Building both strong and reliable anchors is the foundation of rock climbing. In this clinic you will learn to broaden your perspective as well as dialing in your skills for building top rope anchor systems. We will focus on how to appropriately evaluate both natural and artificial bolted anchors as well as edge safety. This day is valuable for anyone who wants to have a deeper understanding and build confidence when setting up top rope systems.
Scenarios
Setting up top rope anchors using bolts.
Setting up top rope anchors using natural features such as trees or rocks.
Topics
Climbing ethics and LNT (Leave No Trace) principles.
Why we build anchors.
What makes a “S.E.R.E.N.E” anchor.
Angles and forces.
Review of climbing knots and hitches that are used in top rope anchors.
Evaluating natural features such as trees or rock for use as an anchor.
Evaluating existing bolts and bolted anchors.
Techniques for constructing anchors using natural features
Techniques for constructing artificial bolt anchors.
Edge Safety
Prerequisites
Familiarity with the following knots: Figure eight follow-through, Figure Eight on a bight, overhand on a bite, clove hitch, double fisherman’s, bowline, girth hitch, prussic, autoblock, klemheist. (WE WILL SEND THIS OUT AS HOMEWORK) – Please refer to Animated Knots.com for reference.
Have taken our “Intro to Rock Climbing” course or have similar outdoor climbing experience.
Additional information regarding this experience
What's Included?
AMGA/PCIA certified instructor.
All climbing gear for the day.
1:5 instructor to student ratio
What to Bring
Personal clothing appropriate for the weather. There is a fair amount of standing around, so consider bringing layers to stay comfortably when you’re not climbing.
Lunch, snacks, water.
Other Notes:
We do not supply climbing shoes.
This is a five-hour course
The specific locations are spread across various areas in Western Massachusetts and will be emailed after registration.
Basic to Moderate – climbing requires physical strength
Skill Level:
Outdoor climbing experience
Dates/Times:
6/8 and 7/8 12:00-5:00p //
Saturday 9/27 9:00-2:00p
or email us for private group dates.
Waiver:
Each participant, or their guardian, must sign a waiver to participate in an Adventure East experience. Following payment of your online booking, your reservation confirmation will include a link to e-sign the waiver. Due to insurance requirements, we are unable to accommodate guests who do not sign a waiver.
