Appalachian Mountain Club Narragansett Chapter
 Rock Climbing Courses

Trip/Activity Leadership Guidelines

Rock climbing instruction is offered in a beginner and intermediate course each spring as well as a lead climbing workshop offered in the fall. Ice climbing instruction is offered in February to climbers experienced in rock climbing belaying and technique. All course participants must be at least 18-years old or 15-years old if accompanied by a parent/guardian and will be required to sign this Acknowledgement of Risks, Assumption of Risks, and Release Agreement for AMC Volunteer-Led Activities.  Please print it, read and sign it, and turn it in at the first class. Anyone wishing to participate in the classes must contact the class leaders in advance to register. These classes fill up quickly so it is recommended that you apply early.

2008 Course Schedule

Beginner Rock Climbing Course - April 12, 19, 26,  8 AM–4 PM

This course consists of three progressive classes and is intended for beginning climbers and those gym climbers who want to make the transition to the outdoors or for boulderers who want to “learn the ropes.” Participants will learn technical rock climbing skills with an emphasis on safety. Instruction will include learning how to tie and use various climbing knots, belaying, rappelling, and building anchors for top rope climbing. A benefit of the course is that you meet experienced climbers and have the chance to develop climbing friendships.  Students seeking climbing instruction should be serious about pursuing the sport and going on to the intermediate course.

Please bring a harness, shoes, belay device and locking carabiner if you already have your own equipment.  However, if you do not own equipment all equipment except shoes will be provided.  Stiff sole hiking shoes are recommended vice sneakers.  Or you can rent climbing shoes at the Rhode Island Rock Gym if you wish.  All classes are held outdoors so bring adequate clothing, lunch, snacks, and water.  In the case of extreme weather the classes may be held on Sunday instead of Saturday.

Course Cost: AMC Member $60, Nonmember $100.  Student Discount--AMC Member $40, Non Member $80

(NOTE: An individual AMC Membership is $50, a family membership is $75, and under 30 membership cost $25. There are many savings that an AMC membership gives you: 20% off at EMS two times a year and discounts on lodging at AMC facilities and activities, etc.) The $50 membership with the $60 class fee equals $110; only ten bucks more than if you take the classes as a non-member so essentially they are getting AMC membership for ten bucks. For membership information go to the Narragansett Chapter web site new member section).

Contact:  Brian Phillips, 401-783-0133 or Peter Barlow, 860-675-3772 


Intermediate Rock Climbing Course - May 3, 10, 17, 9 AM–5 PM

This course consists of three progressive classes and is intended for intermediate level climbers.  Preference is given to members of the Beginner course.  Climbers starting at this level will be asked to demonstrate some basic climbing and safety techniques before acceptance into the course. The goal of the course is to produce "seconds" who can safely belay and follow an experienced leader on a traditional-style multi-pitch climb. Graduates of the course are invited on the AMC climbing trips scheduled each month where they are matched with experienced climbers. Instruction will include learning how to tie and use various climbing knots, belaying, rappelling, ascending, seconding and learning the basics of placing protection. 

It is required that you have a harness, rock shoes, belay device, three locking carabiners, a nut tool, two 2 ft and 1 4 ft nylon sewn slings, and two prusiks. (See the Recommended Gear below for specifics.) All classes are held outdoors so bring adequate clothing, lunch, snacks, and water.  In the case of extreme weather the classes may be held on Sunday instead of Saturday.

Course Cost: AMC Member $60, Nonmember $100.  Student Discount--AMC Member $40, Non Member $80

Contact:  Brian Phillips, 401-783-0133 or Peter Barlow, 860-675-3772

Lead Climbing Workshop – Nov 1, 9 AM

Potential leaders are invited to participate in this free clinic each fall.

Contact:  Brian Phillips, 401-783-0133 or Peter Barlow, 860-675-3772

Directions to Classes/Car Pooling       Knots used in Climbing     Recommended Gear