Intermediate Rock

Intermediate Rock Climbing

Education based and non-education based climbs

Overview:

The MWR Rock program is designed for DoD ID card holders, their immediate family members and no more than 3 guests per card holder.  It will provide rock based outdoor leader led trips into the varying regions of Washington State. The Intermediate Rock Climbing course is designed for those who have basic level outdoor climbing experience and desire to expand their skills into larger more committing routes.  In this course you will learn the basics of advanced climbing like traditional gear leading, multi-pitch routes, intro to aid climbing, and how to set up complex anchors. This includes reviewing basic climbing knots, belaying skills, climbing techniques and converting to rappel. At the end of this course, you will be able to safely lead climbs on sport/crags as well as know the basics for following leaders on multi-pitch climbs.  The intermediate course or a skill challenge test is required to sign-up for intermediate level climbs.  No experience is required to participate in beginner level advertised climbs.

Advertised and private climbing requires three participants to schedule with a max of six.  These climbs include all equipment listed below.  Non-advertised private climbs must be scheduled in person at the northwest adventure center with one of the certified guides four weeks in advance of requested climb date and must be paid for in full at the time of scheduling.

Note: this course is a introduction and will require experience climbs before you should venture onto climbs with less experienced climbers.  It does not prepare you to lead multi-pitch climbs on your own immediately after the class. 

Please see the MWR webtrac system for published dates and times.

Cost for climbs depends on location and duration

Per Person;

Basic Course              $250.00

Prerequisites:

Medical Disclosure and Waiver:  All participants will complete a medical disclosure stating they understand the rigors and difficulties of the activity.  

Trip Duration:

Varies depending on area selected, trips to Smith Rock OR, Vantage WA, Tieton WA, and Leavenworth WA typically last two to three days.  Single day trips include areas like Exit 38 WA, Index WA, and Mineral WA.  

Routes:

Basic routes 

Sport and top rope routes up to thirty meters in height.  Routes will typically not exceed 5.9 YDS in difficulty.

Advanced routes

Sport and multi-pitch routes up to four pitches (200 meters+) in height.  Routes typically will not exceed 5.10a YDS in difficulty.

Dates and Times - Course:

Building 8050 NCO Beach Rd. JBLM North

Classroom start @ 08:30- 12:00 & 13:00- 19:00 Saturday. 

The second day (Sunday) session will be in an indoor rock wall.  Meet at 09:00/ Return 15:00

The outdoor skills day meets at building 8050 07:00 Saturday/Sunday - Return 19:00. 

Bring all required equipment as annotated below.

Outdoor Skills Practice:

            Skills conducted over a 2 days in Leavenworth, WA climbing areas on various routes.   Physical performance of skills learned in the classroom and indoor sessions will be covered.  There will be a multi-pitch route climb and simple traditional lead opportunities. Emphasis on safe effective anchor skills and proper climbing technique will be covered throughout the day.

Requirements Education exemption:

            Broken into three parts the course covers Classroom based education, indoor skills activities, and an outdoor practicum.  In order to exempt from the course you must display the required skills.

Skills tests will be periodically done by appointment and those designated critical must be successfully completed without error.  The critical skills are listed below.

            

    Knots

            Anchor basics

            Belaying in all formats

            Proper use of carabiners

            Proper use of safety equipment
            Proper self anchor systems
            Proper use of traditional climbing protection

            Once you have passed the skills you are qualified to sign up for a intermediate rock climbing trip.  You may be asked to demonstrate these skills prior to any technical movement on a trip in order to ensure the safety of all participants.

Ten Essential System: Required to carry during trips!

    Navigation (map and compass)

    Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)

    Insulation (extra clothing)

    Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)

    First-aid supplies

    Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)

    Repair kit and tools

    Nutrition (extra food)

    Hydration (extra water)

    Emergency shelter

Equipment list:

Items in bold are participants responsibility, checked items we will provide.