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

This is going to be a very exciting and action-packed evening!  Please try to be well rested and hydrated if possible.  I drink an extra liter of water the day before so I am well hydrated during intense Mazama activities.  That way I'm not drinking a lot of water just before I put my harness on.  (but pee breaks are fine if you need one)

Traditionally on climbs we usually have climber organized snack/treat  breaks. Let's all bring a sharable snacks that you might bring on a climb.  It is usually less of a meal and more like a handful of something you can nibble while doing skills.   (this is optional and there is no pressure to bring something if you don't feel like doing it)

The MMC will provide plates.  

Possible ideas:

Cookies, fresh fruit, dried fruit, chips, granola bars, nuts, cheese, or anything else you like and want to share or test as a hike/climb treat.  We will demonstrate the "waterfall" technique to pour treats onto your hand from a bag, without reaching into the container.

We will do a real potluck later when we are camping (more on that later)

Primary skills:

Belaying, Rappelling, Climbing, Tying into a rope, Commands used in climbing, Fixed line travel, prusiking up a rope.

Gear notes:

I listed a hat and jacket 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)  

Please bring a hair-tie if your hair is longer than shoulder length. (getting it caught in your belay device is not fun)

It is a best practice to wear a helmet whenever rock climbing.  No exceptions.

Footwear:  You don't need rock shoes for this.  I plan to wear sneakers.  You do need closed-toe shoes.  Not sandals/no flipflops.  You can bring boots if you want to try climbing in them.

Bring a water bottle for yourself since it can be hot in 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 the material in FotH and watched the videos:

  • In the Mazamas Basic Climbing Student Manual (located in Base Camp under “Student Resources”) you need to review “Module 5: Introduction to Rock Climbing,” that starts on p. 21. It would also be useful to review the synopsis of this in “Hands-On Skills Assessment,” p. 51-52.
  • Also, in Base Camp review the unit “Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing”, “Belaying”, and “Rappelling"

 

I 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.

Out of respect for everyone's safety we will be wearing masks at the MMC unless eating.

Please let Lisa and Duncan know if you have any questions about this activity.

Other Information
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
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