Intro to Rescue Skills

Climbing is built on trust — trust in our systems, our partners, and our ability to respond when things don’t go according to plan. But at the crag, unexpected situations happen. A stuck climber, a dropped rappel device, an injured partner, or simply getting in over your head can quickly turn a fun day outside into a stressful situation.

Our Intro to Rescue Skills Clinic is designed to give climbers the confidence, knowledge, and hands-on practice to respond calmly and effectively when challenges arise. This course focuses on practical, real-world problem solving rather than memorizing rigid drills. Participants will learn foundational rescue techniques including ascending a rope, assisting a climber through difficult terrain, transferring a belay, and simple rappel rescue systems — all while exploring scenarios that reflect situations climbers may actually encounter outdoors.

This is a skills-intensive clinic centered on repetition, practice, and building systems from the ground up. Participants will spend most of the day learning and refining techniques in a low-risk environment with guidance and feedback from experienced instructors. The emphasis is on developing critical thinking, communication, and confidence so climbers leave with tools they can adapt to many situations at the crag.

Your support helps make this education more accessible to climbers in our community. By reducing financial barriers to technical education, we can help more people recreate outside safely, support their partners effectively, and build stronger, more prepared climbing communities.

Whether you're newer to outdoor climbing or looking to strengthen your systems and self-reliance, this clinic is an opportunity to gain essential skills that could make all the difference when it matters most.

Location

This clinic will take place in Jefferson County, Boulder County, or in Staunton State Park.
Final location details will be sent via email from your guide approximately 1–2 weeks before the clinic.

Locations are selected based on weather, conditions, and the needs of the group.