Overview

FAQ

What are my goals for this class?
Let us not be goal oriented. Climbing, like the best things in life, is the movement through our mental waypoints, not standing still once we have reached them.

What might I learn in this class?
This is up to the student. Some learn the smell of an approaching thunderstorm, some the way waves of pollen spill from forests of evergreen, others that cold pizza is heartier than a tofu bagel. This is not Starbucks: we may shape your learning experience, but we will not control it.

What is the cost of the class?
If you must speak about coin the cost is $70.00. If you speak of the wrek and heave climbing casts upon the soul...then how is cost to be reckoned?

Why $70.00?
As a volunteer organization our costs are artificially low.

What skills will I practice in this class?
Lecture Night #1 - 6:45pm sharp:

Climbing vocabulary, dude
Equipment usage
Tying-in
Belaying

Lecture Night #2 - 6:45pm sharp:

Climbing vocabulary
Tying-in
Belayer/Climber signalling
Belaying
Rappelling

Optional Climbing Nights:

Tying-in
Belaying
Signalling
Climbing

Field Days:

Climbing
Rappelleing
Belaying

What books are good on the subject of rock climbing?
Craig Luebben's climbing manifesto named 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 mandatory lectures and optional climbing nights located?
At the CMC clubhouse in Golden, CO.

Where are the field days?
In Evergreen, CO. We will meet at various park-'n-rides to carpool.

Must I carpool?
Didn't you see that Al Gore movie? As part of our permit the Forest Service asks that we limit the number of cars at the trail head.

How shalt I dress for lecture nights?
No skirts or under-knee length shorts please.

How shalt I dress for optional climbing nights and field days?
Pants (mostly) prevent blood. Shorts will bunch up, so pick a longish length.

What should I take to the field days?
Should is an unpleasant word.

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 boots can be handy.

Are climbing shoes required?
No.

Do you recommend climbing shoes?
Yes. There are reasons to not wear climbing shoes as a beginning climber, but you will have a lot more fun if you wear them during this seminar.

Where may I rent/purchase climbing shoes?
The Bent Gate, Neptune Mountaineering, and REI all rent/sell shoes. Wilderness Exchange will sell shoes.

How good of shape do I need to be in to climb?
A CMC flower hike requires better physical shape than climbing.

I'm not sure my upper body is strong enough for climbing?
Balance and body awareness are the foundations of climbing, not strength.

What are my climbing options after BRCS?
The excellent Larry DeSaules will offer a toprope/anchor building outing on Saturday June the 23rd. Other topropes will be offered. Call to join any climb and call people you have met this weekend to go climbing, please. Consult your Summer Activity Schedule for all climbs offered.

Can I learn any other climbing stuff from the CMC?
Sure. You can learn heaps on the club climbs. Rock Seconding School (RSS) teaches climbing on multi-pitch routes. Trad Leading School (TLS) teaches how to place gear and lead climbs. Trad Ice Climbing School (TICS) instructs on leading on ice.