AWPE: Outdoor Rock Instructor
Course Description
The Outdoor Rock Instructor course is intended to give participants the skills necessary to safely venture into the field of outdoor rock climbing. Students will gain the knowledge necessary to set up top rope anchors from natural and artificial placements, learn the basics of sport climbing and leading fundamentals, as well as an introduction to traditional climbing. The course is intended for students with previous indoor climbing experience. The class will compose of five mandatory sessions, a day trip to John Bryan State Park, and a weekend trip to the Red River Gorge.
Course Outline
Class 1 - 7-9pm - Wednesday, March 13
Introductions, initial skill assessment, syllabus, expectations (ours and yours), waivers, rope care, knots, coiling, belay overview/certifications
8:30-OPEN CLIMB
Class 2 – 7-9pm - Wednesday, March 27
Review from previous class, hardware, anchor building, rappelling, brief for John Bryan Trip
8:30-OPEN CLIMB
John Bryan State Park – Saturday, March 30
Outdoor skill assessment and hands on practice (knots, coils, belaying and rappelling, basics of anchor building, beginning site management); Focus on anchors and site management
Class 3 – 7-9pm - Wednesday, April 3
Introduction to sport climbing, fundamentals of leading, and practice
8:30-OPEN CLIMB
Class 4 – 7-9pm - Wednesday, April 10
Introduction to pro gear and traditional climbing, natural anchors, sport/lead climbing practice
8:30-OPEN CLIMB
Red River Gorge –April 12-14
Leadership skill assessment (written; gear, site management, gear maintenance, belay escape); Focus on sport climbing, traditional climbing, site/risk management, teaching and leading
Class 5 – 7-9pm - Wednesday, April 17
Overview, lead climbing practice, technique and terminology
8:30-OPEN CLIMB
Expectations
We expect students to fully engage in all the activities related to this course. This means students must attend all meetings and show up on time. Again, attendance is mandatory. Failure to attend any meeting will result in a “no pass”. We also expect that students understand that this is a climbing course. We will be dealing with heights and there are potential hazards. We expect responsible behavior from all.
Students can expect that the instructors will be attentive to the student’s wishes and needs. Your instructors will be responsible for ensuring class is safe and enjoyable. All instructors are willing and happy to answer any questions and spend one-on-one help. We are passionate about climbing and hope you leave with a desire to climb outdoors.
Clothing and Equipment
We will be handing out lists of what each student should have at the pre-trip meeting. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact the instructors.
Safety
Climbing is and inherently dangerous activity. Some of the dangers include, but are not limited to: rock falls, injuries on the approach to climbing areas, injuries caused by falling while climbing, weather, and potential encounters with local wildlife. Instructors are trained Wilderness First Responders, however the importance of every person acting in a safe manner to mitigate risk must be stressed.
Enrolling
By signing the class roster, participants agree to the terms above and recognize that all students listed on the roster will be billed the class fee. The class roster is the final enrollment list for the class and will be turned into the Registrar’s office. Dropping the class after signing the roaster will not result in a refund of course fees.
Contact Information:
Alexia Springer: 765-967-0960 Sarah Johnson: 303-349-7371