Would you like to try rock climbing?
...carefully working your way, spider-like, up the side of a cliff?
...or zipping down a rope, rappelling, like you see in the movies?
• Are you nervous about learning safely?
• Does the cost of equipment stop you?
• Are indoor climbing walls, next to a bunch of other people, not your idea of fun?
I can show you a non-scary way to safely start climbing, with minimal equipment, and you’ll be outdoors, in the fresh air, on real rock.
You don't need to know a thousand knots. In the course of one sitting, I can show you three:
—and these will serve 99% of your needs.
We'll start on rocks not much taller than ourselves. I’ll guide your practice of:
From there, many other options are possible:
—You can further hone your climbing skills.
—You can delve deeper into the use of equipment.
It’s your call!
Let’s connect by email to discuss your interest and schedule a first session. If you like the workshop and want to do more, we’ll plan out a schedule for subsequent sessions.
Payments can be made via Zelle in advance, or in cash when we meet. Sessions are $80/hour. Cancellations with three days’ notice are free.
In 8th grade, after seeing some spy movie where the hero rappelled down the side of a building, I said I wished I knew how to do that.
It then came to light that my father, who was in the Army, had been a climbing instructor. A remarkable and, for me, very convenient coincidence! His services were immediately commandeered.
He showed me how to rappel and then endlessly belayed me while I practiced climbing.
I learned the old-school use of pitons, and saw how chocks came into vogue as people began to realize the damage pitons were doing to the rock; I saw the shift in the use of rope from braided goldline to today's kernmantle construction; and I observed a number of other interesting advancements over the years in footwear and other equipment.
However much gear I collected, I would still sometimes go out with only a rope, some seat slings, and a few carabiners. It's nice to enjoy climbing (and still be safe!) with just the basics.