Rock Climbing Self-Rescue Clinic

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Available Times:  Year Round

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Starting Times:  8:15AM

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Duration:  2 Days

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Age requirements:  No Age Restriction

Overview

Are you prepared to handle unexpected situations while climbing? Whether you're tackling single-pitch climbs or venturing into multi-pitch adventures, knowing self-rescue techniques is an essential skill that every climber should have. Our Rock Climbing Self-Rescue Clinic, led by AMGA Certified Rock Guide Adam Mitchell, offers a comprehensive two-day training designed to give you the confidence and competence to manage emergencies and unforeseen challenges on the wall.

Many climbers overlook the importance of self-rescue until they find themselves in a tough situation. This course is designed to provide practical, hands-on training that will teach you how to handle real-world rescue scenarios effectively. Whether it’s escaping a belay, assisting an injured partner, or safely descending in an emergency, this clinic covers life-saving skills every climber should master.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Escaping the Belay: Techniques to free yourself and transition into rescue mode.
  • Ascending a Rope: Learn to ascend efficiently using practical methods for different situations.
  • Load Transfers: Gain confidence in transitioning loads safely and securely.
  • Hauling Systems: Develop the ability to assist an injured partner by constructing mechanical advantage systems.
  • Lowering Systems: Master controlled descent techniques for safe evacuation.
  • Multi-Pitch Rescue Scenarios: Practical drills that simulate real climbing situations and problem-solving under pressure.
This two-day intensive course ensures that you fully understand and retain these vital skills, allowing you to climb with greater confidence and safety.

Highlights

  • Expert Instruction by Certified Guides:   Learn from AMGA Certified Rock Guide Adam Mitchell, who has passed the AMGA Rock-Rescue Drill and has years of experience teaching self-rescue techniques.
  • Two Full Days of Hands-On Training:   Gain practical experience and in-depth knowledge with real-world rescue scenarios over an immersive two-day format.
  • Essential Safety Skills for Every Climber:   Equip yourself with the critical self-rescue skills that can make the difference in an emergency situation on the rock.
  • Designed for Multi-Pitch and Single-Pitch Climbers:   Whether you're climbing in remote alpine settings or local crags, these skills are applicable to all climbing environments.

frequently Asked Questions

  • Who should take the Self-Rescue Clinic?

    This clinic is designed for experienced climbers who want to develop essential skills to handle emergencies in the outdoors. If you lead sport or trad routes, climb multipitch, or simply want to be more self-sufficient in remote areas, this course will prepare you to manage unexpected situations safely. Clinics are held on specific dates. 

  • What is the difference between a Self-Rescue Clinic and a general climbing safety course?

    Unlike basic climbing safety courses that cover belaying and falling techniques, the Self-Rescue Clinic focuses on how to get yourself and your partner out of emergencies. You’ll learn:

    • Escaping a belay in emergency situations
    • Assisted and self-rescue techniques for injured climbers
    • Ascending a rope and hauling systems
    • Improvised rappelling and knot techniques

    This clinic teaches you how to respond if something goes wrong rather than just preventing accidents.

  • Do I need to be an advanced climber to take this clinic?

    You don’t need to be an elite climber, but you must be comfortable with outdoor climbing fundamentals. At minimum, you should know how to:

    • Lead belay and rappel confidently
    • Tie essential climbing knots (figure-eight, clove hitch, munter, etc.)
    • Build and clean anchors

    If you're new to outdoor climbing, we recommend taking our Beginner or Trad Climbing Course first before attending this clinic.


  • What gear do I need to bring?

    We provide ropes and technical gear, but you should bring:

    • Harness, helmet, belay device, and climbing shoes
    • Personal anchor system (PAS) or equivalent
    • Prusik cords and slings (if you have them)
    • Locking and non-locking carabiners
    • Approach shoes or sturdy hiking shoes

    If you don’t have all the necessary gear, let us know—we can provide rentals or recommendations.


  • How physically demanding is this clinic?

    The Self-Rescue Clinic is more about technical skills and problem-solving than pure climbing strength. You’ll practice rescues on the ground and in controlled climbing environments, but you should be comfortable spending long periods on rope and handling climbing gear efficiently.

policies

Person

$343.85