Introduction to Outdoor Climbing

Lesson 1 introduces outdoor rock climbing, highlighting its benefits and focusing on top rope as the safest beginner discipline. It covers climbing ethics and Leave No Trace principles, with a reflective exercise to build excitement.

The right gear is your foundation for safe and enjoyable climbing. In this lesson, you’ll learn about the essentials — harness, helmet, shoes, rope, and belay device — along with tips for what to buy first, and how to choose equipment that fits your needs.

The figure-eight follow-through is one of the most important knots in climbing — your direct connection to the rope. This lesson walks you through tying it step by step, checking it for safety, and practicing until it becomes second nature. Along with some basic rope care practices.

Belaying is about trust and responsibility. This lesson introduces the GriGri, one of the most common assisted-braking belay devices. You’ll learn how it works, how to safely manage the rope, and the proper technique for keeping your partner secure from start to finish.

Good communication and careful checks are essential before every climb. In this lesson, you’ll practice standard partner checks, learn the most common climbing commands, and develop habits that help prevent accidents and build trust with your partner.

Climbing well is about more than pulling hard — it’s about using your whole body efficiently. This lesson introduces the fundamentals of movement: balance, footwork, body positioning, and breathing. Mastering these basics will make every climb feel smoother and more controlled.