Intro to Rock Climbing Rescue Course
Rescue skills are essential for every climber, providing the confidence and capability to handle unexpected situations in the mountains. Our Intro to Rock Climbing Rescue Course equips climbers with vital techniques for both self-rescue and partner rescue, including belay escapes, anchor building, and hauling systems. Whether you’re aiming to be a more self-sufficient climber or prepared to assist a partner, this course offers hands-on training to build a strong foundation in rock climbing rescue skills. Be Advanced!
Why Choose American Mountain School for Intro to Rock Climbing Rescue?
Why Rock Climbing Rescue Skills are Essential
In rock climbing, safety is paramount, and having reliable rescue skills can make all the difference in challenging situations. Climbing rescue skills are essential not only for protecting yourself but also for assisting a climbing partner in case of an emergency. Whether it’s navigating a belay escape, setting up a secure anchor, or performing a partner rescue on difficult terrain, these skills give climbers the confidence and preparedness to manage risks effectively. By learning self-rescue and partner rescue techniques, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to respond quickly and safely, ensuring both your own safety and the safety of those around you.
Course Overview
Our Intro to Rock Climbing Rescue Course is a one-day session focused on essential, basic rescue techniques for climbers. In this introductory course, you’ll learn fundamental skills like belay escape and simple hauling systems, along with practical, easy-to-apply partner rescue techniques. This course is designed to build confidence in handling common emergency scenarios and is perfect for climbers seeking a strong foundation in rescue skills before advancing to more technical training.
INCLUDES:
Group Gear:
- Ropes: Durable, dynamic climbing ropes suitable for rock climbing.
- Slings: Sturdy nylon or Dyneema® slings for anchors and protection.
- Rock Protection: A variety of nuts, cams, and other protective equipment to secure your climb.
- Climbing Quickdraws: Lightweight quickdraws for clipping into bolts and protection along the route.
EXCLUDES:
Personal Gear:
- Climbing Helmet: Certified climbing helmet for safety and protection against falling debris.
- Climbing Harness: Comfortable and secure harness designed to hold you safely on the rock.
- Technical Rock Climbing Shoes: High-performance rock shoes for precise footwork on all terrains.
- Climbing Backpack (20-30 L): Lightweight backpack to carry your essentials comfortably.
- Locking Carabiners (6 pcs): Essential for secure clipping, locking during belaying, and anchoring.
- Non-Locking Carabiners (4 pcs): Lightweight carabiners for quick and easy clipping on non-critical points.
- Assisted Braking Device (GriGri): Belay device with assisted braking for enhanced control and security.
- Reverso or other Tube Device (e.g., Black Diamond ATC): Versatile belay and rappel device suitable for single or double ropes.
- Prusik (Hollowblock2, 13.5”): Essential for self-rescue and ascending the rope if needed.
- Cordelette (7mm, 18-20 inches): Multi-purpose accessory cord used for anchors, rigging, or equalizing protection.
- Belay/Rappel Gloves: Gloves designed to protect hands from friction while belaying or rappelling.
- Chalk Bag: For keeping hands dry and improving grip during climbing.
- Sunscreen and Lip Balm: High SPF sunscreen and moisturizing lip balm to protect from sun exposure.
- Sunglasses: UV-protective sunglasses to reduce glare and protect your eyes during climbing.
- Personal First Aid Kit: Small kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptics, and any necessary medications.
- Snack for a Day: High-energy snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day.
- Thermos (1 L): Thermos for carrying warm beverages in cold weather.
- Water (Isotonic) 1 L minimum: Hydration for the day; consider adding electrolytes for added endurance.
We highly recommend to use your own gear for this course but if you do not have some of the personal equipment ask us, we can help you with it. Most of the personal equipment we have in our stock and we can provide it for you.
CLOTHING (Weather-Appropriate Layers)
- Breathable Base Layer: Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry and comfortable.
- Mid-Layer: Insulating layer (like fleece) to keep you warm during cooler conditions.
- Weatherproof Jacket: Windproof, water-resistant jacket in case of changing weather.
- Climbing Pants or Shorts: Flexible, durable pants or shorts that allow full mobility on the rock face.
- Hat: Sun hat or cap for sun protection, or a warm beanie if climbing in cooler weather.
- Appropriate Footwear: Lightweight approach shoes or sturdy hiking boots to reach the climbing site comfortably.
The rendezvous point for Intro To Rock Climbing Rescue Class is the Neptune Cafe & Bar parking lot.
PRICE INCLUDES
- Climb itinerary
- Guide fees
- Group equipment such as ropes, rock protection, quick draws, etc.
- Personal gear (see gear list)
- Human waste disposal bags
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Food during trip
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
- Personal gear (see gear list)
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Rescue Insurance
- Trip Insurance
- Gratuity
- Expenses due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of American Mountain School
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FAQ
No prior rescue experience is required, but having basic climbing or scrambling experience is recommended. This course is designed as an introduction to essential rescue techniques, making it accessible for beginners and climbers looking to expand their safety skills.
- Belay escape methods
- Simple hauling systems
- Basic partner rescue techniques
- Transition techniques
The course is of moderate physical intensity, requiring participants to move and practice skills in various climbing situations. Basic fitness, upper body strength, and flexibility will help you fully engage in the training.
No, anchor building is not covered in this introductory course. We assume participants have basic knowledge of anchor setup, as anchor building is covered in our Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing Course.
Yes, if you have your own gear, you’re welcome to bring it. Our instructors will check it to ensure it meets safety standards. We also provide group equipment for shared use during training.
To ensure personalized instruction, we keep groups small, typically 3-4 participants per instructor. This allows for close guidance and hands-on practice with individual feedback.
Dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate layers that allow freedom of movement. Sturdy footwear and climbing shoes are essential, as well as sun protection (sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses) for outdoor sessions.
We closely monitor the weather forecast and, if conditions are deemed unsafe, may reschedule the course to another day. You will be informed in advance of any changes to the schedule.
Yes, upon successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate of participation from American Mountain School, recognizing your foundational training in climbing rescue techniques.
If our course days are not convenient for you and you want to take them privately, please text us via the contact form.
