Rock Climbing
Description
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•Rock climbing can be the most intense adventure sport
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•It is more individual oriented but can be enhanced by support from peers
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•Students can build on their confidence and skills and select more difficult courses as they progress
Learning to Rock Climb
A course for beginner rock climbers should focus on two main skills:
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•Belaying
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-Dynamic and static
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-Anchors
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-Hip belay
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-Belay communication and signals
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•Climbing techniques
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-Body position
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-Three points of contact
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-Climbing holds (hands and feet)
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‣Lay back
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‣Chimney
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‣Undercling
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‣Jam series
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•Rappelling (outdoor courses)
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-Breaking system
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-Rapeling techniques
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-belaying
Students will start on a climbing wall before progressing to outdoor climbing.
Students should also consider equipment and knot techniques:
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•Equipment
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-Proper footwear, clothing and helmets
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-Ropes, slings/harnesses, carabiners
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•Knot Techniques (www.climbing.ie/knots.html)
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-Uses of knots
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-Types of knots
Safety
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•Two most important elements in climbing safety: conditions of climbing face & equipment
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•Select climbs appropriate for students’ skill and confidence level
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•Equipment and Climbing Walls should be checked over each time
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•Matting and/or soft cushioning placed at base of climbing walls
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•Students should receive intensive training of safety systems, equipment, basic climbing skills, ability to belay and communication
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•Supervision is critical – for climber and belayer
Training
The YMCA-YWCA offers outdoor adventure programs that provide proper climbing preparation and training.
Climbs are offered on real rock face:
Cougar Rock - three climbs varying in difficulty
Nicola Rock - located outside main camp area – slightly more challenging and higher
Outdoor Education Booking Form:
Outdoor Adventure Program Components:
http://www.victoriay.com/pdf/tbird/Outdoor%20Adventure%20Program%20Components%20_2_.pdf
