Intro to Multi-Pitch & Rock Rescue

We begin by reviewing all the essentials:

• Equipment
• Movement skills
• Belaying and rappelling
• Safety protocols
• Rock climbing terminology
• Route selection and climbing grades

We then move into the fundamental skills for Multi-Pitch rock climbing:

• Multi-pitch theory
• Risk mitigation and hazard management
• Route selection
• Gear requirements and the multi-pitch backpack
• Racking techniques
• Belay considerations
• Ascending and descending strategies

Forming a powerful foundation we then move onto further advanced skills that provide the efficiency needed to complete multi-pitch routes in a timely manner.

Such skills as:

• Advanced rope management
• Specialized belaying techniques
• Rapid leader transitions

The result is a sound foundation, a safe and effective technique, and efficient multi-pitch transitions for speedy ascents and descents. All this is geared towards making you into an independent multi-pitch climber who has the skills to progress rapidly.

As a climber, one needs to be self-sufficient in a high angle climbing environment and rope rescue skills are critical. After taking this course participants will be prepared to execute an efficient rope rescue in varying situations.

We will learn how to prepare for rescue situations, escape the climbing system, perform raises, lowers, and self-rescue. We will also cover rope ascending techniques, reversing certain belay methods, and safe decision making. We will also discuss the implications of carrying out a rescue in technical terrain.

The rescue system taught is the same used by professional guides.

We also cover all essentials such as equipment, safety protocols, and hazard management. The result is an understanding of the critical gear required and the knowledge to carry out simple rescue procedures in an emergency situation on rock.

Participants will find it useful to know a variety of knots and hitches for this course. Ie Figure 8, Overhand, Munter hitch, Clove hitch, Prussik hitch, Garda Hitch.

8:00am: Meet your guide at Squamish Adventure Centre.

The guide will have everyone sign a waiver before having a safety discussion and performing a gear check. They will then discuss the day's objectives and lesson plan.

4:30pm: The day will end at approximately 4:30pm with a debrief, discussion of the course and next step recommendations.

Instructor provides group equipment:

• Ropes
• Anchor building equipment

Individual Equipment:

• Rock climbing shoes
• Harness
• Helmet
• Belay device (with 1 locking carabiner)
• Prusik 1.5-1.7m, 7mm
• Anchor building equipment (2 locking carabiners, 2 non-locking carabiners & 120cm or 240cm sling)
• Chalk bag

Rock Rescue Kit:

• 5 x Locking Carabiners
• 4 x Non-locking Carabiners
• 1 x 120cm Sling
• 2 x 5m (7mm) Cordelette
• 1 x 1.5m (7mm) Cordelette or ‘Hollow block’
• 1 x Auto-Block/Belay Device (Petzl Reverso or BD ATC Guide)

Take advantage of our bundle pricing and purchase the necessary climbing gear for this course at checkout.

Any other gear not provided in our bundle pricing can be found at: MEC, Climb On (37873 Cleveland Ave, Squamish) or Escape Route (40222 Glenalder Pl, Squamish).

Clothing (Plan ahead, check the weather forecast, and dress accordingly):

• Climbing pants (light pants that allow maximum mobility)
• T-shirt
• Mid layer fleece or wool top
• Weatherproof shell jacket
• Down or synthetic insulating “puffy” jacket
• Warm hat
• Light gloves
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Approach shoes
• Daypack 25-35L

It is beneficial to practice using your own equipment under the supervision of a professional.

Topics Covered:

• Equipment
• Environment & on site safety
• Introduction to multi-pitch theory
• Gear Requirements
• Route Selection
• Securing Yourself
• Lead belaying and top-down belaying
• Racking up for a multi-pitch
• Multi-pitch communication and commands
• Efficient leader switch-overs
• Rope drag reduction technique
• Advanced rope management
• Advanced safety techniques
• Mentoring day climbing up and descending a multi-pitch training route

Click HERE for the full curriculum

In this one-day course, you will learn what gear you need on your harness and how to use every piece of equipment in multiple ways.

The exact content of the course will vary depending on group experience, goals and interest. Rock rescue is a very broad topic with endless amounts of hypotheticals and ‘what-ifs’. Below is a sample of what a typical course will cover.

Topics Covered:

• The Implications of Rescue
• Rope Rescue Components
• Rock Rescue Demonstration
• Blocking the Belay
• Assessing the Situation
• Raising & Lowering
• Counterbalance Rappel
• Tandem Rappeling
• Reversing the Belay
• Rope Ascending and Descending

Click HERE for the full curriculum