Self Rescue Course
Self Rescue Skills for the Recreational Climber
Technical Self Rescue for Climbers
Self rescue is an essential skill for every recreational climber to learn before they hit the crag. Our self-rescue course is designed to teach you how to deal with the unexpected during a climb. We will explore potential scenarios that require efficient, confident action to assist a distressed or injured climber, react to environmental/weather issues and practice efficient systems and skills to manage risk. Our certified guides will cover preventative considerations for risk management and developing sound judgment for single pitch and multi-pitch climbing. This course is meant to provide you with the baseline rescue skills and techniques that every climber should master before they enter into committing climbing terrain.
Skills and Technical Topics Will Include:
- Tools and techniques: essential gear, knots, and hitches
- Belay transfers/belay escapes
- Assisting fallen leader or second (counter-balance ascending/descending techniques).
- Rope drag issues: prevention and correction techniques
- Explore the GriGri and break assist type belay device as a multi-use rescue tool.
- How to asses common rappel issues: stuck ropes, ascending techniques
- Lowering/descent options and techniques for efficient retreat
Our Clinicians
Our self-rescue clinic presenters have 50+ combined years of professional guiding experience at Smith Rock. They are psyched to share their knowledge and experience with you so you can learn & practice the essential self-rescue skills needed for every climber!
Jim Ablao
- AMGA Certified Rock Guide
- AMGA Certified Rock Instructor
- AMGA SPI Provider
- AMGA SPI Certification Provider Trainer
Gabe Coler
- IFMGA American Mountain Guide
- AMGA SPI Program Instructor
2023 Course Dates
May 20th, June 7th, July 14th, September 29th
Courses are $180 per person, a minimum of two people required to run a course
If the listed course ‘dates don’t work with your schedule, all courses can be arranged as a Private Guided Day Trip – customized to your needs, on the day you choose.
