NOTE: though members with no climbing experience may be accepted into this course, the content will be geared for those who have done some indoor gym climbing and want to learn (or learn more) about outdoor rock top-rope climbing.

Course Topics: 
Safety, basic equipment, basic climbing skills and techniques, the elements of top-roping (tying in, belaying, lowering, anchors, rope management, climber's knots, rappelling and so on). 

Required Equipment:
• climber's harness & rock shoes and a helmet (climber's strongly preferred, but a good cycling helmet will suffice).
• a belay device plus one large pear/Münter-biner (no figure 8s for belaying please).
• four locking carabiners (not ovals), four non-locking biners,  two 7mm static cordellettes measuring 1.5m and 7m in length, one 120cm sewn sling and two quickdraws.

• a PAS (personal anchor system or something similar). If you don't have one a 120cm sewn sling will suffice.

*** Those who have a 60m "single" (>9.5mm) climbing rope, please bring it.

Participants will also need to bring  lunch, water, suitable clothing and sunscreen for both days.

The plan:

The plan will be to spend two days in Squamish learning the basic skills required to top rope outdoors. We will spend both days at the smoke bluffs. The first day will be spent learning the systems required for top roping and the second day will be mostly a practice day to consolidate the new skills we learned on day one.

I am planning to camp both days at the chief campground and others are welcome to do the same, organize carpools from Vancouver (for both days) or find alternative accommodation in Squamish. The trip can be moved to the next weekend if mother nature decides to make it rain the weekend of the course. 

Emergency Contact: If you haven't done so, please add it to your BCMC account by clicking on "My Account" in the top-right corner of our club website, then select "Edit Emergency Contact" under "Manage My Account" in the left column.

Waiver and Medical: Every participant must have read and agree to ("signed") the club's online Waiver.  In addition, those with potential medical issues, that might affect their course participation, need to contact the course organizer ASAP after registering for this course.

Changes - Cancellations: This course is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in case of suspected poor weather.