Multi-pitch Climbing Course Instruction | Ontario
Multi-pitch Climbing Techniques
Course Itinerary:
9:00am: Meet the instructor at the Upper Parking Lot. (You may ask the park attendant for directions when you pay the $9.50 entrance fee at the gate.)
• Formal introductions, sign waivers, safety discussion and equipment check.
• Lesson 1 Environment: Leave no trace; climbing access (code of ethics).
• Lesson 2 Safety: Objective and subjective hazards.
• Lesson 3 Introduction to multi-pitch climbing concept, procedure and process.
• Lesson 4 Multi-pitch belay station setup: position of the station; multi-directional force on the master point; pre-equalized vs. self-equalizing; special situations (hanging belay or under a roof).
• Lesson 5 Belaying the seconder: direct vs. redirected belay; rope management; personal gear (bag) security.
• Lesson 6 Communication: verbal and non-verbal codes.
• Lesson 7 Transition at station: gear and rope management for lead swapping and non-swapping situations.
• Lesson 8 Leading the next pitch: avoiding factor 2 fall.
• Lesson 9 Belaying the lead: rope management.
• Lesson 10 Removing the belay station: safety and efficiency considerations.
• Lesson 11 Setting up rappelling station with natural anchor (including using loose rocks to create an ahchor-able situation) or by backing up existing anchor, with rappel ring or D-link.
• Lesson 12 Rappelling in windy condition (lap coils or torpedo throw); Dealing with falling loose rocks when pulling the rope.
• Lesson 13 Rappelling station transition -- efficiency.
• Lesson 14 Climbing in a party of three: roping, transition and back belay techniques.
• Lesson 15 Additional lessons as deemed appropriate for participants to address specific areas for improvement or advancement (e.g. building a belay station with the climbing rope, assisted raise, 3-to-1 pull, lowering with grigri or ATC guide, ascending the rope, etc.).
• Lesson 16 Life lessons discussion (optional).
Class ends at 6:00pm
Rattlesnake Point Facility Information:
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.
Personal Preparation:
Food & Water - bring your own water and lunch.
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; hiking/walking shoes or boots for walking on uneven ground. Put your jewelry and artificial finger/toe nails away. Pull your long hair back to avoid potential interference with rappelling and climbing.
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 (AMGA), or Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) or, by Zen Climb through its vigorous certification process that includes practice teaching with real clients in addition to a series of training courses based on the standard practice of AMGA or ACMG.
Q: Will I get a list of equipment that I need to purchase to be self-sufficient in setting up top rope anchors?
A: Yes, the instructor will help each student to generate such a list that meets his/her needs.