Rock Climbing Lessons

Basic Information

We offer rock climbing lessons year-round in the Boulder, Colorado area. Although Boulder is famous for summer rock climbing, its mild winters make climbing quite pleasant year-round. Autumn is especially beautiful with sunny days and fewer climbers. We also offer lessons in other areas. Contact us for information about a specific area.

Private lessons are for individuals or 2 or more students coming to us together. They offer the advantages of a low student to instructor ratio and can be scheduled anytime at your convenience. They are for beginners as well as those with previous climbing experience and are tailored to students' experience, ability level, and ambitions.

Group lessons are for beginners and can be scheduled at any time for 4 or more people who come to us together. In addition we make up groups every Saturday at 9 am, May through October that individuals can join. Groups offer basic instruction and climbing practice.

Previous experience is not required for beginning lessons. For more advanced instruction or guided climbs students should be familiar with fundamental climbing techniques.

For more information email bob@bobculp.com (303) 444 -2470 or (866) 442 -8355

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What to Bring

We provide all technical equipment including helmets, rock shoes, and harnesses. Students are encouraged to bring any of their own equipment they wish to use.

Required Equipment

Approach shoes (light hiking or jogging shoes for walking to the climbs)
Rugged comfortable, loose-fitting clothing appropriate for the season
Water

For more information email bob@bobculp.com (303) 444 -2470 or (866) 442 -8355

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Private Lessons

Private lessons are either half-day or full-day and can be scheduled for any time you wish. We maintain a low student to instructor ratio for the most effective learning.

Beginners: We specialize in instruction for beginners. Many of our students have no previous climbing experience. Others may have been climbing in an indoor gym and want to continue outdoors on real rock. Either way, some on-the-rocks experience and instruction can be very worthwhile.

How many lessons should you schedule? You can schedule one lesson to experience the sport. To completely cover all the material normally considered to be basic to climbing requires at least two full-days or four half-days. These lessons involve a combination of instruction and practice climbing. Many students opt to extend the experience by adding some guided climbs. Three days make a very well-rounded beginners' course.

Intermediates:
For those who have some previous experience, we design lessons to provide further skills training under the close supervision of an experienced instructor. We structure the lessons to suit the ability and goals of each student. This can be an excellent way to further your knowledge of the sport or a quick way to improve your climbing ability.

In both beginning and intermediate lessons we teach all the fundamental rock climbing techniques such as climbing safety, knots, rope handling, communication, use of basic equipment, belaying, and rappeling. Students practice climbing with top rope belays to develop confidence on steep rock.

RATES FOR LOCAL AREA (IMMEDIATE BOULDER AREA)	Full Day	Half Day
One Client:	$250	$150
Two Clients:	$175 each	$110 each
Three or More Clients:	$150 each	$90 each
RATES FOR OUTSIDE THE LOCAL AREA
One Client:	$300
Two Clients:	$200 each
Three or More Clients:	$175 each

For more information email bob@bobculp.com (303) 444 -2470 or (866) 442 -8355

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Basic Rock Climbing Lessons

These suggested private lessons provide a comprehensive course in rock climbing fundamentals. Personal attention and added climbing time make them attractive to serious climbers who want an intense course covering as much as possible in the time available.Like all private lessons they can be scheduled at any time to suit clients' requirements.

Introduction to Rock Climbing – Half day private beginner’s lesson scheduled anytime

The goal of this lesson is to teach basic rock climbing skills in a top rope setting. Such things as climbing philosophy, safety, ethics, rope handling, knots, communication, equipment overview, and top rope belaying will be demonstrated and practiced.
Students will practice climbing on natural rock and will be introduced to techniques for moving on rock.

Prerequisites – None

After this lesson, students will be prepared for top roping in situations where anchors are pre-placed.

Cost for Introduction to Rock Climbing

1 person - $150
2 persons - $110 each
3 or more persons - $90 each

All equipment is included.

Climbing Anchors – Half day private beginner’s lesson scheduled anytime

The goal of this lesson is to present everything a climber needs to know in order to safely place gear in rock and set up anchors.
We cover climbing pro placements including natural anchors, passive chocks, and active mechanical chocks (cams). Students practice pro placement and removal.
Anchor equalization methods will be demonstrated including cordelettes, the sliding X, and Alpine equalizers.
Students will build belay, rappel, and top rope anchor systems with emphasis upon direction of pull and SRENE standards.
They will continue improving their climbing skills on top rope practice climbs.

Prerequisites – Our Introduction to Rock Climbing lesson or equivalent experience

This lesson provides students with enough information and hands-on experience so they should be able to confidently use the full range of conventional gear in a safe manner.

Cost for Climbing Anchors

1 person - $150
2 persons - $110 each
3 or more persons - $90 each

All equipment is included.

Belaying and Rappelling – Half day private beginner’s lesson scheduled anytime

The goal of this lesson is to familiarize students with techniques for belaying on multi-pitch climbs (belaying the second and belaying the leader) and rappelling in all situations using equipment currently available so students are prepared to belay or rappel in a safe way.
Students will catch simulated leader falls and second falls. They will do regular rappels and free rappels. Self-rescue for situations where the leader has fallen and cannot be lowered to a safe position as well as how to prussic the rope after an unsuccessful rappel attempt will be demonstrated and practiced. Self-belaying systems for rappelling will be introduced.
Some climbing is involved.

Prerequisites – Our Introduction to Rock Climbing and Climbing Anchors lessons or equivalent experience

This lesson is very important since accidents are frequently caused by the loss of control while belaying or rappelling. This can be avoided if you know what to do and pay close attention.

