Overview

This trip is designed for first-time rock climbers. It's the perfect opportunity for those who have always wanted to learn how to rock climb, or who aren't sure whether the sport is right for them.  This is also an opportunity for climbers looking to transition from the indoor gyms to the world of outdoor climbing. 

Topics Covered

- in intro to the different pieces of gear (and what to look for when you're buying)
- belaying and lowering for top-rope
- basic tips for climbing technique
- how to fall (and not be scared!)
- following a leader and cleaning gear from the route
- basic top rope anchors
- cleaning an anchor
- rappelling basics

We may cover some other topics as time permits (e.g., coiling a rope). Beyond that, we'll just spend the day practicing our skills and having fun!

*Note: this course will cover how to construct 1-2 basic anchors and how to check them, but is by no means a full anchoring course. It's recommended that you pair this course with an anchoring course.

Required gear for each day:
- climbing harness
- rock climbing shoes
- belay device (no figure 8s please)
- 1-2 locking carabiners
- 1-2 non-locking carabiners
- 1-2 prussics (optional, if you have)
- 1-2 full strength slings or cord (optional, if you have)
- climbing rope (optional, please bring if you have)
- helmet (required! must be climbing-specific)
- chalk and bag (optional but recommended)
- clothing you can move in and sensible shoes for walking on maintained trails
- clothing to keep you warm, dry, cool, or whatever the weather presents for us
- water and a delicious lunch

If you don't have this gear, you can rent at places like MEC or Climb On in Squamish. 

Logistics

Location TBD, but almost certainly somewhere in Squamish. This trip will only run in dry conditions.

Because this is a 2-day course, you have the option to either camp in Squamish or drive back and forth each day. If you're camping, be sure to add camping gear to your list! Let's use the Planning Forum (see top of page) to organize who is camping and who is driving so we can share campsites and/or rides. 

Payment Information:

There are three steps to registering for this course:
1) Click on "Join this Trip" on the left hand side of the page. You will be added to the Request List. You will be prompted to answer the Trip Planning Questions. Please answer fully. 
2) Once the course organizer(s) have reviewed your answers, you will be moved to the Waiting List. An email will be sent to you letting you know you're on the wait list (be sure to check your spam just in case!)
3) Once on the Waiting List, a Paypal button should appear on the left side of the page. Click this button and follow the prompts to complete your payment. The fee for the course is $20
4) After payment has been received, you will be moved to the Confirmed List and another email notification will be sent out. 
5) Watch your email for more details from the organizer(s) about carpooling, meetup times, updates etc. 

IMPORTANT: Please make sure your emergency contact information is up to date. To do this, click "My Account" in the top right corner of this screen, then select "Edit Emergency Contact" under "Manage My Account" on the left hand side. You will NOT be approved for this course if your contact info is incomplete.

Schedule Changes and Cancellations: 
This course is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in case of suspected poor weather.  If the course is rescheduled to another weekend that does not fit into your personal schedule then a full refund will be issued.  IMPORTANT: cancellation fees may apply in case of a cancellation by a participant; please review the BCMC Course Refund Policy for detailed information.

Any questions/comments/suggestions at all, please let me know. You can call, text, or email Marlaina (see contact info on left side of page)

Cheers!

**VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTORS WANTED: I'll need a couple extra volunteers to help me teach this course. Solid, up to date top roping skills are required, but otherwise I'll run you through exactly how I'd like to teach the course content. Contact me if you're interested in helping out :)