Climbing Programs

Purpose of the program: To introduce people to the realm of vertical challenge and movement. Understand the connections — tie in, then climb away! Supervisors provide guidance and security.

People involved: Faculty and student facilitators, climbing groups

Training and use:

Climbers instructed in how to put on and secure climbing harnesses.
Climbers are taught how to tie "figure-eight knot."
Climbers are taught climbing calls used in the gym.
The only belayers allowed in the program are trained faculty and students.

Shared Responsibility Climbing Program

Purpose of the program: To introduce members of the community to the climbing and safety skills required for use on the climbing wall. Enter the realm of vertical challenge and movement.

People involved: Faculty and student facilitators and any member of the community who wish to use the climbing wall. If you plan to use the climbing wall more than the climbing-only program, you must go through this program.

Training and use: The Basics
Part 1

Climbers instructed in how to put on and secure climbing harnesses.
Climbers are taught how to tie "figure-eight knot."
Climbers are taught climbing calls used in the gym.
Climbers are taught how to use the ATC belay device. Participants practice and review hand movements and skills repeatedly before training progresses to the next step.

Emphasis on brake hand importance:
Part 2

Climbers and facilitators move groups into climbing area to learn, review, and practice climbing positions and calls.
The training party will group together and have a minimum of three members in each group. These members will rotate roles and practice procedures as climbing participants, belayed, and back up belayer.
Faculty facilitator must be present to observe each person: belay, catch a number of falls, as well as climb.
Facilitator will be present to demonstrate belay and review procedure with climbing participants.
There will be direct supervision of new climbers until they pass the test and are certified climbers.
New climbers use the first session to practice new skills. To be certified as a climber, you must return to demonstrate the climbing wall procedures flawlessly. Once you pass the test, you will become a certified climber, and your picture will be posted on the wall.
A running record of certified climbers will be maintained in the climbing log.

Part 3 — The test

Returning climbers will demonstrate all the learned skills to the head facilitator.
Once the climber performs skills, they will sign a waiver that states adherence to the facility's rules and regulations.
Picture is posted.
If the facilitator does not feel the climber's skills are adequate, the climber must review and practice skills under the supervision of facilitator. The facilitator records progress, and the climber returns on a new day to be retested.

Rock and Ice Climbing Skills Taught:

Safety and Rescue Skills
Knots and Rope Handling
Climbing Techniques
Belaying Techniques
Rappelling
Leadership and Decision-making Skills
Protection Placement and Anchor Building
Traditional and Redirected Top Roping
Multipitch Climbing

Mountaineering Skills Taught:

Rope/Belay Techniques
Route Finding
Self Arrest
Safe Climbing
Rappelling
Cramponing
Wilderness Navigation
Critical Decision-making
Group Climbing Experience
Weather Conditions
Winter Camping Skills