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Rock II
Anchors and Belay systems

We have developed Rock II specifically to meet the needs of climbers with indoor gym experience, and those who have introductory outdoor climbing experience. Two intensive days are spent learning and applying anchor-building techniques, advanced rope management skills, climbing technique, rappelling and belay systems, rescue fundamentals and route finding. This course will get you established as a solid outdoor climber for areas such as Skaha or the Smoke Bluffs.

Dates Cost Prerequisites Location
Guides Itinerary Equipment Logistics
Related programs Registration

Dates
April *3, 5-6, 2008
April *24, 26-27, 2008
May *8, 10-11, 2008
May *28, May 31 - June 1, 2008
June *26, June 28-29, 2008
July *9, 12-13, 2008
July *31, August 2-3, 2008
August *28, 30-31, 2008
September *18, 20-21, 2008

All dates marked with an asterisk (*) are evening seminars held in Vancouver. If you cannot attend these sessions, please notify our office in order to make alternate arrangements to cover the required pre-trip material, including logistics.
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Cost
$235. + gst
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Includes Instruction, course materials and all technical climbing equipment.
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Prerequisites
Previous experience belaying & climbing.
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Location
The Rock II course has one evening session held in advance of the field portion. This evening session is held at 47 West Broadway in Vancouver, BC. The field sessions are conducted in Squamish, BC. Squamish is located approx. 1 hour by highway north of Vancouver. Participants will be responsible for getting to and from both the evening session and Squamish.
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Guides and Instructors
All the Instructors on our Rock Climbing programs are Certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and are among the top Climbing instructors and guides in British Columbia. We ensure that you are being taught and guided by the best! For more details on the specific Instructors/Guides for your program, contact our office.
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Objectives
Rock II is designed to help climbers develop a strong foundation of skills required for outdoor top-rope rock climbing in areas such as the Smoke Bluffs in Squamish and Skaha Bluffs in Penticton. The two-day format allows climbers to both learn the essential skills for safe climbing, as well as have ample time to practice and perfect these new skills. Skills covered will include:
  • Comprehensive review and practice of safety systems for a complete top-rope climbing system.
  • Anchor construction skills for top-rope climbing systems
  • Belaying techniques for various climbing situations: top-down belays, belays for lead climbers, multi-pitch belay considerations, and use of different devices/methods
  • Rappelling methods
  • Introduction to Rock Rescue fundamentals
  • Rock climbing technique development specific to outdoor climbing: slab/friction climbing, crack climbing, etc
  • Route finding and guidebook interpretation
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Equipment list for Rock 2 course

The following personal equipment is required:
  • Footwear - lightweight hiking shoes for approaches to the climbing sites. Please avoid using sandals.
  • Day-pack (big enough to hold all your gear plus climbing ropes and equipment)
  • Outer layer rain jacket - Gore-Tex style
  • Comfortable clothing for climbing outdoors in a variety of weather conditions (no jeans)
  • Sunglasses
  • Fleece jacket/sweater
  • Sunscreen
  • Personal 1st aid (blister kit, medications, etc.)
  • Misc. personal items (camera, journal, etc.)
  • Drink bottles - minimum 1 litre

  • Technical equipment (supplied by CWMS if required):
  • Climbing harness - seat harness only
  • Helmet
  • Rock climbing shoes
  • 3 locking carabiners
  • 1 belay device
  • 1 descender
  • All other technical equipment supplied by CWMS:
  • Ropes, anchor material, climbing rack, hardware, etc.


  • Please go over this list before the course to ensure that you are properly prepared. Contact our office if you have any questions, and we can suggest places for you to purchase or rent if needed. Keep in mind that you will be spending all of your time outdoors and that the weather can vary from one extreme to the other. The course will be conducted regardless of weather conditions, so prepare for anything!

    Please also bring a lunch and drinks, as you will not be able to return to your vehicle or local restaurant for lunch.

    Here are a few stores in the lower mainland region that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment. If you need to purchase or rent equipment, please contact the store well in advance of the course to ensure that what you require is available!

    Altus Mountain Gear
    137 West Broadway, Vancouver 604-876-5255 (rentals available)
    Climb On Equipment
    Squamish 604-892-2243
    Coast Mountain Sports
    2201 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver 604-731-6181
    Park Royal store - West Vancouver 604 926-6126
    Mountain Equipment Co-op www.mec.ca
    130 West Broadway, Vancouver 604-872-7858 (rentals available)
    1341 Main St, N. Vancouver 604-990-4417 (rentals available) Valhalla Pure
    Station Square, Squamish 604-892-9092 (rentals available)
    3 Vets
    2200 Yukon Street, Vancouver 604-872-5475
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    Logistics and transportation
    The Rock II course is separated into 2 individual field days, plus one evening session in advance of the field days.

    The evening session is held at 47 West Broadway in Vancouver on the date marked with an asterisk (*). Each field day is held in Squamish, BC. Participants are required to arrange their own transportation to and from the evening session and to and from Squamish for the field sessions. Start times for the field sessions are at 8 am in Squamish, with each day wrapping up between 4 and 5 pm. Contact our office for specific meeting locations in Squamish.
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    Related Programs
    Rock III - Learn to Lead
    Multi-pitch lead climbing
    Rock Rescue
    Guided Rock ascents

    Please contact the Canada West Mountain School office by phone or email directly for more details.
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    Canada West Mountain School
    47 West Broadway
    Vancouver, BC
    V5Y 1P1

    Information/registration please call: 604-878-7007
    Toll free in North America: 1-888-892-2266

    E-mail CWMS

    This page last updated on January 14, 2008 9:44 PM