Introduction to Rock Climbing Course

*AS A RESULT OF THE SUSPENSION OF ALL COURSES/ACTIVITIES/EVENTS UNTIL 4/24/20, WE WILL BE CANCELING THIS COURSE. CURRENT PARTICIPANTS MAY RECEIVE A FULL REFUND, OR DONATE THEIR COURSE FEE. PLEASE SEE THE COVID-19 RESPONSE PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION*

The Introduction to Rock Climbing course is designed for those who have little to no outdoor rock climbing experience.

Description:

In this course you will learn the basics of top roped outdoor climbing. This includes learning basic climbing knots, belaying skills, climbing techniques and converting to rappel. At the end of this course, you will be able to safely follow a lead climber on single-pitch sport/crag climbs.  To get the most out of this course, you should plan on going to a climbing gym once per week in addition to the regular course meetings.

Gear: 

You will need a climbing helmet, a harness, rock shoes, belay device, three locking carabiners (one big belay biner, two smaller biners), a Metolius PAS (or similar personal anchor) or one 5/8" nylon double sling (sewn, not tied), and a four foot length of 5 or 6mm nylon accessory cord.   The instructor will provide details on what gear is required for which class sessions.  We will discuss required gear at the first class.  If you have any questions about gear before then, contact the course leader before making a purchase.  Most climbing gear is non-returnable.

Skills: 

The skills you will learn include: basic knots, climbing on top rope, belaying a climber on top rope, belaying a lead climber, cleaning anchors and rappelling, climbing etiquette, rope management, and basic climbing technique.

This course is a top-rope and sport follower course only. It does not prepare you for an alpine environment or leading rock climbs.

Registration details:

Intro to Rock has a capacity of 12 students.  Spots in the course will first be offered to people on the wait list from the previous Intro to Rock class.  After that, remaining spots will be filled by randomly selecting individuals from among those that register in the first week registration is open.

NOTE: ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED FOR ALL DATES.  PLEASE DO NOT REQUEST AN EXCEPTION.