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Cornell University

Wellness Summer: Rock Climbing Anchor Building

Climbers outdoors at Peterskill

Ready to take your climbing beyond the gym and onto real rock? Join us to learn how to build strong, reliable climbing anchors for your outdoor adventures!

In this hands-on course, you’ll dive into anchor-building best practices and work directly with a variety of anchor materials. Learn essential knots, proper gear care, and how to place different types of traditional protection. We’ll also cover route finding, base management, and, most importantly, how to keep yourself safe while working at the edge of a cliff.

Our final weekend trip is your chance to put it all together: head out to a real crag and build your own systems in a variety of situations and areas. This course focuses on dialing in the fundamental skills you’ll need to climb outdoors safely. It’s not heavy on actual climbing, but it will give you the skills and confidence to tackle outdoor routes on your own.

If you’re ready to put your new skills to the test, consider joining COE for our Rock Climbing Day Trip, where you can bring everything full circle: set up your route, send it, and clean it all under the watchful eye of an instructor.

This is your opportunity to build self-sufficiency, gain real-world experience, and take your climbing from the gym to the great outdoors!

Details
Course FeeWellness Recreation or CFC Fitness Center Member: TBD
CU Faculty/Staff/Student:  TBD
Community:  TBD
Fee NotesIncludes all climbing equipment.
PrerequisitesBasic Rock Climbing experience, Top rope belay certification at Lindseth wall is minimum.
Drop Deadline

2 Weeks prior to the start of the program. If you drop the course after the drop deadline, you will not be refunded the course fee unless we are able to fill you spot in the course. 

Please note that the first class is mandatory and you must be on time. We cover a lot of the paperwork, administrative paperwork, outfitting and safety procedures.

EnrollmentTo Enroll, please use the Google Form (insert link)
Notes

Lindseth Climbing Waiver

Classes will meet at Bartels Hall (unless otherwise stated) and transportation will be provide.

If the below dates/times do not work for your schedule. Consider requesting a Private Lesson for you (and your group). Expect to hear back within 48 hours with a quote and details about a possible program. 

Schedule
DayDateTime
Monday TBD5:00pm to 8:00pm
Wednesday TBD5:00pm to 8:00pm
Friday TBD5:00pm to 8:00pm
Sunday TBD7:00am to 8:00pm 

Rock Climbing Equipment List

* These items are provided by COE and are covered in the course fee.
** These items can be rented from the COE Outfitting

Clothing
  • Synthetic base layers for bad weather
  • Cotton t-shirts for nice weather
  • Closed toe shoes.  No sandals
  • Wool or synthetic socks
  • **Waterproof rain jacket with hood, available at COE Outfitting
  • **Waterproof rain pants, available at COE Outfitting
  • Sun hat
  • an Insulating layer: fleece or synthetic fill jacket incase tis windy/chilly 
Personal Items
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses (optional)
  • Personal medicine
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Food or money for travel meals
  • Camera (optional)
  • Water bottles to hold 2 liters of water
Climbing Gear
  • *Helmet
  • *Harness
  • *Climbing shoes
  • Backpack to carry personal and a some of group climbing gear