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Rock Rescue Clinic
Essential Self-Rescue Skills for Rock Climbers
4:1 Guide/Participant Ratio
1 day clinic
Unexpected situations happen in climbing. This Rock Rescue Clinic is designed to teach climbers practical, efficient self-rescue skills so they can manage common problems encountered while sport or multi-pitch climbing.
The focus is on realistic scenarios, simple systems, and sound decision-making. You’ll learn how to solve problems calmly, conserve energy, and get yourself or your partner out of trouble without unnecessary complexity.
What you’ll learn
• Knots & hitches for rescue: essential knots, load-releasing hitches, and when to use them
• Ascending the rope: efficient techniques for ascending fixed ropes with and without mechanical devices
• Passing knots & transitions: managing knots, anchors, and rope transitions during ascents or rappels
• Hauling systems: basic hauling techniques for assisting a stuck or incapacitated climber
• Belay escapes: safely escaping the belay while maintaining control of the load
• Lowering & rappel problem solving: dealing with common issues during descents
Why this clinic is for you
• Expert instruction from guides with real-world rescue and guiding experience
• Small groups for hands-on practice and individualized coaching
• Emphasis on simple, repeatable systems that actually work under stress
• Skills applicable to sport climbing, multi-pitch routes, and alpine objectives
Prerequisites
Participants should:
• Be familiar with rope systems such as belaying and rappelling
• Have prior experience climbing outdoors
• Possess a basic understanding of anchor systems
This clinic is not designed for complete beginners.
Format & Teaching Style
• Scenario-based learning grounded in realistic climbing situations
• Step-by-step system breakdowns with repetition
• Focus on efficiency, problem-solving, and decision-making
• Plenty of hands-on practice with instructor feedback
Logistics
Meeting time & location: We’ll meet at Beamer’s Coffee in Canmore at 7:30 a.m.
Clinic runs: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Climbing venue will vary depending on weather and conditions.
Transportation
Not included. Climbing venues are not accessible by public transit, so participants must arrive by personal vehicle.
Park passes
Not included. Each participant is responsible for obtaining the appropriate provincial or national park pass.
Gear and Clothing
All technical rescue equipment, including ropes and specialized hardware, is included in your course fee.
Required personal gear not included:
Rock climbing shoes
Harness
Helmet
2x 5 meter 7mm cordalette
1x 1.5 meter 7mm cordalette OR Hollow Block
4x Locking carabiners
2x Non-locking carabiners
Guide style belay device
Weather-appropriate layers
Day pack
Water
Snacks / lunch
If you are missing any required items, please contact us and we will do our best to assist.
A minimum of 2 participants is required for this clinic to run.
Essential Self-Rescue Skills for Rock Climbers
4:1 Guide/Participant Ratio
1 day clinic
Unexpected situations happen in climbing. This Rock Rescue Clinic is designed to teach climbers practical, efficient self-rescue skills so they can manage common problems encountered while sport or multi-pitch climbing.
The focus is on realistic scenarios, simple systems, and sound decision-making. You’ll learn how to solve problems calmly, conserve energy, and get yourself or your partner out of trouble without unnecessary complexity.
What you’ll learn
• Knots & hitches for rescue: essential knots, load-releasing hitches, and when to use them
• Ascending the rope: efficient techniques for ascending fixed ropes with and without mechanical devices
• Passing knots & transitions: managing knots, anchors, and rope transitions during ascents or rappels
• Hauling systems: basic hauling techniques for assisting a stuck or incapacitated climber
• Belay escapes: safely escaping the belay while maintaining control of the load
• Lowering & rappel problem solving: dealing with common issues during descents
Why this clinic is for you
• Expert instruction from guides with real-world rescue and guiding experience
• Small groups for hands-on practice and individualized coaching
• Emphasis on simple, repeatable systems that actually work under stress
• Skills applicable to sport climbing, multi-pitch routes, and alpine objectives
Prerequisites
Participants should:
• Be familiar with rope systems such as belaying and rappelling
• Have prior experience climbing outdoors
• Possess a basic understanding of anchor systems
This clinic is not designed for complete beginners.
Format & Teaching Style
• Scenario-based learning grounded in realistic climbing situations
• Step-by-step system breakdowns with repetition
• Focus on efficiency, problem-solving, and decision-making
• Plenty of hands-on practice with instructor feedback
Logistics
Meeting time & location: We’ll meet at Beamer’s Coffee in Canmore at 7:30 a.m.
Clinic runs: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Climbing venue will vary depending on weather and conditions.
Transportation
Not included. Climbing venues are not accessible by public transit, so participants must arrive by personal vehicle.
Park passes
Not included. Each participant is responsible for obtaining the appropriate provincial or national park pass.
Gear and Clothing
All technical rescue equipment, including ropes and specialized hardware, is included in your course fee.
Required personal gear not included:
Rock climbing shoes
Harness
Helmet
2x 5 meter 7mm cordalette
1x 1.5 meter 7mm cordalette OR Hollow Block
4x Locking carabiners
2x Non-locking carabiners
Guide style belay device
Weather-appropriate layers
Day pack
Water
Snacks / lunch
If you are missing any required items, please contact us and we will do our best to assist.
A minimum of 2 participants is required for this clinic to run.