From Gym to Rock

Climbing outdoors presents new challenges, opportunities, and skills – things that are totally unrelated to sending hard routes in your local gym. Climbing safely outdoors requires an intimate understanding of the entire belay system, a strong background in knots, and an awareness of a few extra hazards, in addition to new techniques, such as finding holds, scouting a route, and figuring out where to rest.

We want to make sure that you have the most productive, interesting, and fun course possible as you make your transition to being an outdoor climber. Just because you’ve never been outdoors does not mean that you must take the Introduction to Rock Climbing course, and just because you lead climb indoors does not necessarily mean you’re ready to do technical leading outdoors. Please briefly consider some of the questions below and contact our staff so that we can help place you in the course that is right for you!

Can you tie yourself in using a Figure-8? Can you belay using an ATC or similar device? Do you feel comfortable climbing indoors with only someone less experienced than you? How much do you know about climbing technique (drop-knee, counter pressure, footwork)? Do you know how to thread an anchor? Do you understand redundancy and how it is achieved in climbing systems? Have you ever rappelled/abseiled? Have you done any sport lead climbing? Should the bent- or straight-gate side of a quickdraw be clipped into the bolt? Do you know what Fall Factor is? Can you toe-hook, gaston, and mantle?

Regardless of your ability, the instructors will be flexible and receptive to your goals and abilities. No matter which course you choose, we will make sure that you learn a lot, try some new things, and have something to tell all of your gym buddies about!