Beginner Rock Climbing Course - April 14, 21, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This course consists of two progressive Saturday classes and is intended for beginning climbers and 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: It is a better deal if you join the AMC. 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, priority if we have to limit participants on a trip, 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 you are getting AMC membership for ten bucks. If you have a couple of family members it is even a better deal and you are getting AMC membership for less than the class cost a non-member. 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 - April 28, May 5, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This course consists of two progressive Saturday 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 Mentoring Course
Potential leaders are
invited to participate in this course. This course is designed for experienced trad seconds or experienced sport climbers who want to learn to trad lead climb. You must have at least a season’s worth of experience seconding trad climbs or leading sport climbs. You will be expected to have at least the start of a trad rack. It may be supplemented with the instructor’s rack if needed. You will climb one-on-one with an experienced leader who will access your proficiency and adjust the instruction accordingly. Sessions will be of indeterminate duration until you are confident that you are ready to lead trad climbs without instruction. Sessions will be scheduled to coincide with the Beginning and Intermediate AMC classes held each Spring and/or at the convenience of the instructor and student throughout the climbing season. There will be no fee for the course but no costs shall be incurred by the instructor so all trips to climbing destinations shall be covered by the student including: transportation (gas or drive) and lodging.
Contact: Brian Phillips, 401-783-0133
This is an approximately four-hour course designed to teach gym climbers, or those with some experience climbing, how to safely set-up a top-rope outdoors using natural protection. The course will be taught on an ad hoc basis and arranged at the convenience of the instructor. This instruction is the same curriclum that is taught in the Beginning AMC classes held each Spring but covers just top-rope set-up. It is designed for those who do not want to go on any further in climbing than top-roping.
Course Cost: AMC
Member $20, Nonmember $30.
Contact: Brian Phillips, 401-783-0133
Sport Climbing Course
This is an approximately four-hour course designed to teach those with some experience climbing, how to safely lead and lower from a sport climb. The course will be taught on an ad hoc basis and arranged at the convenience of the instructor.
Course Cost: AMC
Member $20, Nonmember $30.
Contact: Brian Phillips, 401-783-0133