Basic 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 Introduction to Rock Climbing course is designed for those who have little to no outdoor rock climbing experience. In this course you will learn the basics of top roped outdoor climbing. This includes learning basic climbing knots, belaying skills, climbing techniques and converting to rappel. At the end of this course, you will be able to safely follow a lead climber on sport/crag climbs as well as know the basics for top roping on your own. The introduction 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 nine. 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 top-rope course only. It does not prepare you for an alpine environment or leading rock climbs.
Please see the MWR webtrac system for published dates and times.
Cost for climbs depends on location and duration
Per Person;
Basic Course $200.00
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/ Return 19:00.
Bring all required equipment as annotated below.
Outdoor Skills Practice:
Skills conducted over a day at Exit 38 climbing area on various routes. Physical performance of skills learned in the classroom and indoor sessions will be covered. 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, 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
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
Items in bold are participants responsibility, checked items we will provide.
Packs
Backpack - Approximately 3-4000 Cu In. We'll be carrying quite a bit of gear to the climbing walls.
Small Additional Duffle Bag - To store items you leave behind, such as travel clothing.
Sleeping Gear:
Sleeping Bag - Rated to 32 degrees. Down or Synthetic. Depends on expected condition.
Compression Bag - To shrink sleeping bag and save pack space
ü Sleeping Pad - Foam or inflatable. Bring repair kit if inflatable.
ü 3/4 or 4 Season Tent or Bivy.
Technical Gear:
ü Climbing Helmet
ü Lightweight Climbing Harness
ü Quickdraws
ü Climbing Slings
ü Trekking Poles (not optional, please bring to save your knees, we'll have big loads)
ü Belay device
ü Climbing Shoes
ü Ropes and Anchor material
Head Wear:
Warm Fleece Hat - ideally thin enough to also work under helmet.
Regular hat for sun protection
Buff – Very thin neck gaiter for sun protection.
Sunglasses - Full wrap or glacier glasses. Don't skimp here. UVA and UVB protected.
ü Headlamp - with spare batteries. The cold can really eat them up.
Extremities Gear:
Gloves (insulating) - 1-2 pairs of fleece. I bring three different weights of fleece that fit inside each other. The heavier pair should be wind/water resistant or proof.
Hiking Boots – High ankle with good support.
Camp Shoes - Crocs work well as do Down Booties. (Optional)
ü Gaiters - Knee length, gore-tex or equivalent and fit over your big boots.
Socks - Wool or synthetic. Find ones that work for you. Need multiple pairs for trip. Liner socks are optional, some people like them, and some don't.
Core Gear:
Base layers - Synthetic, long sleeve, lightweight. Ventable if possible
Insulating Layers - have several options 2- 3 Layers fleece or similaar
Long-sleeve lightweight shirt with collar - synthetic. To protect yourself from the sun.
Shell Jacket - With hood, Gore-Tex or equivalent.
Street Clothes - for travel times
Leg Gear:
Base Layers - same as above but long leg vs. long sleeved
Insulating layer - fleece pants or equivalent
Shell Pants - Gore-Tex, full side zip if possible.
Lightweight synthetic pants for non-summit days but on snow still
Other Gear:
Sunscreen and lip protection. Bring spares.
Utensils, cup, bowl
2-3 quart sized water bottle, wide mouth. Hydration bladders are fine but can freeze so still have 2 bottles with you.
Several Large Garbage bags and zip-locks for keeping things dry
Toiletries - toothbrush, deodorant, etc.
Bio-degradable toilet paper. We'll also be using the blue bags on Rainier.
Ear Plugs (Optional)
Camera - if you're into that sort of thing, spare batteries/memory cards.
Personal Medical supplies - first aid kit (especially for blisters) and any prescription/non-prescription items
ü Water Purification Source
ü Stove - per cook group
ü Fuel Bottle
ü Cooking Pots
Reading Materials
Stuff sacks for organizing gear
Knife/Leatherman (put in checked luggage, not carry on).
Traditional / Multi – Pitch option
ü Technical gear (SLCD & Passive)
ü Additional Stove accessories
ü Personal Anchors
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