fall/Landing practice routine, video analysis and climbing drills are some of the instruments used on this course to improve your climbing and reach your potential.
Participants wishing to attend the Coaching Performance course that have not previously attended a Coaching course or Sport Climbing Holiday with Rock & Sun are required to contact us to determine if the course is suitable for them as a starting point.
Outdoor Climbing Coaching
Video Analysis
Take this unique opportunity to watch yourself climb and have your climbing movement patterns analysed by our very experienced climbing coaches.
Overall it was an amazing week. It was a bit long and intensive days. Sometimes the days program got a bit hectic. If I should change anything at all, it would be to reduce the climbs to about 5-6 hours in total (including two crags and transport). It seems natural for many to loose focus and energy after this time at the crag. At the same time it was not a problem as I slowed down when I needed.
What I brought with me home, besides from an excellent stay with good hosts and people was new strategies to handle fear and I got past my climbing challenges due to competent and calm guidance from Des. Thank you!
I will definitely try to spend another climbing week in the villa next year.
Tone
30th December 2025
.. and I am very familiar with the Costa Blanca area, the holiday and instruction provided by Trevor and Desirée was of the highest quality. Although I had no expectations for the trip, I learnt a great deal, in particular the need to improve my movement skills and would certainly consider coaching with them to help work towards my long-term sport climbing goals. On the last day of the holiday I was unlucky to slip descending the path from the crag resulting in a severe knee injury. Their support in evacuating me from the crag, to a medical clinic in Calpe, and expediting my departure back to the UK where I would subsequently receive emergency surgery gives me the very best chance of a full recovery. They make for a professional, genuine, kind and entertaining team, so thoroughly recommend one of their climbing holidays.
David F.
1st January 2026
I’ve come away thinking more practically about safety and how to improve my technique. I appreciated the effort to find good places to climb when the weather didn’t play ball and also the thought given to ensuring everyone in the group got plenty out of each day regardless of ability level. The villa is awesome. The organization and communication from Kiera before the trip super. Everyone on the trip was lovely, funny and kind. And the friendly vibes, banter and wisdom from Des and Trevor made it a truly special week.
Emma L.
1st January 2026
Thanks for a great week. I really enjoyed the drills and breaking down of the movement patterns. I feel like it helped to have a regular process to go through, especially when leading. I was slightly disappointed to not spend more time redpointing and climbing closer to my limit towards the end of the week, but I understand that Ambolo was unexpectedly busy on the day we went, so it wasn’t within our control.
Simon H.
24th December 2025
I’m not going to lie, day 1 was a bit brutal; replacing engrained bad habits with good practice. But that, and four more days of outstanding coaching, encouragement and laughter has made me a more confident, safer and efficient climber. The chance to practice falling and landing was a highlight, but honestly, it was all good and I’m looking forward to continuing to build my skills and technique on my next trip to the Costa Blanca.
Steph H.
24th November 2025
I had a fantastic time in Spain! Trevor and Desiree were great coaches, guides and hosts. I learned a lot of new information about rock climbing safety that I didn’t know, after 20 years of enjoying the sport! I felt more confident in my climbing and my leading skills and left Spain with a renewed enthusiasm for climbing.
In addition to providing transportation to the grocery store and picking us sillies up from an up expected off-day adventure, they also facilitated evening activities that helped us relax and get to know the people in our group after long days focused on learning and climbing. That was really appreciated. I felt like I was also making friends!
We would love another trip with R&S, if we can. We are already talking about it ;)
Thank you Trevor and Desiree and Rock On!
Carrie V.
13th October 2025
I have recommended to friends. Many thanks for the flexibility and help when our plans changed.
Stuart B.
4th January 2026
I enjoyed very much the place / house / crags. I will come back!
I had a great time, learnt so much and came away feeling as though I was still progressing and yet have so much to work on! Thank you for the patience and the time to allow me to try. Christian P.
I learned a lot of useful things about climbing, included technique, safety and overall perspective of climbing. And we spent a really nice week always in good mood :)
Laszlo T.
16th April 2025
A really enjoyable climbing weekend in the Costa Blanca. We covered a great range of routes at some stunning locations, with Trevor and Desirée as excellent hosts and instructors. Their approach enabled us to develop our skills by tackling challenging routes, with safety in mind throughout. I hadn’t done much outdoor climbing before and left feeling enthused to do more.
Norman F.
13th April 2025
It was just as outlined in the online materials. An amazing experience, well coordinated, lovely villa and terrific fellow climbers. Exceeded my expectations.
Olivia H.
21st January 2025
… climbing with Jonny. He was patient and accommodating to everybody’s needs, and encouraged people to achieve their goals. It’s always lovely to climb with people from all over the world, and this group was certainly inspiring!
Julie G.
19th January 2025
My second trip with Rock and Sun and, as before, excellent tuition from Des and Trevor that fills you with confidence to climb better, challenge yourself and all with a lot of fun. Stunning venues, often over-looking the sea or a mountain landscape. This trip was over Christmas and we all had a ball on Christmas eve with karaoke and live music followed by a terrific lunch on Christmas day. Highly recommended.
Kevin A.
1st January 2025
I had a lovely time and learnt a lot about sport climbing. The coaching has a strong emphasis on safety and efficiency – ideal for beginners and novices. The crags were stunning!
Sam K.-J.
22nd October 2024
Having not climbed for several years and now getting to grips with it again, I couldn’t have chosen a better company. Not only was there bags of support and encouragement, I was persuaded to look at climbing with a completely different philosophy, changing the way I’ve always done things and immediately improving my technique.
