TOP ROPE ANCHORS
“Andy was an incredible guide and teacher during my Top Rope Anchors class. He was professional, courteous, fun and supportive. I learned so much and had a blast doing it. I highly recommend Small Cliffs Guiding to anyone hoping to increase their knowledge and skill set in the outdoor climbing community. ”
INTRO TO Top rope anchors “learning the how”
Top rope climbing is the foundation for climbers. Whether beginner or expert, most climbers (boulder bros excluded) will spend most of their time on a top rope in one form or fashion. Top ropes are as ubiquitous in climbing gyms as they are outdoors. As you transition to climbing outdoors, learning how to make top rope anchors that you can trust is a crucial skill, and not one to overlook or take lightly.
What This Course will Cover
This course will provide the foundation and skills necessary to know how to construct top rope anchors on both natural features as well as bolted belay stations. Most of this course will cover creating anchors on natural features, including trees and boulders. We will teach you how to evaluate these features for strength and suitability and how to attach our anchors to them. You will learn a range of knots during this course, including a BHK (big honking knot), bowline, clove hitch, figure-8 bight, and more. We will teach you how to stay secure while approaching the edge of a cliff while building your anchors, and where and how to place your climbing rope to avoid wear, rope drag, and appropriate lines of ascent for our climbers.
Following this course, you will be able to competently construct your own anchors for climbing and rappelling. You will understand how to choose an appropriate solution, trouble shoot the answer, and construct something that you feel comfortable with. This course is the basis of your outdoor climbing career.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Course length: 9:00am-430pm
Guide to Client Ratio: 1 guide for every 4 clients - we pride ourselves in being able to provide individualized instruction during all group classes, and keeping class size at a minimum.
Experience Required: No prior experience is required for this course. However, prior gym and outdoor climbing experience, and a proficiency with top rope belaying, will make this course more approachable for students.
Age Limits: Must be at least 14 years old. Children 14-15 must have a parent or guardian present.
Pricing: $200 per person
Minimum Bookings: Minimum bookings for this course to run is generally 2 clients.
Price Includes: All Technical gear as needed - Helmet, Harness, Shoes, Ropes - and qualified guides.
