Duration: 6 hours
Location: Local Outdoor Sport Crag
Prerequisites: Basic lead climbing experience in the gym

Transitioning from indoor climbing to outdoor sport climbing introduces new challenges, risks, and responsibilities. This one-day course is designed to bridge the gap between the climbing gym and the outdoor crag. Through practical instruction and hands-on learning in a real outdoor setting, participants will develop the awareness, technical skills, and decision-making abilities necessary for climbing safely and respectfully on outdoor sport routes.

Climbing outside can be deeply rewarding—but it also involves hazards not present indoors. This course emphasizes risk management, system awareness, and environmental stewardship to prepare you for safe and confident outdoor climbing.

• Understand and apply core outdoor risk management principles.
• Use and manage sport climbing gear effectively.
• Practice lead climbing, belaying, and cleaning routes outdoors.
• Learn proper bolt clipping, anchor cleaning, and rope system setup.
• Gain insight into environmental best practices and crag etiquette.

• Risk is inherent—but manageable.
• Attentiveness and technical skill mitigate risk.
• True understanding comes through experience.

• Introduction to the course and instructor
• Overview of goals and expectations
• Equipment check

• Attention, communication, and preparedness
• Hazards unique to outdoor environments
• The importance of practicing critical skills

• Understanding the dynamic between Anchor, Belayer, and Climber
• Closing the system with stopper knots
• Partner checks and communication

• Helmet importance and proper fit
• Stick clips, quickdraws, lockers, and cleaning gear
• Personal Anchor Systems and when to use them
• Organizing your climbing pack

• Stick clipping: when and why
• Bolt clipping: techniques and common mistakes
• Lead belaying and catching leader falls
• Cleaning anchors safely and efficiently
• Proper rope handling and flaking before a climb

• Respecting shared outdoor spaces
• Managing pets, music, hammocks, and waste
• How distractions become risk factors
• Leave No Trace climbing practices

• Mock leads and anchor cleaning
• Fall simulations (optional)
• Equipment transitions and weight-testing anchors

• Review of key concepts
• Personal skill development suggestions
• Online resources and follow-up material
• Q&A

All technical climbing gear needed for this course will be provided for participant use. You are not required to purchase gear in advance to attend.

However, if you plan to climb outdoors independently after the course, you will need to acquire your own equipment. Instruction will include guidance on gear selection to help you make informed decisions about future purchases.

Gear provided during the course includes:

• Helmet (mandatory)
• Harness and climbing shoes
• Belay device with locking carabiner
• Dynamic rope (60–70m) and rope tarp
• Stick clip
• 10–12 quickdraws
• Personal Anchor System with locking carabiner
• Locker draw for anchor use
• Chalk bag, climbing tape
• Climbing pack
• First aid kit

• “Foundational Climbing Practices” PDF (emailed after registration)
• Gym-to-Crag handout and skills checklist

1:1 | $285
1:2 | $185 per Person
1:3 | $150 per Person
1:4-6 | $125 per Person