Gym to Rock

Do you climb regularly in your local gym but have yet to venture outdoors? Do you know a lot more about foot placement or conditioning than about knots or anchors? We can help you make the transition from gym to rock. As new gyms are being built across the globe, indoor climbing is an increasingly popular component to many people’s fitness routines. Here at CMRCA, we love artificial walls (we have one of our own!) because they allow you to design a workout, focus on technique, and (maybe most importantly) they make climbing convenient and accessible.

However, climbing outdoors presents new challenges, opportunities, and skills – things that are totally unrelated to sending hard routes in your local gym. Climbing safely outdoors requires an intimate understanding of the entire belay system, a strong background in knots, and an awareness of a few extra hazards, in addition to new techniques, such as finding holds, scouting a route, and figuring out where to rest.

We want to make sure that you have the most productive, interesting, and fun course possible as you make your transition to being an outdoor climber. Just because you’ve never been outdoors does not mean that you must take the Introduction to Rock Climbing course, and just because you lead climb indoors does not necessarily mean you’re ready to do technical leading outdoors. Please briefly consider some of the questions below and contact our staff so that we can help place you in the course that is right for you!

Can you tie yourself in using a Figure-8? Can you belay using an ATC or similar device? Do you feel comfortable climbing indoors with only someone less experienced than you? How much do you know about climbing technique (drop-knee, counter pressure, footwork)? Do you know how to thread an anchor? Do you understand redundancy and how it is achieved in climbing systems? Have you ever rappelled/abseiled? Have you done any sport lead climbing? Should the bent- or straight-gate side of a quickdraw be clipped into the bolt? Do you know what Fall Factor is? Can you toe-hook, gaston, and mantle?

Regardless of your ability, our instructors will be flexible and receptive to your goals and abilities. No matter which course you choose, we will make sure that you learn a lot, try some new things, and have something to tell all of your gym buddies about!

Duration of Courses

All courses are run on a daily basis. Itineraries are not set in stone and can be adjusted according to a clients needs. A sample itinerary is as follows:
08.00 - 08.15: Arrive CMRCA and receive equipment
08.30 - 010.30: Transport to activity site
10.45 - 12.30: Morning Climbing Session
12.30 - 13.30: Lunch
13.30 - 16.00: Afternoon Rappelling Session
16.00 - 18.00: Return to CMRCA

Climb ON!