You couldn’t wish to meet two nicer people in Trevor and Desiree. The accommodation and local area are stunning. Very pleasant on the rest day to relax by the pool. Great climbing area, and even though it was the end of July, we always managed to find a shaded crag.
Top marks all round and I shall be back without a doubt.
Kevin A.
29th July 2024
Now that I’m home I have a little Trev and Des voice that sounds in my head when I do a bad climbing technique movement.
Thanks again for being incredibly accommodating so that I got the most out of my half week coaching, and thanks to Kiera for the million back and forth emails.
Steve
3rd July 2024
Trevor and Desiree went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience. I really appreciated the effort that was clearly put into everything, from the coaching to the little details like spare supplies of things we may have forgotten.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my outdoor climbing experience and will definitely be back for another trip!
Anonymous
10th June 2024
I had no outdoor climbing experience, and no belaying experience when I went on my Rock and Sun holiday. I was a little scared of both of those things. But Trevor and Desiree were excellent at explaining both how you do these things, and why they are safe. It really gave me a lot of confidence, and I wasn’t scared at all.
They are calm, patient instructors, and I felt like I learned so much. By the end, I was very confident in my top-roping and belaying and would feel comfortable doing it on a climbing trip or at the gym.
The entire holiday experience was so calm and relaxing. Being at the crag, you only really hear the sounds of nature. It’s the same at the villa you stay at. Just relaxing by the pool after a day of trying hard at the crag is a really lovely experience.
When I was in the car on the way back to the airport I was already planning when to come back
Daniel B.
10th June 2024
…and watching them (Trevor and Desirée) climb is proof enough, though you’ll notice the difference immediately in your own climbing. Their patience as I try to overcome my own bad habits form-wise is very welcome.
The villa in Spain is very comfortable, has everything you need + a pool and barbecue and beautiful views in a peaceful setting. Add to that a lovely group of fellow climbers and what more could you want?
A treasure trove of available shoes, packs and other gear means there’s nothing else you’ll need. I’ll happily book with them again.
Beth McC.
10th june 2024
What a chance to learn from a couple of climbing legends! You will quickly become a safer and more confident rock climber after a Rock and Sun holiday. A really well thought out week that takes you to beautiful crags with enough time to chill by the pool too. It is also a good chance to expand your climbing network back home after meeting the other intrepid adventurers.
Big thanks to Trev and Days!
Will N.
10th June 2024
Inefficient and Efficient Climbing
A comparison of two climbers on the same route. One showing less than efficient climbing technique. The other attempting to maximise using the legs in creating the upward movement and minimise using the upper body.
Outdoor Climbing Coaching Course Content
- Navigation for rock climbing: how to determine a safe and easiest way from one bolt to the next, how to assess the risk
- Video analysis to identify and understand your movement pattern, and to see where improvements can be made
- Understand the fundamentals of an efficient movement pattern
- Isolating the key elements of efficient climbing technique and practice these
- Problem solving: understanding the most efficient options when forced to compromise the preferred movement pattern
- Body positioning: finding and optimising rests
- Understanding bridging, flagging, drop knees and other climbing techniques
- Falling/Landing practice
- Dynamic belaying
- Clipping Positions
- On-sighting strategies
- Red pointing strategies
- How to continue to become a better rock climber during your indoor climbing sessions
Included
- Video analysis of your climbing
- 5 days climbing and coaching with certified guide
- 7 nights accommodation
- Airport transfers to/from Alicante Airport (conditions apply; land before 14.30pm – depart after 12pm)
- Transport to and from the crags
- Maximum instructor-client ratio 1:6 (Fundamentals) and 1:4 (Performance)
Why Choose a Rock & Sun Outdoor Climbing Coaching Course
- Enjoyment. Safety. Achievement. Our Outdoor Climbing Coaching courses have been designed and developed by a team of certified and passionate climbing instructors.
- Rock & Sun instructors know how to climb – and they know how to teach you to climb.
- We are committed to going the extra mile to give you the best results.
- The feedback we’ve received suggests that courses surpass expectations.
- We acknowledge your individual rock climbing aspirations and offer personalised coaching.
Outdoor Climbing Coaching in the Costa Blanca
The Outdoor Climbing Coaching Courses are taking place in the Costa Blanca. Not only because of its beautiful blue seas, green valleys and delicious red wine. But because the Costa Blanca is home to some of Spain’s most exciting rock climbing. There is an abundance of crags that suit all abilities. Striking lines of all grades make it easy for you to find a project here that you would like to climb by the end of the week’s course.
Accommodation
You will be staying in a self-catering villa with swimming pool in Lliber in the Jalon Valley. It is an extremely spacious detached finca, boasting magnificent views over the valley’s vineyards, almond and olive groves, set against the Col de Rates in the background. The villa is completely private, has many outside areas to enjoy both in winter and summer, and has a lovely outside kitchen and barbecue area. The villa has a very large lounge with dining area and fire place and a fully equipped farmhouse style kitchen. There are three twin bedrooms, a bathroom and one double room that also functions as a family/triple room with its own bathroom. The beds and mattresses are of high quality to assure a good night’s sleep in between long and intense climbing days.
The villa is located in a secluded and quiet area in the beautiful green hills behind Lliber, yet within walking distance of amenities. The nearest restaurant is about a mile away. The bars and restaurants on main square of the picturesque village of Lliber are at 2,5 km. It is 4 km to Jalon with a big choice of bars, restaurants and a supermarket. There is Wifi at the villa.
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