Basic Self Rescue for Climbers

Please read the Climb Nova Scotia COVID-19 protocols at the end of the course description and sign the online waiver before registering. Our goal is to keep participants safe and all those attending the course will be required to follow these guidelines.

PreRequisites: Climbers must have completed a CNS Intro 101 course or possess competent equivalent knowledge.  Additionally, it is recommended that participants have a competent understanding of lead belaying, top-belaying using an auto-blocking device, and have a minimum of 12 days of outdoor climbing experience.

What if my leader takes a bad fall and is seriously injured?

What if I drop my rappel device and I need to rappel?

What if our rope is damaged and we need to rappel?

The world of Rock Climbing is an adventurous one, and as such, is often filled with the unexpected.  Part of being a competent and well-rounded climber involves not only the skills to climb safely, but also the skills necessary to manage unforeseen circumstances.

Our Basic Self Rescue course is designed to be an introduction to the world of Self Rescue primarily focusing on the single pitch environment, while introducing fundamentals that are applicable to all climbing endeavors.  Participants will find themselves taking a deeper look at hazard/risk assessment, developing essential self-rescue skills, and applying them under experienced supervision.

Course skills/concepts covered include but are not limited to:

• Rappelling with a damaged section of rope.
• Escaping a belay, ground and top belay.
• Taking over a belay.
• Escaping a belay system.
• Ascending/Descending a single or double rope.
• Improvised belay/rappel devices.
• Lowering a climber from the top.
• 3:1 Assist system, for top belay.

Climbing Gear Required:

Harness

Helmet

Shoes

Belay/Rappel Device

Cordelette (20ft 8mm Cord)

2 “Prusik” Loops (2, 3ft lengths 6-7mm cord)

4 locking carabiners (1 large HMS carabiner)

Recommended:

Any common climbing gear typically used on your outings.  Including quickdraws, traditional protection, slings/runners, cord, climbing rope etc. Additionally any weather/environment specific gear needed for a two-day course in the outdoors.

Disclaimer: Remember, climbing is dangerous and you could die or be seriously hurt. Taking this course only means that you will be more aware of the risks, not immune to them. All participants will have to sign a waiver.Please click the link. https://app.waiverforever.com/pending/v9pfISiwmF1458763759

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR PARTICIPANTS

• Prior to your course instruction, you will be required to complete a screen 24hr to the course date.
• Participants are required to bring and use their own PPE’s ( Masks or face coverings, hand sanitizer, and Gloves may be worn but are optional) if physical distancing is difficult during instructional settings.
• All participants will be required to sign a declaration of health and possible exposure to COVID-19. We will limit participation to those who attest to being well, to not having been exposed to anyone who is sick, and to not having traveled outside Nova Scotia within 14 days prior to the course;.
• Course participants should be dropped off at the trail head or arrive in their own vehicle
• Participants should not share food or drinks
• Participants must not engage in physical contact unless they are residents of the same household or bubble.
• Before each course CNS will ensure all CNS owned equipment to be used during the course (ropes, harnesses, slings, draws, carabiners, cams, ATC's etc.) has either been isolated for a minimum of three days or washed in warm, soapy water.

Instructor: Brendan Konowal

Brendan was first introduced to the sport of climbing at an early age and has been both a student and teacher of climbing for nearly 20 years. He caught the serious “climbing bug” around 2000’ with his first foray into traditional lead climbing in the hills of West Virginia’s Seneca Rocks, an experience he can recount to this day. Brendan believes that to be the best climber you can be, you must be well acquainted with all forms of climbing. Over the years he has taught in many climbing venues from indoor rock gyms to multi-pitch summits.  His professional teaching/guiding experience is focused around top-rope, sport, and multi-pitch traditional climbing up to grade III-IV. Brendan holds a B.S. degree in Parks and Resource Management, has held certifications from a variety of organizations including the AMGA, SOLO, and the American Red Cross, and has spent many years reinforcing his skills with real life experience.