What might I learn in this class?
You will have the opportunity learn the basic safety concepts of technical (roped) rock climbing: equipment, donning a harness, tying-in to the climbing rope, communication, belaying, lowering a climber, and rappelling. You will also have the opportunity to learn climbing techniques from our cadre of experienced rock climbing Instructors.
What is the cost of the class?
Tuition for BRCS is $85.00. As a volunteer organization our costs are artificially low.
What skills will I practice in this class?
Lecture Night #1 – 6:30pm sharp:
Climbing vocabulary
Equipment usage
Tying-in
Belaying
Climbing
Lecture Night #2 – 6:30pm sharp:
Climbing vocabulary
Tying-in
Communication
Belaying
Climbing
Rappelling
Field Days:
Climbing
Rappelling
Belaying
What books are good on the subject of rock climbing?
Craig Luebben’s Rock Climbing: Mastering Basic Skills. Purchase it now at a 20% discount from the CMC.
What skills can I practice prior to class?
Ideally, center yourself within what the early Hindus term Rta. Otherwise, take a look at http://tlcs.cmcschools.org/skills.htm#Knots to view the two knots featured in class: the Figure 8 Retrace and the Autoblock.
Where are the indoor evening sessions located?
At the climbing wall and conference room at the CMC headquarters (American Mountaineering Center), located on the corner of 10th & Washington in Golden (710 10th Street, Golden, CO, 80401).
Where are the field days?
In Evergreen, CO. We will meet at various park-‘n-rides to carpool.
Must I carpool?
Yes. As part of our permit, and in consideration of our fellow climbers and hikers, the Forest Service asks that we limit the number of cars at the trail-head. It is also environmentally responsible and costs less.
How shall I dress for the indoor evenings?
We will be climbing these evenings, so dress to wear a harness. No skirts or short-shorts (less than knee-length). Please.
How shall I dress for field days?
Pants protect the legs from scrapes. Shorts will bunch up, so pick a longer length.
What do you recommend I take to the field days?
The temperatures this time of year range from 30 to 90 degrees F (-1 to 33 degrees C): gloves, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, warm clothes, food, water, a smile. Decent hiking shoes/boots can be handy.
Are climbing shoes required?
No.
Do you recommend climbing shoes?
Yes. You will have more fun if you wear climbing shoes.
What if I don’t own climbing shoes? The CMC has an assortment of climbing shoes you can borrow. We lend these out first-come, first-served. So come early on the first day. Otherwise, Bent Gate Mountaineering (Golden), Neptune Mountaineering (Boulder), and REI all rent/sell shoes. Wilderness Exchange will sell shoes.
How do I determine what climbing shoes to buy/rent? Get shoes that will be comfortable for YOUR feet‚ not necessarily the best shoes on the market. Generally, beginning climbers should get an all-purpose rock shoe. You want your shoes to fit snug‚ but not uncomfortably tight (painful feet make for an unpleasant day). Un-lined leather shoes will stretch. Lined leather, and synthetic shoes will not. There are many good brands, and climbing store employees can be very helpful. Buying rock shoes online is not generally a good idea sizing can vary a lot. What seems like a great deal may end up being a waste of money on shoes that don’t.
I’m not sure my upper body is strong enough for climbing?
Balance and body awareness are the foundations of climbing; not strength.
What if I’m afraid of heights?
Come join us and confront your fear. Many a student (and Instructor) were/are afraid of heights and they learned to deal with their fears, when they know they are safe. How exhilarating!
What are my climbing options after BRCS?
(1) CMC Trips will be offered sporadically throughout the season‚ search and sign up online at cmc.org. These may be TopRope climbs, Wall Climbs (indoor wall at CMC), or Area Climbs. (2) Contact your new climbing friends from BRCS to go climbing. (3) Consider taking CMC‚ Rock Seconding School.
Can I learn any other climbing stuff from the CMC?
Sure. You can learn heaps on the CMC climbing Trips. Rock Seconding School teaches lead-belaying and climbing on multi-pitch routes. Sport Climbing School teaches how to lead-climb on bolted (sport) routes. Trad Lead Climbing School teaches how to place gear and lead climbs. Wanna keep climbing throughout the winter? Try ice climbing at the Basic Ice Climbing Seminar or the Technical Ice Climbing School.