Cost for Belaying and Rappelling

1 person - $150
2 persons - $110 each
3 or more persons - $90 each

All equipment is included.

Multi-Pitch Climbing – Half day private beginner’s lesson scheduled anytime

The goal of this lesson is to give students practice seconding multi-pitch climbs and climbing as a team.
A multi-pitch rock climb will be done giving students the opportunity to put into practice everything learned in the course.

Prerequisites – Our Introduction to Rock Climbing, Climbing Anchors, and Belaying and Rappelling lessons or equivalent experience

When climbing with experienced partners it is important to be knowledgeable enough to evaluate their anchor placements, judgment, and performance in general. In the final analysis you are responsible for your own safety.

Cost for Multi-Pitch Climbing

1 person - $150
2 persons - $110 each
3 or more persons - $90 each

All equipment is included.

Basic Rock – 2 day private beginning rock climbing course scheduled anytime

We have been teaching this introductory course in traditional rock climbing since the early seventies and have refined and updated it regularly.
It is an effective course for serious beginners or those who have been gym climbing and want to make the transition to the outdoors.
The objective of the course is to prepare students with the information and skills required for them to climb with experienced leaders and perform all the functions of a capable second.
The course consists of two full day lessons. It combines our 4 half day introductory lessons.

Prerequisites – None

After completing the course students will have learned enough to exercise good judgement, make informed choices, and participate in the climb at all levels; including evaluating anchors, planning the climb, and sizing up the skill and capabilities of their climbing partners.

Cost for Basic Rock

1 person - $450
2 persons - $325 each
3 or more persons - $275 each

All equipment is included.

For more information email bob@bobculp.com (303) 444 -2470 or (866) 442 -8355

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Group Classes

These half day introductory rock climbing classes are for small groups. Learning to climb with others in a relaxed and fun setting can be a uniquely enjoyable experience and a good way to find out if climbing is the sport for you.

Itinerary – We set up top rope climbs for people who have never climbed before, or those who wish to enjoy a pleasant outdoor climbing experience in a safe, controlled setting. Basic instruction is provided.

Instructors - We employ only experienced instructors - skilled climbers who have demonstrated the ability to communicate their skills effectively. Bob is AMGA certified.

When – Every Saturday, May through Oct 2008, at 9 am.

Where – Boulder Mountaineering, 1335 B, Broadway in Boulder.

Equipment – We supply all climbing equipment including shoes.

What to Bring – Students should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing suitable to the weather, approach shoes or sneakers, a water bottle, and snacks (if they wish). Other suggested items are sunscreen, camera, and sunglasses.

Registration – Sign up at Boulder Mountaineering or call 303 444 2470 no later than the Friday before the scheduled class.

Cost - $80 per person

All equipment is included.

SPECIAL GROUP CLASSES

We schedule similar group classes for any group of 4 or more at any time. Contact us to plan your group outing.

For more information email bob@bobculp.com (303) 444 -2470 or (866) 442 -8355

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Lead Rock Climbing Lessons

Leading is considered by many climbers to be the most challenging aspect of rock climbing because of the added elements of problem solving and risk management. It is while leading that the climber experiences the adventure of climbing at its fullest. For some, leading is climbing – everything else is practice.
Acquiring basic leader skills is important for all serious climbers even if they plan to do little or no leading. The added awareness that results is invaluable and very important in situations when the leader may be out of action.

Climbing is a potentially dangerous activity, particularly lead climbing. Only through careful preparation, practice, and developing a safety-conscious attitude can the risks be minimized.
Even if you choose not to do much leading, it can be reassuring to know that you are prepared to do so should the need arise.

Leading on Rock I – Half day introduction to leading - private lesson scheduled anytime

The goal of this lesson is to familiarize students with the basics of leading on rock. It includes methods for efficient rope clipping and minimizing rope drag, planning lead strategy, and practice “leading” while placing pro with a top rope for safety.
The lesson begins with a review of pro placement in a variety of lead climbing situations.
Students then begin “leading” with a top rope belay, placing protection, and clipping a second “lead” rope.
Each lead is seconded by the instructor who evaluates the gear placements and points out any appropriate improvements.
Several such practice “leads” are made to allow students to acquire the necessary experience in order to begin leading without a top rope.

Prerequisites – Our Basic Rock course or equivalent experience

We recommend this lesson for every aspiring rock climber. For many, it will be adequate for their needs. For those who plan to begin leading, it can be followed by Leading on Rock II.

Cost for Leading on Rock I
1 person - $150
2 persons - $110 each
3 or more persons - $90 each

Leading on Rock II – Half day practice lead climbing - private lesson scheduled anytime

The goal of this lesson is to allow students who have demonstrated sufficient aptitude to gain experience leading without a top rope safety.
Leads are made in situations where the instructor is confident adequate pro placement opportunities exist and students can climb without worrying if protection will be possible or the climb too difficult.
This invaluable experience provides most students with the confidence to begin leading on their own.

Prerequisites – Leading on Rock I or equivalent experience

Climbing under the watchful eye of an experienced instructor is the best way to do your first lead.

Cost for Leading on Rock II
1 person - $150
2 persons - $110 each
3 or more persons - $90 each

First on the Rope – One day lead climbing course - private lesson scheduled anytime

The goal of this course is to prepare students with the information and practice necessary to begin leading on their own.
The course consists of one full day lesson, combining our two half day lessons, Leading on Rock I and Leading on Rock II.

Prerequisites – Our Basic Rock course or equivalent experience

At the completion of the course, students with sufficient aptitude should be ready to begin leading on their own.

Cost for First on the Rope
1 person - $250
2 persons - $175 each
3 or more persons - $150 each