Basic Climbing Class

This course is intended for those who have never climbed before, or others needing a refresher in the basic skills of traditional roped alpine climbing.

There is no fee to enroll in this course since the instructors donate their time as a service to the Southwest Outdoor Club. It is expected that the students will reimburse expenses such as the instructional materials handed out at the various sessions. Also the students are expected to obtain a minimal amount of personal climbing equipment (carabiners, slings, harness). Students should expect to spend between $100 to $200 on personal equipment and incidentals for the course unless these can be borrowed. Also bear in mind, if you get hooked, this is only the beginning!

The climbing sessions are designed to let the student put into practice the skills that were discussed at the preceding classroom session with “on the rock” trips to various locations in Arizona.

Climbing trips will include instruction in, and practice of, knot tying, rope handling, belaying, tying-off, setting up anchors, rappelling, prusiking, traditional climbing techniques (exclusive of aid climbing).

A climbing trip will occur on one or two weekend days following each classroom session. These are typically all day events with a two-day event on the second weekend.

Classroom Session 1 – Monday, Sep 29th
Instruction and Overview.
Equipment - The basics for climbing + clothing etc.
Conditioning, stretching & strengthening + aerobics.
Knots and rope handling - Care & encouragement of handlers.
Belaying & belay signals - aka. Siamese climbers.
Reference books & magazines.

Climbing Trip 1 – Saturday, Oct 4th

Classroom Session 2 – Monday, Oct 13th
Anchors - How to recognize a good one when you see one.
Rappelling - A necessary evil
Prusiking - Ascending the hard way
Fundamental climbing techniques - Balance, use of hands & feet.

Climbing Trip 2 – Weekend, Oct 18-19th

Classroom Session 3 – Tuesday, Oct 28th
Belaying the leader - Additional responsibilities
More climbing techniques - Smaller holds & steeper walls
Protection & Cleaning - What the leader does, the follower.
Weather - How to read and prepare for it.

Climbing Trip 3 – Saturday, Nov 1st

Classroom Session 4 – Monday, Nov 10th
First aid overview - Arizona's top 10.
Navigation - Maps, compass & terrain.
Rescue techniques - Self-rescue and team rescue.
Climbing ethics - a survey with individual involvement.

Graduation Climb (Trip 4) – Saturday, Nov 15th