Smith Rock Rescue Course
Smith Rock Rescue Course
Smith Rock Rescue Course

Smith Rock Rescue Course

Whether you climb 5.12 sport routes, moderate alpine routes, or typically just follow your partner; it’s crucial that you know how to get out of a rock climbing emergency.

This course is intended for all multi-pitch climbers who lead and follow, as well as sport and traditional climbers who are interested in climbing farther above the ground.

Technical rescue skills are critical for your safety and enhance your enjoyment and confidence every time you leave the ground. Continual practice and refinement of these skills is necessary in order to master them before an accident occurs.

Duration

  • 2 days
  • 8 hrs/day

Season

  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn

Client:Guide Ratio

4:1

Minimum Participants

2

Each morning, meet your climbing instructor at 8am and hike to the climbing site. You can expect to be back to the parking lot around 4pm each afternoon. You are responsible for your own lodging and food. Campsites are available nearby the climbing area.

Day 1 - Spend the first day focusing on individual rock rescue components that support a bigger picture of rescue. Your instructor will break each section into smaller pieces as we build a skill set for high angle rescue. All lessons will be held on the ground in lecture sessions with practical application after each lecture.

Day 2 - On the second day you will focus on putting technical rescue skills into practice. Each participant will hang over the cliff edge as an instructor supports them in performing a series of rescue tasks. Be prepared to hang from a harness for hours at a time as you and your peers practice the rescue skills learned the previous day.

  • Sport Lead Climbing or equivalent experience.
  • Traditional Lead Climbing or equivalent experience.
  • Profiency in a variety of climbing knots and hitches, including the munter-mule-overhand and klemheist.
  • Experience building complex anchors using traditional protection.
  • Experience leading and/or following multi-pitch climbs.
  • Any additional climbing experience will enhance your ability to learn, but is not required.
  • Ability to be moderately active for 2 full days.
  • Ability to hang in a harness for several hours at a time.
  • Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email full of important information - make sure to read it thoroughly!
  • 3-5 days before your course you will receive an email from your guide containing even more details, including the exact meetup location and time.
  • Leading up to your course, make sure to eat healthy, drink extra water, and get plenty of sleep.
  • Please arrive on time and ready to go at your pre-arranged meeting location. To get the most of our day, we'd like to begin right at the designated start time.
  • All along the way, our office team is available via email or phone to answer any questions you may have.

This course will leave you with knowledge and practical application of:

  • Knots for rescue.
  • Rescue equipment.
  • Hauling.
  • Ascending.
  • Lowering.
  • Load-releasable systems for rescue.
  • Counter-balance rappels.
  • Escaping the belay.
  • Passing knots.
  • Stuck rappel ropes.
  • Belay station managment.
  • Basic First Aid Kit requirements.

PLUS:

  • A fun experience you’ll remember forever! 
  • A sense of accomplishment in achieving your goals for the trip.
  • Confidence in your newfound skills and where to take them next.
  • Tips and tricks to add to your toolbox from our professional and knowledgeable guides.
Smith Rock Rescue Course