Are you a gym climber? Are you interested in climbing more outside? Do you want some fundamental and professional advice before making the leap into the great unknown? If you answered yes to 2 or more of these questions, this course could be the one for you. The Intro to Sport Rock Climbing Course is great for climbers who already know how to climb, belay, and top rope. This class includes discussion on climbing equipment, lead climbing (by way of mock leads), lead belay, safe sport anchors, anchor cleaning and rappelling. This 6 hour course is taught by a professionally certified rock climbing guide in beautiful Joshua Tree National Park. A great class for climbers seeking outdoor education. Learn responsibly, climb safe!
What are the rates for Instructional Intro to Sport 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 Intro to Sport 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 in Intro to Sport Climbing?
At the end of our sport rock climbing courses, students should be familiar with the base knowledge of sport climbing outside by themselves. This includes knowledge of the gear, how to lead, make a sport anchor, how to clean an anchor and rap off with an extended rappel.
Curriculum Outline
1. Self-Introductions (Instructor and all participants)
2. Discussion on gear (quick draws, locking and non-locking caribiners, belay devices, third hands, PAS and equivalent, cordelettes, ropes, rope mats) and how to store and care for it
3. Route Finding, planning the day
4. Flaking a rope and closing the system
5. Instructions on how to lead belay, how to lead, avoid back clipping
6. Instructions on how to build a sport anchor, opposite opposed biners and a quad
7. Mock leads, mock lead belays (rotate turns)
8. Ground school on how to clean a sport anchor and set up an extended rappel with a closed system
9. Students clean and rappel off a sport anchor with Instructor’s assistance
10. Discussion, Q&A time, extra practice as requested
