Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing in Boulder
A digital version of the Intro to Outdoor Climbing clinic
When you’re ready, join the in person FREE clinic and come climb with us →.
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Lesson 1: Welcome to Outdoor Rock 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.
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.
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Lesson 2: Essential Climbing Gear
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 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.
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Lesson 3: Tying the Figure-8-Follow-Through Knot
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.
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.
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Lesson 4: Belaying & Anchor Awareness
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.
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.
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Lesson 5: Partner Checks & Communication
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.
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.
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Lesson 6: Outdoor Movement & Technique
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.
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.
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