BASIC ROCK SCHOOL

Boulder Mountaineering School, CMC Boulder Group

Basic Rock School is well-suited for newcomers to rock climbing or for climbers with some experience who wish to review current best practices in safety. This school provides instruction on how to belay, climb multi-pitch routes as a 'second' or 'follower', and descend safely. All climbs done in the school are beginner climbs rated 5.4 or below.

There are no prerequisites, but Hiking and Survival Essentials or equivalent experience is recommended.
Course fee: $115.

Contact:  the school.

Topics Covered:

• Climbing equipment
• Knots, clipping into anchors, and rope management
• Belaying with belay device and Münter hitch
• Escaping the belay (tying off a fallen climber)
• Basic movement skills on rock: friction, face holds, crack climbing, downclimbing
• Aspects of multi-pitch climbing: rope management, team dynamics, cleaning a pitch
• Rappelling with various rappel brakes
• Overcoming a knot or obstacle in a rappel rope
• Ascending a rope or performing self-rescue with prussik loops
• Low-angle arm rappels

Course offered

• Spring
• Fall

Notes:

• Students's can expect to spend an additional $80 to $100 on basic climbing equipment and the course textbook, if they do not own any climbing gear already. An equipment list and student discount card is provided.
• Helmets are provided for students who do not have them.
• Basic Rock School is a prerequisite for Intermediate Snow, Rock Leading School, and Advanced Mountaineering School.