Basic Climbing Course   - Kitsap - 2019

Climbing Course

Basic Climbing Course

Basic Climbing Course - Kitsap

Thank you for your interest in joining the 2019 Basic Climbing Course offered by the Kitsap Branch of the Mountaineers.  Registration priority will be given to those on the 2018 wait list for the course and members of the Kitsap branch.  For others, permission to register will occur starting December 16, 2018.  All applicants must complete an application form prior to receiving permission to register.  Registering without permission will likely result in cancellation. To obtain an application, contact Ed Lucas, Co-Chair Kitsap Basic Climbing Course, at e_lucas11@live.com or 704-701-3589.

As a basic climbing student, you will meet interesting and goal-oriented people that all share a common interest - mountaineering.  The course is a combination of classroom and field sessions that prepare you for climbing rock, snow, and glaciers.  The course is taught by experienced mountaineers, assisted by newer mountaineers, that share their knowledge and time as volunteers.  Students will progressively gain knowledge and technical skills throughout the class and ultimately apply them to actual climbs.  The course will utilize the book, Freedom of the Hills, 9th Edition as part of the instruction.  Classes will be held at the Mountaineers Kitsap Program Center (aka Olympic Mountain Rescue Center and Harold Brooks Community Center) located at 1550 Rocky Point Rd. NW. in Bremerton.  Field sessions will occur at a variety of locations to meet the specific training. 

For insight about the course from a past student, please read the blog at the following link.  https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/kitsap-basic-alpine-course-expanding-my-reach

The climbing course involves a commitment of time both in and outside of the scheduled classes and field trips for learning about mountaineering and climbing, developing technical abilities, and conditioning. 

Cancellation from the course will incur a $100 fee prior to registration closure. Cancellation after registration has closed will result in partial or no refund, subject to the Co-Chair's decision.

Please consider the time commitment, course schedule, and cancellation policy before registering. 

Participants must be members of the Mountaineers.  Graduation requirements include the following:

  • Participants have up to 2 years to complete the course
  • Attend all classroom sessions
  • Satisfactorily complete all field sessions
  • Obtain the gear by the date required.
  • Pass all skills tests
  • Pass a conditioning test prior to certain field trips (i.e., timed up and back on Mt. Walker of 4 miles total, 2000 feet elevation gain with 30# pack in 2 hours and later increasing to two Mt. Walkers with 45# to 50# pack  in 4 hours- a good article on conditioning is at http://www.alpineinstitute.com/articles/physical-conditioning-for-mountaineering-expeditions/)
  • Complete 3 climbs consisting of one rock, one glacier, and one of either rock, alpine, or glacier
  • Complete a Low Impact Recreation online course  prior to the first field trip ($0)
  • Complete a separate Navigation course (~ $70)
  • Complete a separate Wilderness First Aid or Mountain-Oriented First Aid course (~ $170)
  • Fulfill a Stewardship activity on public lands (priceless)
Kaspersky Password Manager
Create a strong password for your account
CREATE
Do not show again
Kaspersky Password Manager
Create a strong password for your account
CREATE
Do not show again
Kaspersky Password Manager
Create a strong password for your account
CREATE
Do not show again
Kaspersky Password Manager
Create a strong password for your account
CREATE
Do not show again

Badges you will earn:

Course Requirements

This course has no scheduled activities.

Roster
Required Equipment
  • Climbing helmet
  • Climbing harness with belay loop
  • Mountaineering boots (not hiking boots, make sure they fit comfortably and are returnable if they don't)
  • Non-locking carabiners (6 - wire gates are best, not minis)
  • Locking carabiner pear shaped (1)
  • Locking carabiner - oval or D-shaped (3)
  • Approved belay device (i.e., Petzl Reverso 4, Black Diamond ATC Guide, or similar)
  • Chock pick
  • Belay gloves (big box leather gloves work)
  • 10 essentials (see info on approved compasses)
  • Overnight pack (suggest 60 to 75 liter)
  • Day pack (suggest 35 to 40 liter, can also use Overnight pack)
  • Ice axe (sized appropriately) with leash
  • Crampons - 12 point steel with horizontal front points that fit your boots
  • Gaiters
  • Snow shovel (metal, not plastic)
  • Picket - 24" aluminum
  • Rescue pulley - prusik minding (will have square shoulders)
  • 6 Slings, 3 - 60cm single, 3 - 120 cm double (dyneema, spectra, or nylon)
  • 2 Personal anchors - (sewn nylon double runners, a Metolius PAS or approved equal may substitute for one runner)
  • Webbing (nylon - we will go over what is needed in class)
  • Perlon cord (we will go over what is needed in class)
  • Snow shoes (can be rented or borrowed too)
  • Glacier glasses (or other effective eye protection for extended time on snow)
  • Appropriate clothing
  • Camping items that fit into pack (some items are shared such as tents, stoves, and water filters so may not need to purchase)
Kaspersky Password Manager
Create a strong password for your account
CREATE
Do not show again
Kaspersky Password Manager
Create a strong password for your account
CREATE
Do not show again
Kaspersky Password Manager
Create a strong password for your account
CREATE
Do not show again
Kaspersky Password Manager
Create a strong password for your account
CREATE
Do not show again
Course Materials
Name/Description