2-Day Program

Rock Rescue

This is a 2-day program designed to teach you the basics of rescuing a fallen leader or an injured partner. 

This program is tailored to improvised climber rescue using only the equipment you are likely to have on a typical multi-pitch climb. Participants should be competent, traditional lead climbers.

These courses are designed for climbers to attend with a partner (ideally your regular climbing partner). There must be a minimum of 2 climbers with a maximum of 4. If you don’t have a partner you would like to attend with, we may be able to pair you up with another climber. Call to inquire about this option.

Day One: We will use one of several local rock climbing sites where we can focus on all components of rock rescue individually.

Topics will include:

  • Anchoring methods and attachment
  • Belaying methods – pros and cons
  • Friction hitches
  • Belay escapes
  • Raising systems (2:1 through 9:1)
  • Lowering systems
  • Knot passes
  • Ascending systems

Significant time will be spent on understanding and comparing different systems. There are many ways to execute the above-mentioned topics and we will discuss the pros and cons of each system as related to equipment requirements and forces on the anchor. There will be demonstrations and lots of practice time for all participants. 

Day Two: We will review the skills learned on day one and introduce the following topics:

  • Improvised harnesses
  • Rappelling Review
  • Simultaneous rappels
  • Rigging tandem rappels
  • Counterbalance rappels
  • Multi-rappel anchor transition
  • The blending of all skills in complex rescue scenarios

All skills will be taught by AMGA trained guides based on the most up-to-date industry standard techniques. All participants will be closely monitored and attached to safety backup systems during practice sessions. 

EQUIPMENT LIST – SINGLE PITCH ROCK CLIMBING

TRIPS COVERED BY THIS LIST:

  • Mazama Rock Climbing
  • Vantage Rock Climbing
  • Index Rock Climbing

A NOTE ABOUT EQUIPMENT LISTS: Nothing can ruin a trip faster than having the wrong gear for the conditions at hand.  All our programs are subject to rapid and severe changes in the weather.  Select garments that are warm, lightweight, and durable.  Generally speaking, the best arrangement is to think in terms of layers – a system that dries quickly, allows flexibility, and resists wind, water, and abrasion. All of us have different tolerances for heat or cold; for example, you might choose warmer gloves than specified here if you tend to get cold hands. If you have doubts about a specific garment’s appropriateness, please talk to your guide in advance about conditions you are most likely to experience. This list is built for a trip with an unsettled weather forecast.  With good weather, some of these items may be left behind to save weight. All trips require that you bring adequate food and water, please see our “food” equipment list for details.

CLOTHING

Head, Hands & Feet

  • Sun Hat
  • Optional: belay gloves
  • Hiking or Approach Shoes

Upper Body Layers

  • Lightweight Base Layer Top or Sun shirt
  • Lightweight Insulating Layer

Lower Body Layers

  • Softshell Pants or Shorts

Options Layers for colder or wetter weather

  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Lightweight rain pants

ACCESSORIES

  • Backpack (20-30 Liters)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
  • Water & Food
  • Optional: Crack Gloves (for routes with lots of crack climbing)
  • Headlamp
  • Blister Kit
  • Cloth Mask
  • Hand Sanitizer

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT

  • Climbing Helmet (can be rented from NCMG)
  • Climbing Harness (can be rented from NCMG)
  • Belay Device (can be rented from NCMG)
  • 2 Locking Carabiners (can be rented from NCMG)
  • Double Length Nylon or Dyneema Runner (or personal anchor system -- NO daisy chains)

1:1 $1000

2:1 $750

3:1 $500

4:1 $500

cost listed per person

Duration
Technical Difficulty
2
Physical Difficulty
1

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