The Gym to Stone course has been designed to meet the needs of gym climbers who want to transition into outdoor climbing. It covers a wide range of material including top rope climbing and belaying, an overview of anchor building, bouldering, spotting, outdoor climbing techniques, outdoor ethics, and route finding. One of the greatest things about this rock climbing course is that it includes more actual climbing than any other instructional course! Climbers who primarily want to climb, but would appreciate some guidance and instruction while transitioning to outdoor climbing are encouraged to take this course!
What are the rates for Instructional Gym to Stone Rock Climbing Courses?
In efforts to make our instructional courses more accessible and affordable for aspiring outdoor climbers, we have special discounted instructional rates. Climbers are encouraged to bring their own gear to practice with, however, Stone Adventures will provide any needed rock climbing equipment at no extra cost. All courses are 6 hours long, taught by a full time professional rock climbing guide and the curriculum is up-to-date with the standards of the Professional Climbing Guide Institute (PCGI) and American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA). Last but not least, the courses are held outside in beautiful Joshua Tree National Park!
| Instruction Rates | Price per Climber |
|---|---|
| 1 Climber | $365 |
| 2 Climbers | $225 |
| 3+ Climbers | $190 |
What to Expect during a Stone Adventures Gym to Stone Rock Climbing Course?
On the day of your trip you will go to the meeting location inside the National Park at the confirmed date and time. This Google Maps link will be in the confirmation email sent at the time of reservation as well as a description of your guide’s car and a short self-introduction video of your guide. After meeting, you will caravan a short distance to the climbing area. You will then be outfitted with rock climbing shoes, harnesses and helmets. Waivers are required to be signed by all of our participants. Children under 18 need to have their waivers signed by a legal guardian. From there, everyone will take their packed bags and start walking to the climbing area. To save time, please come to Joshua Tree National Park with a small backpack prepared with water, snacks, jackets, sunblock and whatever else you need to be comfortable on your trip.
Once at the climbing area, your guide will begin to set up the ropes and anchors and the climbing will begin shortly after! The first route will be a moderate warm up climb. This is an opportunity to become familiar with your guide, trust the gear and learn how to read the rock. Thereafter, your guide will continue to choose routes that best suit your abilities and ambitions. We do not push people past their fear points. Let us help you transition into outdoor climbing today!
What will you learn?
This course is an overview or orientation to rock climbing outdoors. It serves the needs of indoor climbers who are ready to transition into outdoor climbing, but don’t know yet what type of climbing they are interested in pursuing. The course covers how to boulder, spot, top out, move the pad, how to belay outside, climb on top rope, route finding and practices different in climbing techniques for outdoor climbing. There is more climbing built into this course than any other course. The bouldering and rope climbing can be done in either order and timing can be adjusted to the students’ requests.
Curriculum Outline
- Self-Introductions (Instructor and all participants)
- Discussion on different types of outdoor climbing (bouldering, sport, trad) and how climbers can be low impact visitors and be sensitive to climbing access issues
- Climbing gear discussion (harnesses, shoes, helmets, PAS or equivalent, auto-locking and non-locking belay devices, caribiners, crash pad) and how to care for your gear (safe storage, avoid contact with gasoline, jumper cables, ammonia, pee, cat pee, excessive sunlight, etc)
- Bouldering: how to lay the mat, move the mat, spot, top out and walk off followed with lots of practice
- Route finding, setting up at the foot of a route, being aware of safety hazards (rock fall, weather, etc), being respectful to other climbers at the crag
- Instructions on flaking the rope, closing the system, how to belay, tie in, commands
- Talk about different climbing techniques used outside (smearing, jamming, body posturing for low angle rock, reading the rock, etc) and practice climbing and belaying!!
- Overview of Anchors
- Discussion, Q&A time, extra practice as requested
