At the time of the course, you must be able to efficiently and knowledgeably belay, rappel, climb, and build anchors with artificial gear as well as natural features without guidance, and have at least 2 years climbing experience.
In addition, you must be familiar with the following:
Knots
Figure 8 family, Grapevine (double fishermans), Water knot (tape knot), clove hitch, bowline
Belaying
use of belay plates
use of figure 8 or belay plate
Anchoring
able to comfortably utilize natural and artificial anchors (ie. stoppers, hexes, Tri-cams, spring loaded camming devices) to create equalized and appropriately redundant anchor systems.
Cordellettes and Runners
know what they are and be comfortable with their use.
Climbing
able to climb comfortably on 5.7 - 5.8 terrain on top rope and to rappel over edges without coaching.
Gear
have the required gear for the course and be comfortable with its use. See Equipment List.
The ability to lead is recommended but not required. If you are unsure of your skills then set up training days with us to evaluate and enhance your skill prior to participation in the course.
Clothing
Be prepared for being outside and active during inclement weather.
All clothing should be in good condition and appropriate for the activity.
Footwear
Closed toe shoes appropriate for wearing all day at the cliff.
Approach shoes will be very useful. Climbing shoes may be useful.
Pack
Include sunglasses, water bottle, sunscreen, pocketknife, first
aid kit. Bring a pencil or pen for note taking during the course.
Required Climbing Equipment
• Climbing Helmet
• Harness, belay loop recommended
• A belay/rappel device
• One 50-60 meter rope (10-11mm) for climbing***
• A standard rock climbing rack which should generally include; one set of stoppers, Hexes or SLCD's (.5 inch to 4 inch), TriCams (#.5, 1, 1.5)
• 15 regular carabiners
• 10 -12 over the shoulder runners***
• 5 pear shaped locking carabiners
• Two cordelettes (30ft of 7mm nylon accessory cord each)
• 100ft of 1/2" static line, (mark the middle of the line with a pen specifically designed for such purpose, we recommend a marker manufactured by PMI Rope) ***
**Mark your gear !
***use a rope marking pen to mark any nylon soft goods (rope, runner, harness, etc.)
If you don't have some of these items they may be available for you to use. Let us know ahead of time if you don't have all the gear.