Rock Climbing School

Our instructional rock climbing lessons, courses, and seminars are based on the idea of a progression that closely follows our own tutelage through climbing. We begin with the rudiments of rock climbing advancing to more expert levels of rock; including multi-pitch climbs, big walls, alpine rock, rescue techniques, and high level sport climbing training.

All courses and guided ascents are done with small climber-to-guide ratios to preserve the mountain experience, maximize learning, increase safety, enjoyment and success of the participants as well as minimize impact on the environment.

Fall 2009 Class Schedule

Rock I:

August 22, September 12, October 3

Rock II:

August 29 - 30, September 19 - 20, October 10 - 11

Advanced Lead Seminar:

September 5 -6, September 26 -27, October 17 - 18

Rock I - Introduction to Rock Climbing, 1 Day Course

This course focuses on learning the basics of rock climbing outdoors.

• Harnesses (selection, types, and uses)
  
• Knots
  
• Rappelling
  
• Belaying
  
• Climbing techniques

are all introduced and utilized at this level. We will focus on movement over stone, choosing the right basic equipment and the fundamentals of belaying. This course is oriented toward those who have little or no rock climbing experience outside.

Rock II - Top Roping / Sport Climbing / Multi Pitch, 2 Day Course

A challenging course designed for those who have a basic understanding of belaying, rappelling, and climbing techniques and want to extend their rock experience. We will focus on:

• Building anchors
  
• Choosing the right equipment for your own climbing adventures.
  
• Also core to this course is building skills for multi-pitch climbing or sport leading.
  
• Advanced climbing techniques

This is a great course for the climber who is ready to move beyond top roping and begin sport and multi-pitch climbing.

Rock III - Learning To Lead Climb, 1-2 Day Courses

Learning to lead is the core of this course. The focus is to hone a climber’s skills for leading outside on traditional rock.

• Extensive gear placement evaluation and efficiency
  
• Gear selection for building your own rack
  
• Streamlining leading techniques

are all part of the curriculum. Everything from equipment to route finding, including leading philosophy and training are discussed and practiced for students to become capable traditional leaders.

Rock IV - One on One Advanced Climbing

Theses classes are taught on a private basis for climbers who want to further develop their skills.

• Advanced climbing techniques
  
• Long multi-pitch routes
  
• Big wall aid climbing
  
• Self rescue

These techniques are all options for this advanced course. This course is designed for the serious recreational climber who is ready to take their climbing to the next level. From big walls to 5.10 and beyond in both the traditional and sport climbing venues we offer the instruction and guidance to reach your goals.

AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course and Certification Assessment

The American Mountain Guides (AMGA) Single Pitch Instructor Course is the first in the sequence of climbing instructor and guide training programs. This is a great way to transition from a capable recreational climber to a capable and effective climbing instructor. The SPI course is intended for recreational climbers who are already proficient in both top-rope and lead climbing.

Those seeking certification may go on to take a two day field examination following the course or at any time within three years after successfully completing the course. Those who wish to teach climbing in the outdoors tend to have a much higher success rate in obtaining employment as climbing instructors with this training and certification.

A Single Pitch Instructor Exam will be held in Albuquerque Dec. 7-8, and will be taught by John Kear IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Association) certified guide. The cost for the course will be $450 which includes a one year membership to the AMGA . The cost of the AMGA SPI assessment is: $235. In addition Suntoucher will be offering other SPI courses and assessments in 2010 check back for dates.

Pre-Requisites:

1. You are at least 18 years old You have a genuine interest in rock climbing and instructing novices on single pitch crags You have at least 12 months of prior climbing experience You are an active climber with traditional lead climbing experience

2. You are able to comfortably set-up climbs, to belay, to rappel without guidance and can demonstrate familiarity with anchoring principals, natural anchors and artificial anchors (wires, hexes, passive and active cams). These skills may be assessed at the start of your course.

Please contact Suntoucher Mountain Guides at climb@suntoucher.com or (505).400.5590 / (505).400.2529 if you are interested in registering for the course or would like more information about the course, the SPI assessment, or other Suntoucher programs. A deposit of 50% ($225) is needed to reserve a spot in the course and can be paid via check or by credit card with a PayPal money request.

Prices for Suntoucher Classes and Guiding

Instruction: person/day

1:1 $285

2:1 $175per/day

3:1 $150per/day

4:1 $125per/day

Guided Climbs: person/day

1:1 $295

2:1 $188per/day

To make a reservation please email us or call:

505 400-2529 or 505 400-5590

If you have any questions please contact us at climb@suntoucher.com

Labels: climbing, lesson, rock, school