Cape Enrage Rapelling and Rock Climbing Course

Learning the Ropes:
An Introduction to Safe Rappelling and Climbing

DURATION: Twelve (12) hours             

PREREQUISITES: None (no previous experience needed)

Goal: This certificate-bearing course will provide basic rope skills to individuals interested in sport rappelling and climbing, either on rock or ice.

Course Objective: Through the knowledge acquired during the course, students will be able to confidently demonstrate equipment and anchor selection, perform basic rigging and, during a field exercise, rappel and belay a rappeller and/or climber. This entry-level course will guide the student through the selection and use of ropes, harnesses and related equipment as they apply to sport rappelling and climbing.   Students with rappelling and/or climbing experience will be able to use this course as a refresher.

Units and Content: Students will review the required safety equipment, as well as optional items, and will be given an opportunity to practice their effective use.   The development of contingency plans and additional specialized training will be discussed. Topics covered will include: Equipment and Their Uses; Anchoring and Belaying; Rappel Techniques; Hazard Identification; and Self-Rescue.

Learning Activities: This course is conducted in a classroom with lectures, class discussions and presentations, but knowledge can only be tested in the field. Therefore, in addition to classroom attendance and suggested reading, students will be required to participate in an end-of-course field exercise. This exercise will include setting up a rappel with a separate belay rope and a top-rope climbing route.

Resources and Recommended Reading:

• "Cape Enrage Adventures in Rappelling", (Cape Enrage)
• “Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills ”, Steven Cox (Mountaineers Books)
• “On Rope ”, Allen Padgett and Bruce Smith (National Speleological Society)

Evaluation Criteria: Students must demonstrate proficiency in tying knots, assembling basic rigging components, belaying competency, and must perform a safe and controlled rappel. Students will receive a final evaluation of “successful completion” or “unsuccessful completion” based on these demonstrations of practical skills.

Course Location and Dates: Training will normally take place at Cape Enrage or Moncton, NB, and will be scheduled on dates that best suit the students’ needs.

Class Size: Eight to twelve (8-12) students.

Course Cost: includes course manual

Forms and waiver