Climbing Course
Sport Climbing
Transition from gym lead climbing to leading and cleaning single pitch bolted sport climbs outdoors in one classroom-based interactive lecture, two practice sessions, and a culminating trip to a classic northwest climbing destination. IMPORTANT!! READ THE COURSE DESCRIPTION.
Contacts
- Tue, Sep 2, 2025 - Mon, Sep 22, 2025
- Committee: Olympia Climbing Committee
- Members: $200.00 Guests: $300.00
- Availability: FULL, 2 on waitlist (8 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
GOALS OF THE COURSE:
Learn and demonstrate the skills necessary to transition into climbing outside on well bolted routes.
PREREQUISITES:
Participants must hold a lead climbing “card” to any gym and have been climbing inside for 3 months leading up to the course. Climbing fitness is important as the class is 100% outside where climbing is typically harder and risk is higher.
Participants must be able to lead fall competently (typically checked by the gym you hold your lead card for)
Participants must be able to lead belay competently
Participants must be able to top-rope belay competently
Participants possess knowledge with regard to climbing commands
Participants possess knowledge about Clipping technique, Back Clipping, Z-Clipping, and Toe Tucking
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
Outside climbing etiquette
Anchor evaluation eg. SERENE
How to build top-rope anchors
How to clean top-rope anchors
Route risk assessment
Sport climbing strategy/techniques
Outdoor belay stance considerations
THINGS TO WATCH and PRACTICE BEFORE THE COURSE STARTS:
Belaying a leader AAC https://youtu.be/Ky4DMg74lR4
Cleaning anchors via lowering off: https://youtu.be/WzmbTHe_ql0
SERENE and Anchor primer: https://youtu.be/3SkCojauHto
Leader fall video: https://youtu.be/RJZ8OxYP5T4
Catching a fall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYnuCy698Ws&list=WL&index=51&t=0s&edufilter=NULL
Neil Greshams Masterclass - Part 1 Technique & Training: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBCRwO0FN0zMTqSfFW9SMbK2tncTrI25r
Badges you will earn:
Lead Belay Certification
Top Rope Belay Certification
This course has no scheduled activities.
If you do not have all of the gear the first night, that is fine, we will discuss gear options.
- Belay device (Gri Gri 2, Gri Gri Plus, Mega Jul, ATC Guide, or ATC); watch the videos produced by the manufacturers for proper use.
- Harness with belay loop and gear loops
- Helmet
- Personal Anchor (Metolius PAS is a good one; there are others, learn how to use them properly)
- Rock Shoes
- Chalk bag
- 4 locking carabiners (3 low profile and 1 large pear shaped preferred AKA HMS)
- (optional) 20 ft. of 7mm accessory cord for top rope anchor
- (optional) Belay goggles
- (optional) 60 meter single dynamic rope
- (optional) quick draws
- (optional) rope bag
You must register for this course to see course materials.