During the practice session at the MMC you will have the opportunity to get familiar with basic rock gear and basic rock skills. You'll practice getting into your harness, how to setup your harness, how to tie into the climbing rope, in addition to belaying, rappelling, and ascending a fixed line. This will be done within your BCEP team on the MMC instructional rock walls.

Activity Notes

Correction This activity starts at 5 PM (assistants there earlier if possible).  If you can't be there at 5 PM, come when you can.

This is going to be (another) very exciting and action-packed evening!  This MMC Skills session will be rock focused.  Please try to be well rested and hydrated if possible.  

Primary skills:  Belaying, Rappelling (single strand and double strand), Rock Climbing, proving a belay from below, belay off the harness, Movement on rock, Tying into a rope, and  Commands used in climbing

potential Bonus material : tying a Muenter and using it to rappel, how to tie a bowline, and possibly, belaying from above using PBOS (not for students to use on rock climbs.  Only for low angle rock scrambles or on low angle snow)

Gear notes:

  • Please bring your pack with some weight in it.  We will be rappelling with a pack on to see how that changes our center of gravity.
  • Hat and jacket are listed on the gear list because the MMC can be cold sometimes.  Use your own judgement about what to wear.  Dress in layers, with clothing that allows for full movement and that you don't mind getting a little dirty. (we will be climbing the rock walls)  
  • Bring your prussiks.  Practice double fisherman knot tying!  
  • Please bring a hair-tie if your hair is longer than shoulder length (getting hair caught in your belay device is not fun)
  • It is smart to wear a helmet whenever rock climbing.  No exceptions.

Footwear:  Please wear sneakers, boots or approach shoes.  Is OK to bring both if you want to try each.

  • You must have closed-toe shoes. Not sandals/no flipflops.  

Bring a water bottle for yourself since it can be hot in the MMC.  No chalk is allowed at the MMC

This is one of our more intense and fun activities!  You will get the most out of it if you have pre-read:

Rock Skills at the MMC material in BaseCamp AND watched the videos:

  • Rope Care and Knots
  • Belaying
  • Rappelling
  • Alpine Rock Skills

If you have a copy of FoTH (do those readings).<br> It would also be useful to review Graduation requirements: Pass Final Assessments

We know some people may feel apprehensive about their first-time trying rock climbing and we know that.  It's OK to be nervous.  Our focus is your safety and making it a good learning experience.  Please ask questions.

And remember, we are all responsible for our own safety.  Please let Lisa or Duncan know immediately if you see something that seems like a potentially unsafe situation, or if you have any concerns

Other Information
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
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