Essential Skills Outdoor School
Spring / Summer Schedule 2007
Introduction to Climbing
An entry–level
day for those who want to learn the basics of moving over vertical
rock with safety and grace.
You will receive an introduction to the proper use of the harness,
helmet and climbing ropes under the guidance of mature and
professional staff. You will also learn about rock climbing safety
and etiquette,
the proper belay commands and an overview of the current trends
in rock climbing around the world. No previous climbing experience
is
necessary. Classes are taught on low-angle, moderate rock suitable
for novices with an emphasis on safety and fun. Note: This
class is a prerequisite for more advanced programs. Cost $55.
The Introduction to Climbing Courses are offered on the following
dates:
Intermediate Climbing
This class covers the fundamentals of knots, belay communication
and anchoring, then moves into the important subtleties of climbing
technique such as face climbing, jamming, laybacking and friction
smearing. Hands–on instruction covers the establishment
of the belay station, the dynamics of belaying and three different
belay techniques.
Participants will gain thorough experience in belaying the climber
using the latest equipment and techniques. The top rope anchoring
component of this class introduces anchoring systems which utilize
natural as well as technical anchors for top rope climbing, proper
placement of hardware and anchoring vectors. Note: Introduction
to Climbing is a prerequisite for this class.
Advanced Climbing Instruction
Learn the technical skills of top rope anchoring and belaying.
This programs offers a hands-on approach to the essential skills
every
climber must master in order to be safe and competent on the
rock. You will get an overview of the hardware and its proper use,
as well as an opportunity to set up a variety of top rope anchors
using natural as well as traditional anchors. You will also
receive
instruction in effective rescue techniques. Also, lots of climbing
in the intermediate to advanced range will be available. Note:
Introduction to Climbing is a prerequisite for this class.
The Advanced Climbing Courses are scheduled on:
Two-Day Courses
Beginners Two Day Seminar
This program has been specially developed by Essential Skills
Outdoor School to meet the needs of summer camps, youth groups
and corporate
organizations.
Intermediate Two Day Seminar
This popular class is appropriate for you if you are new to
climbing or want to gain an in-depth refesher. By combining
program material
from the Introductory and Intermediate classes you gain a lot
of ground in two action packed days—a perfect way to begin the
climbing season! You’ll complete a progression of climbs
using a broad range of climbing techniques such as edging,
crack and friction
smearing. Using top rope anchoring, each student is given personalized
coaching to reach the limit of his or her ability and move
into a higher state of accomplishment on the rock. This class
also
includes work with the fundamentals of belay and anchoring
fundamentals using
different belay devices, chocks, cams and anchoring techniques.
Rockcraft Seminar*
This two-day seminar combines anchoring techniques with climbing
skills and is the logical follow-up to the Intermediate Two
Day Seminar. This is the perfect course for the casual indoor
or
sport climber
who wishes to learn "trad" or traditional climbing
techniques. Each day combines time working with equipment and
time spent on
the rock improving climbing technique. Each participant recieves
hands-on
practice assembling and rigging a variety of anchor systems
with feedback from your guide, and you will work on refining
crack
and face climbing techniques. Content includes information
on equipment
characteristics, detailed placement criteria and assessment
for chocks and active camming devices, top-rope anchoring principals
and equalization
with slings as well as cordellettes. As always, belay technique
is reviewed and supervised by your guide. *Introduction
to Climbing is a prerequisite for this class. Rockcraft dates
include:
Special Events
Guided Climbing
Any accomplished climber will tell you that help from a skilled,
professional guide is the best way to use your recreational
time and allow you to experience greater levels difficulty
with a
higher level of safety. Working individually with a guide
is the fastest
way to improve skill and technique. If you are new to an
area, hiring a knowledgible local guide can mean the difference
between
wandering
the bluffs in search of a particular route or a spending
a fine day climbing routes that are exactly what you were looking
for.
Devil’s
Lake offers a wide range of classic, enjoyable, and challenging
routes to choose from and Bill Humphrey guarantees that he
can help you
find what you need. He is available on an individual basis
as well as for small groups by appointment.
Private Instruction
Private Instruction is available to individuals or small groups.
Private Instruction is essentially Guided Climbing which is scheduled
for your particular group and can be arranged to accommodate your
particular agenda. Bill is experienced working with a variety of
groups, including corporate orgizinations, schools, sports teams,
families, scouts and theraputic youth groups.
By appointment, per day, one person: $280
Two people: $150 each
Three people: $100 each
Four people: $95 each
Five people: $85 each
Group rates (six minimum): $65 each
Father/Daughter Climbing Adventure
Come join us as we experience the special relationship
between fathers and daughters in the unique context of
rock climbing. Father/Daughter
partners of all ages enjoy this outing because it provides a fun
and safe way to experience something new with each other. This is
entry level climbing on vertical rock with all of the safety equipment
provided. More difficult and challenging rock routes can be accessed,
depending on the experience of the group. Father/Daughter dates include:
Summer Solstice Climbing
There comes a time in the course of the year when you simply have
to take in a big breath of warmth and say “Ah, summer is finally
here…” This trip will provide you with the opportunity
to welcome in the spirit of summer with a challenging adventure.
Rock climbing in June is a wonderful experience because the weather
is
usually fine, the rock is in good condition and you are feeling
good with long days and many hours spent outside. This is an intermediate
level course that offers a challenge to climbers in a supportive
and relaxed atmosphere.
Open Climbing
Come and enjoy a sampling of routes, from beginner to advanced. This
program is designed to give you a chance to sample a variety of routes,
from pleasantly easy to pretty darn difficult. The routes are selected
for their safety, beauty and length. If you enjoy climbing and have
not yet had a chance to get out this summer, this is the day for
you!
Lake Superior Climbing Adventure*
Lake Superior Climbing Adventure
For the fourth year in a row we offer this trip to the beautiful North Shore
of Lake Superior for a long weekend of climbing and camping. We will camp in
one of the beautiful state parks; just stones throw from Lake Superior. The four-day
climbing will be in two areas, covering one area on Saturday and another area
on Sunday. Saturday’s venue is Shovel Point, which is a spectacular cliff
right on the edge of the lake. This location offers very safe climbing, great
views of of the lake and (if you get up early enough) beautiful sunrise vistas.
The area of Sunday’s climbing will be determined by the group and may include
an inland crag named Carlton Peak, the most dramatic peak in the Sawtooth Range.
It is nestled in a beautiful backcountry setting with a summit that rises nearly
280 meters above the shore of Lake Superior, less than two miles away. Cost for
this trip is $345. which includes two days of climbing, all technical climbing
equipment and two nights of camping.
Adult’s Only
Climbing
Leave the kid’s
behind for a day of fun on the rocks.
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