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A participant free climbs at Mt. Erie using rock climbing techniques learned in a 1-day seminar. Richard Riquelme

The Introduction to Rock course is designed for individuals who have little to no experience in outdoor rock climbing. The objective of this one-day course is to give participants the skills they need to feel comfortable climbing with experienced friends or to pass a rock gym belayer’s test.

In this course, participants will learn how to belay, rappel, and rock climb in a safe environment on easy to moderate terrain. Instruction begins with an introduction to the design, use, and care of climbing equipment and continues with thorough consideration of the procedures required for safe, belayed climbing. Then working from fundamentals on balance and posture, the instruction addresses the application of natural hand and foot positions on moderate ground. As we gradually move on to more challenging terrain, we introduce additional hand, foot, and body positions to begin developing a complete repertoire of roped free climbing techniques for each climber.

• introduction to equipment: design, care, use, and selection
• knots and tie-ins
• introduction to anchors and belays
• development of full repertoire of free climbing technique for moderate ground
• rappelling

This program is run at Mount Erie, which is a great place for “first time” rock climbers. Located on the top of a large bluff overlooking the San Juan Islands and Pacific Ocean, the views are stunning while the exposure factors are not too high. There is an abundance of short, friendly beginner routes and plenty of options for those who advance quickly.

Many individuals do not have the prerequisite helmet, rock shoes and harness that are required for this course. We will provide any or all of these required items for $10. Please inform the office as to equipment needs and sizes prior to arrival at Mount Erie.