TCS Multi-Pitch Climbing Essentials

Multi-Pitch Essentials
Welcome to the Multi-Pitch Essentials class, an introduction to the fundamentals of multi-pitch climbing. Climbing two or more pitches off the ground means more excitement, more climbing possibilities and access to unique and amazing places. It also means more commitment, more complicated rope systems, often difficult communication, and possibly  more difficult retreats. Multi-pitch climbing thus requires an even greater focus on safety.

What you need to know/have for the class - Please be proficient with these skills and have this gear before our class:

• Top rope and lead belay skills

• Set up a top rope anchor

• Basic rappel skills with use of auto block 

• Leading single pitch sport climbs outside up to 5.6 grade

• Knots: 

• Figure 8 retrace

• Clove hitch

• Munter hitch

• Figure 8 on a bight and overhand on a bight

• Autoblock

• Flat overhand

• Stopper/barrel

On our outdoor climbing day you will be swapping leads with your partner under the watchful eye of the instructors.

We will work on these key skills in the class:

• Planning
• Efficiency/speed/teamwork
• Safety and awareness 
• Communication 
• Rope management
• Belaying from above off the anchor
• Getting down – descending
• Etiquette and courtesy

**Regarding Prereqs for this course. If you feel you have the necessary skills for this course but have not taken Intermediate climbing/ Basic Anchors through the CMC please contact the leader to be added to the course. 

• About your instructors:
  

  Carol Kotchek: Technical rock climbing has been a large part of my life. I have participated in area development , did a short stint of guiding, and worked for the American Alpine Club organizing climbing events. The longest sport route I have climbed is 24 pitches in Mexico. I very much look forward to sharing my knowledge with you as you begin your journey into the realm of multi pitch climbing.
  
  Graham Ottley: I started my climbing career in the Southeast, learning traditional climbing in North Carolina. After college I was eager to take those early lessons to California after being enamored by Yosemite Valley and Joshua Tree in gear catalogs. After spending 15 years living and climbing in the Sierra, I've loved continuing exploring in the Rockies. One of the last big routes I did in Yosemite was El Cap’s North America Wall.