Top-Roping: Rock Basics
This course is designed to teach beginning climbers how to set up
and safely use a top-rope system. Having taken the course, climbers
will have the skills to head out on their own and climb routes with
accessible top-rope bolt anchors. Such routes are common throughout
San Diego’s oldest and most popular climbing crag, Mission Gorge, as
well as other climbing areas throughout southern California and
beyond
● Basic Equipment – We will
cover what you need to begin climbing on your own safely. You will be
provided with basic equipment and instructed on how to use, clean, and
inspect the equipment prior to climbing. The equipment we will go over
includes harness, helmet, rope, rope bag, belay and rappel devices,
locking and non-locking carabiners, daisy chains, sewn slings, webbing,
and cord.
● Route Selection - Your
instructor will teach you how to read a climbing topo in order to choose
a route that is appropriate for you.
● Knots - You will learn the
appropriate knots for tying in to climb, setting up a top-rope system,
making loops of cord and webbing, and closing the system.
● Belaying – You will practice
how to rig different belay devices, perform safety checks, use proper
belay commands, and follow techniques to safely belay a climber.
● Rappelling – Your will learn
how to set up a rappel and use descending techniques using a friction
hitch back-up.
● Top-Rope Anchors – Your
instructor will show you the proper way to set up a bomber top-rope
anchor and go over special considerations. You will practice one
technique that will be suitable for climbing at any climbing site where
there are accessible top-rope anchor bolts.
After completion of this course you will qualify to take any of our
advanced courses. If you’re interested in learning how to lead climb our
sport or traditional climbing classes would be a good direction to go.
As with all climbers it is always a good idea to take a climber self
rescue class so that you’re always prepared for any situation.
