Quick Details
Guided Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing Courses at Smith Rock, Oregon
Develop advanced multi-pitch skills with our climbing course at Smith Rock, the premier destination for rock climbing near Bend, Oregon. This course is tailored for climbers with a background in either sport or traditional climbing, looking to climb multiple rope lengths off of the ground.
Under the guidance of experienced Smith Rock climbing guides, you’ll refine your ability to lead and follow on extended multi-pitch routes. Learn crucial techniques including knot tying for multi-pitch scenarios, setting advanced anchors, managing efficient belay transitions, and enhancing communication while climbing. Practical sessions include rope and station management, belaying from above, executing multiple rappels, and essential self-rescue procedures.
Guided by our expert Oregon climbing guides, you’ll have the opportunity to lead actual multi-pitch climbs at Smith Rock OR, applying your new skills in real-world climbing scenarios. This comprehensive approach ensures you leave the course with the confidence and competence to tackle more ambitious climbs at Smith Rock Oregon State Park and beyond.
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This course is taught at Smith Rock in Oregon.
This two-day course begins at 8 a.m. on Day 1 at a pre-established climbing location.
Spend the first day focusing on individual multi-pitch components that support a larger picture. Your instructor will break each section into smaller pieces as we build a skill set for a multi-pitch climb later in the day. All lessons will be held on the ground in lecture sessions with practical application after each lecture.
Day 2 will give you the opportunity to practice the skills you learned on day one into practice, focusing on student-led multi-pitch climbs. The course will finish with a closing and reflection by 4:00 p.m. Plan on being home for dinner that night.
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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 an advanced level course, and we encourage you to take our Sport Lead Climbing, Traditional Climbing Fundamentals, and Trad Lead Climbing courses before considering this educational opportunity.
- At a minimum, experience leading and following sport climbs is a must.
- Experience constructing complex anchors is helpful as well as the ability to place traditional climbing protection.
- Proficient understanding of the following knots and hitches will help you learn new material:
- Overhand and figure-eight series (knot, bite, bend, follow-through, and flat)
- Girth, clove, and munter hitch
- Prusik, auto-block, and klemheist friction hitches
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- Knots used for multi-pitch climbing
- Efficient belay transitions
- Rope management at belays
- Anchor construction and management
- Communication on multi-pitch climbs
- Belaying from above
- Using an autoblocking belay device
- Managing multiple rappels
- Traditional climbing ethics
- Stories of near misses
- Lead climbing strategies
- Basic self-rescue equipment and techniques
- Evaluating fixed protection and rappel anchors
- Lowering
- Belay station management
- Basic First Aid kit requirements
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- Professional instruction
- Passes and permits
- Group climbing gear
- Professional instruction
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- Transportation (carpool options available)
- Personal rock climbing equipment including harness, helmet, and rock shoes
- Day pack for carrying equipment and multi-pitch pack for climbing days
- Food or overnight accommodation (there is usually camping nearby)
- Transportation (carpool options available)
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- You will be responsible for providing your own harness, helmet, and rock climbing shoes.
- We encourage you to bring your own gear for practice.
- Upon registration, you will receive a full packing list, but feel free to contact Kaf Adventures with any gear specific questions you have.
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- Transportation and times will be coordinated by email when the pre-trip announcement is sent to all registrants.
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Learn how to rescue injured partners on our Rock Rescue Course. Smith Rock, or take it into an alpine environment with a guided climb of Mt Shuksan, Forbidden Peak, or the more technical approach to the summit of Mt Hood.
Also, take a look at our International Adventures. Join us on a climbing holiday to Mexico or China — opportunities you won’t want to miss out on!
