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ROCK CLIMBING 302 : Learn to Lead (3 Day)

  • 3 day course
  • Gear placement and removal
  • Building and equalizing solid multi-point anchors
  • Different belay systems for the leader
  • Rappelling methods with back-up systems
  • Protecting the second
  • Rope management and efficient transitions
  • Common problems associated with leading
  • Self-rescue basics and prevention of problems

    Prerequisites:
    Rock Climbing 301 or similar experience
    Solidly climb 5.8 or above outdoors
    Extensive outdoor toproping experience
    Experience on multi-pitch climbs following a leader
    Extensive belaying and rappelling experience
    Solid understanding of climbing equipment and its use


    Leading a climb from the ground up is an awesome responsibility that is equally rewarding. This intense three-day course will give you the skills and knowledge you’ll need to explore the cliff from the “sharp” end of the rope. We’ll cover a wide variety of topics and introduce a broad selection of scenarios, as leading is a lot more than just going up first and sticking in some gear. You’ll learn about assessing your party in relation to your objectives, route choices and decision-making on the lead, protecting the leader and the seconds, establishing anchors en route, efficient belay-station management, and planning for the descent. Efficiency, and error correction play big roles in this course, and the responsibility of the leader lies in not underestimating the commitment being taken on. Before enrolling, participants should be able to follow 5.8 climbs with confidence, have extensive toproping experience, and possess a thorough understanding of technical climbing equipment.
  • Rock 302

    $420 per person on these dates (3 day course):
    March 30-1
    April 23-25
    May 7-9, 21-23
    June 25-27
    July 1-3, 30-1
    August 6-8, 18-20
    September 3-5, 24-26
    October 8-10
    November 5-7


    Start/ End:
    Each day 9am to approximately 4pm. Groups will meet at the West Hartford EMS.
    Includes:
    Harness, helmet, climbing shoes, all technical rock climbing gear, personalized professional instruction, parking passes, park fees.

    Does Not Include:
    Lodging, transportation, meals, backpack, personal gear and clothing.

    Prerequisite:
    Rock Climbing 301 or similar experience.
    Solidly climb 5.8 or above outdoors
    Extensive outdoor toproping experience
    Experience on multi-pitch climbs following a leader
    Extensive belaying and rappelling experience
    Solid understanding of climbing equipment and its use


    Click for directions, area lodging and local information

    WHAT TO BRING?

    Shop for Gear!
    Clothing- wear clothes appropriate for the day’s weather!
  • Fleece jacket (optional based on day’s weather)
  • Rain jacket w/hood
  • Loose fitting, quick dry pants or shorts (shorts should be mid thigh, pants stretchy fabric)
  • T-shirt or long sleeved shirt

    Footwear
  • Close toed shoes. Light hiking shoes or sneakers, no need for full-on boots. No sandals.

    Daypack
  • One that you could climb with, comfortably and carry your harness, helmet, shoes and other personal items.

    Food and Water
  • Water- at least one quart
  • Lunch and snacks- PB&J, bagel, trail mix, granola bars. Avoid soft fruits, as they don’t pack well.
  • Additional Items
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Camera

    EMS Climbing School will provide
  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • Climbing Shoes
  • Ropes and all technical climbing gear
  • If you’d like to use your own gear, your guide will look it over to approve it’s safety.

  • Missing anything on this list?
    Don't forget your 20% discount EMS coupon that comes with your Climbing School confirmation letter!