Preparing For Your First Rock Climbing and Rappelling Trip
Introductory Rappelling and Rock Climbing
Course Itinerary:
9:00am:
Ontario clients will meet the instructor at the Upper Parking Lot, Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area. ( You may ask the park attendant for directions when you pay the $9.50 entrance fee at the gate.)
BC clients will meet the instructyor at the parking lot of Squamish Adventure Centre (38551 Loggers Lane.)
• Formal introductions, sign waivers, safety discussion, use of washroom facility.
• Lesson 1 Equipment: fit for harness and helmet.
• Lesson 2 Environment: outdoor climbing/rappelling etiquette.
• Lesson 3 On site safety: climbing/rappelling hazards and safety protocols.
• Lesson 4 Introduction to top-roping concept, setup and equipment.
• Lesson 5 Tying in: use of the figure 8 knot for climbing.
• Lesson 6 Belaying: "Pull-BUS" belay technique using a grigri, and lowering using a grigri.
• Lesson 7 Communication: climbing commands, terminology and communication protocol.
• Lesson 8 Belaying and lowering with an ATC-type device (optional).
• Lesson 9 Ground anchor building (optional).
• Lesson 10 Climbing technique: professional coaching and movement skills.
• Lesson 11 Introduction to rappelling concept, setup and equipment.
• Lesson 12 Rappelling technique using an ATC/Reverso/Tube.
• Lesson 13 Communication: rappelling commands, terminology and communication protocol.
• Lesson 14 Rappelling on a single rope with backup.
• Lesson 15 Life lesson discussion.
5:00pm: Meeting at the parking lot to return equipment and say goodbye to each other.
Rattlesnake Point Facility Information:
Address: 7200 Appleby Line, Milton, ON L9T 2Y1. GPS Coordinates: 43.471 -79.913
Driving Directions:-
From Hwy 401, take Hwy 25 south to Steeles Avenue, head west on Steeles to Appleby Line, drive south on Appleby Line for 3 km
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From Q.E.W, take Appleby Line north; 1 km north of Derry Road on top of the escarpment
There is a water tap and an outhouse near the Upper Parking Lot. The hike from the parking lot to the cliff is about 10 minutes. The cliff is 70 to 90 feet high.
Smoke Bluffs Park Facility Information:
Address: 38551 Loggers Ln, Squamish, British Columbia.
The park is about 200m from the above address, which is where the Squamish Adventure Centre located. There is washroom facilities in the centre which hosts Tourism Squamish. The hike from the parking lot to the nearest cliff is about 15 minutes. The cliff is 70 to 90 feet high.
Equipment:
Climbing ropes, harnesses, helmets, rappelling and belaying devices are provided by Zen Climb free of charge.
Personal Preparation:
Weather Kit - Sun lotion, mosquito repellent, sun glasses, rain jacket in case it rains.
Clothing - loose fitting clothing made of synthetic materials for easy movement and quick dry;
Shoes - old hiking/walking shoes or boots for tough wearing on rock; shoes with sticky rubber soles are better; bring an extra pair of socks to wear when you climb so your feet won't move around in your shoes when you try to stand on tiny ledges; you may also choose to rent a pair of rock shoes from your local MEC store (www.mec.ca).
Others - put your jewelry, rings on fingers and artificial finger/toe nails away; pull your long hair back to avoid potential interference with rappelling and climbing.
Food & Water - Pack your lunch and water in your daypack.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Is your company insured?
A: Yes.
Q: Is the instructor certified?
A: Yes. Your lead instructor is certified by American Mountain Guides Association or by Zen Climb through its vigorous certification process that includes practice teaching with real clients in addition to a series of training courses.
Q: What is the instructor to students ratio?
A: One instructor teaches upto 6 clients attending this course first time.
Q: How long will it take for me to climb from the bottom to the top?
A: It may take a beginner 10 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the difficulty level of the route and the climber's strength and skills.
Q: After I finish climbing one route, will I get a chance to climb a different route?
A: Yes. Often, when you start a couple of feet left or right of the route you have climbed, you basically climb a different route that is a variation of the one you have climbed. Alternatively, you can also climb a completely different route set up by the instructor.
Q: What's the difference between this course and the Introductory Outdoor Rock Climbing course?
A: This course is 1.5 hours longer than the Introductory Outdoor Rock Climbing course, to allow extra time for rappelling.
Q: How much time will I spend on climbing and rappelling respectively?
A: You will spend most of your time climbing. You will rappell at least once. After that, you will choose if you want to rappell more or spend more time climbing.
Q: Can my family members or friends watch me climbing and take photos?
A: They can do so at their own risk. Our instructors are not responsible for looking after their safety.