Intro to Outdoor Climbing 101

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.

The Intro To Outdoor Climbing course is designed for those who are new to the sport of rock climbing, or for those indoor climbers who wish to gain the skills/concepts necessary to transition into the outdoors.  In this course, we will build a solid foundation of safe climbing practices as well as discuss some of the finer nuances associated with the sport such as etiquette, access, and ethics.  Participants will be exposed to a wide range of skill development from belaying and rappelling, to anchor assessment and hazard evaluation. The course involves 2 outdoor days at a local crag.

Experience: no experience is required.

Age: 16+ If you are under 19 you must have the waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

Number of participants: To ensure a safe and informative experience for everyone, the course is capped at 6 participants

What do you need:

Personal PPE (Masks or face coverings and hand sanitizer. Gloves may be worn but are optional) for use if physical distancing is difficult during instructional settings;

Climbing harness and belay device plus any other climbing gear that you’d like to bring along

Weather-appropriate clothing

Helmet

Climbing shoes

Personal anchor device

Water and Lunch

Sunscreen

Headlamp

Small first aid kit

Bug repellent

CNS can provide personal safety equipment if necessary  such as harnesses, helmets and belay devices. Please bring your  own gear if you have it.

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.