AR Skill Builder: Gym to Crag (Fall 2026)

Activity Notes

Hosted by the Advanced Rock Program—Ready to take your climbing skills beyond the gym? This two-part skill-builder is designed for climbers who are comfortable top rope climbing indoors and want to learn the fundamental skills needed to climb safely at the crag.

Prerequisites: Participants must have completed Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) or possess a current belay certification/card from a local climbing gym before enrolling.

Part 1: Evening Classroom Session (MMC)

During this classroom-based session, we'll cover the concepts, equipment, systems, and decision-making skills necessary for transitioning from indoor climbing to outdoor sport climbing. Topics will include sport anchor systems, route selection, crag etiquette, and procedures for cleaning sport routes.

Part 2: Outdoor Field Day (Ozone)

The field day will provide hands-on practice in a real climbing environment. Participants will apply the skills discussed in the classroom and receive coaching on outdoor climbing systems and techniques.

Skills and Topics Covered:

• Top rope belaying, including essential knots
• Demonstrating and discussing sport climbing anchors
• Cleaning single-pitch sport routes
• Converting a top-rope setup to a lower
• Converting a top-rope setup to a rappel
• Crag etiquette and outdoor climbing best practices
• Choosing routes

Scheduling Note: The field day is currently scheduled for Sunday. However, we will be monitoring weather conditions and may move the field day to Saturday if conditions are more favorable. Please keep both Saturday and Sunday available on your calendar until a final decision is made.

Whether you're preparing for your first outdoor climbing experience or looking to build confidence with common sport climbing systems, this course will provide a solid foundation for climbing outside safely and responsibly.