- Advanced
- Ages 16+
Learn from certified AMGA single-pitch instructors and AMGA certified rock guides how to place traditional protection, construct EARNEST gear anchors, and lead traditional rock climbing routes.
Quick Details
Outdoor Rock Climbing Introductory Course
This course is the perfect excuse to satiate your appetite for the beautiful outdoors and take advantage of outdoor climbing. Put your bouldering to the test and get your hands onto some real rocks. It’s the perfect family and friends outing as well as the perfect opportunity to learn all the necessary skills to pass a top-rope belay test. Take your next Saturday off and spend it out with a Kaf instructor/guide climbing real rock with ropes and harnesses. When you’re done, congratulate yourself for breaking through the barrier of entry into rock climbing! Then continue practicing weekly at your favorite climbing gym.
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Plan to meet your climbing instructor around 8 am and hike to the climbing site.
In the morning you will learn about the equipment, knots, and skills required for outdoor rock climbing. You will learn how to put on a harness, tie a figure-8 follow through, belay with an ATC, and communicate as a member of a climbing team.
After a lunch break, you will spend the afternoon refining your climbing technique on the rock and reinforcing the skills you learned in the morning.
You can expect to be back at the parking lot at 4pm.
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- 18+ for adult courses or 16+ with consent from a guardian and Kaf approval
- 12-18 for youth courses
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- This is a beginner level course. Any previous climbing knowledge will enhance your experience, but no prior experience is necessary.
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- Strength ratings on climbing goods
- Understanding of soft goods and hard goods
- Parts of climbing shoes and pros and cons of different designs
- Proper fitting of a harness and helmet
- How to tie-in with a figure-eight follow-through
- Top-rope belay technique with a belay device
- Catch a top-rope fall
- Lower climber safely
- Clear and safe communication
- Basic climbing movement and techniques/comfortability in vertical terrain
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- 8 hours expert instruction
- Kaf Resources
- Climbing Shoes
- Harness
- Helmet
- Ropes, carabiners, and belay device
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- Transportation
- Lunch
- Personal clothing
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- Kaf will provide all the necessary climbing equipment for the day. You are responsible for clothes that will be comfortable while climbing outdoors for 8 hours.
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- Transportation and times will be coordinated by email when the pre-trip announcement is sent to all registrants. The course is scheduled to run from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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Once you’ve learned the basics, take the next step in your rock climbing journey and join Kaf for our Smith Rock: Weekend.
