Prepare for the unexpected! Build your improvised rock rescue skills…
This one-day course is an introduction to improvised rock rescue skills. Topics include rope ascending, escaping the belay, load transfers, raising and lowering systems along with troubleshooting various scenarios. Intermediate to advance climbers welcome.
A second day focused on more advanced rock rescue skills (ie. leaders fall, traverses, etc.) is also available. Contact us for more information.
8:00 AM meeting at local climbing site
- 8:00 am Welcome, introduction, goals & agenda
- Issue of required gear
- Revise anchor construction
- Introduction of rescue knots
- Fall factor and multiplication of forces
- Rope ascending
- Escaping the belay, load transfers
- Raising and lowering systems
- Day 2 will focus on more advanced scenario like: leaders fall, traverses, etc.
- Course debrief and wrap-up by 4:30pm
This is an intermediate to advanced course for climbers interested in developing their improvised rock rescue skills.
Previous lead climbing experience along with some exposure to traditional gear and crack climbing is very useful.
This course is available throughout Western Canada, contact us with a desired location. The West Kootenay courses will take place at one of the many local outdoor rock climbing sites in the Nelson & Castlegar area. The area is blessed with a fine variety of outdoor rock climbing sites in pristine wilderness.
The group will be meeting with the instructor at 8:00 AM at a pre-establish outdoor rock climbing site. We will go over last minute equipment issues, review the planed itinerary and update you with present conditions.
Spring and fall temperatures in the West Kootenays can vary wildly from 0C to +20C during the day. Conditions can change from warm sunshine to isolated showers quickly. Ensure you are dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind and precipitation tends to change within the day.
Summer (July and August) tend to be more predictable but can be very hot. The average mid-day temperature in the summer usually ranges from +20C to +30C. A lightweight rain and/or wind shell can come in petty handy in the event of an afternoon thundershowers. Be sure to pack a ball cap, sunglasses along with sunscreen and extra water during the summer season, see equipment list for specific details.
How experienced do I need to be?
On this course, candidates will benefit from a few years of sport lead climbing experience (5.8 to 5.10a) along with exposure to climbing with traditional gear on crack climbs. The more experience you have, the more you will benefit from this course.
Is it safe?
For all of our climbing programs and courses, SMG provides you with fully certified IFMGA/ACMG Mountain, alpine and rock guides. This guaranties you the highest safety standards in the industry. Rock climbing remains hazardous and while it is impossible to eliminate all the hazards, our guides will maximize your experience and greatly minimize the risks involved.
Can I rent some of the rock climbing equipment needed during the programs?
On this program we offer participants access to all the technical climbing and rescue gear at no extra charge. This includes; harnesses, helmets, rock shoes, belay device, carabineers and much more. Contact us for specific sizes and availability.
Where can I rent/buy climbing & outdoor equipment?
Here are a few outdoor stores in Nelson that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.
ROAM shop www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters www.shop.vpo.ca
