Did you know that rappelling causes the most accidents in the climbing world? That's because rappelling can be tricky and dangerous, especially if you don't have the correct setup! Our rappelling course is perfect for sport climbers, trad climbers, multi-pitch climbers, canyoneers, or anyone who thinks rappelling is just good fun!
In the Rappelling Course, we will cover self-tethering, rigging an extended rappel with a backup system (friction hitch), fireman's belay, rope management, and how to throw your ropes without them getting tangled in the wind.
What are the rates for Instructional Rappelling 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 Rappelling 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 our Rappelling Course?
At the end of this course students will be well practiced on how to clean a bolted anchor and rappel. This includes knowledge of the gear, how to set up an extended rappel with a third hand, how to safely stay tethered, 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. From anchors accessible from the ground, introduce the shortcut rappel most climbers use and discuss its short comings, demonstrate an extended rappel with a third hand (Ground School)
4. Practice setting up and double checking the extended rappel (ground school)
5. Practice tethering to the anchor, setting up an extended rappel, cleaning the anchor (ground school)
6. Plan the ascent up a formation together (route finding, identify walk off, etc.)
7. Students practice tethering to the anchor, setting up a closed rappel, cleaning the anchor and rappelling off under the instruction of the guide. There will either be a firemans belay or a mock rappel set up for the climbers
8. Discuss what natural features can be used for rappelling (healthy trees, stable rocks the size of a refrigerator or larger, etc.) Discuss access issues. In Joshua Tree National Park, slinging or rappelling from plant life is prohibited.
9. Discussion, Q&A time, extra practice as requested
