Outdoor Approach: Intro to Rappelling

This course will be taught on indoor walls and in a controlled environment; therefore, the nuances of climbing on real rock will be discussed, but not practiced. Mesa Rim recommends using this course as a starting point and seeking out professional outdoor guiding services and/or mentorship before climbing alone. This course will not cover the placement and application of traditional climbing gear. 

• Discuss how to select and properly use a personal anchoring system (PAS).  

• Demonstrate competence in single-pitch scenarios including the building and breaking down of sport climbing anchors, cleaning gear, and rappelling (including how to back up and extend the rappel).

• Familiarity with essential knots, bends and hitches.

• Interact with different forms of fixed hardware found on outdoor routes. 

• Perform basic sport climbing skills including:  

  • Safely lowering from the top of a route by rappel

  • Commands required between climber and belayer.

• Lead climbing certified at Mesa Rim (recommended).

• A minimum of six (6) months of climbing experience. 

• Advanced reservations are required.

• All participants must be at least 14 years of age

• Reservations can be made online (recommended)

• This is an advanced course for climbers who have six (6) months of climbing experience.

• Recommended class(es) to take prior:

  • Intro to Lead Climbing

  • Intro to Crack Climbing

• Climbing is a physically demanding activity that carries inherent risks. Please follow instructions carefully, use the provided equipment correctly, and respect the rules and guidelines of the climbing facility. Always consult a medical professional before participating in any physically demanding activity, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

• Harness

• ABD belay device

• Climbing shoes

• Chalk bag

• Participants are advised to wear athletic clothing (breathable and stretchy) and must bring water and or snacks to the session

• Optional gear:

  • Personal tether (e.g. PAS, 48” runner, or Petzl Connect) w/ locker

  • Tube-style belay device (e.g. Black Diamond ATC or Petzl Verso) w/ locker

Mesa Rim Cancellations

If Mesa Rim cancels a program, participants may:

• Reschedule to a future program of equal or lesser value
• Receive a full credit or refund (including any balance from rescheduling to a lower-cost program)

Participant Cancellations

15+ Days Before Program:

• Reschedule, receive full credit, or receive a full refund

7–14 Days Before Program:

• Reschedule, receive full credit, or receive a 50% refund

7 days or less:

• No rescheduling, credit, or refund available

No-shows:

• Participants who fail to arrive at the designated Mesa Rim location within 30 minutes (subject to instructor discretion) of the scheduled start time for the event will be treated per the 7 day cancellation policy.