WOMEN'S ROCK RESCUE

Once a climber progresses into multi-pitch terrain, high angle rescue skills and knowledge 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 rescue rappelling options. We will 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 systems taught are 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 should have outdoor climbing experience and some experience in multipitch terrain is recommended. 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.

Check out our Rock Progression Academy program for an in-depth program to all aspects of rock climbing.

8:30am: 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.

Rentals/Purchase:

If you require rentals or need to purchase equipment, we have teamed up with the experts at the Escape Route Alpine Demo Centre. Follow the link HERE to purchase or rent gear for this course!

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

Individual Equipment

If you have any specialized equipment not listed below feel free to bring it along and ask your guide about it. (Ie micro traxion, grigri, pulleys, etc.)

• Rock climbing shoes
• Harness
• Helmet
• Locking carabiners
• 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)

If you do not have a Rock Rescue Kit you can rent one for $25.00.

The above gear can be purchased from MEC, Climb On (37873 Cleveland Ave, Squamish) or Escape Route (40222 Glenalder Pl, Squamish).

Your instructor will also bring:

• Guide’s Gear
• Group first aid kit
• Cell phone
• Guide’s Tarp
• Ropes
• Anchor materials

Food and water are not included. Bring lunch, snacks, and plenty of water.

We take pride in our concise Rock Rescue 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