Rock Climbing Anchors Courses
Learn to Build Traditional Climbing Anchors so You Can Climb Independently, Anywhere on EarthThe ability to build safe, dependable anchors separates climbing leaders from other climbers. Once you understand how to build a strong, secure anchor, you will be able to lead your own top-rope climbing outings at Devil's Lake and elsewhere. For those wishing to become traditional lead climbers, anchoring skills are a core competency you will build on as you work toward leading your own trad routes.
Curriculum Overview
training sequence
"How much training do I need?" is a common question. Your training needs depend on your previous experience, aptitude, pre-course study and a zillion other things. For most beginners, we recommend a three-course sequence to establish a strong foundation in anchor skills. It's not required to take all three courses; it's our recommendation, based on years of experience.
Course Schedule
Each course meets for approximately 7 hours (7:30 AM - 2:30 PM April - September; 8AM - 3PM October - November). We meet at a designated trailhead, do introductions and equipment distribution, and then hike to the crag. After a 15-20 minute hike, we set up our basecamp and spend the rest of the day learning and practicing. At the end of the day, we wrap up and return to the parking lot as a group, aiming to return by the course end time.
will we get to climb?
We structure anchors courses to give students have lots of hands-on time and repetitions building anchors. As such, we tend not to prioritize actual climbing. Our thinking is, “Let’s make sure you understand the principles, then you’ll be able to climb your heart out independently, forever.”
However, many students really want to climb that day. If climbing on the anchors you build is important to you, we'll make time for it. Regardless, total course time will be the same.
Anchors I
Intro to Materials, Knots, Rigging and Anchoring Systems
This course is the first in a three-course progression that helps you develop fundamental anchor skills from the ground up.
We start by getting familiar with knots and core equipment, explore anchor theory and elementary physics concepts, and build simple anchor systems using natural protection (trees, boulders). The experiential course format involves lots of hands-on practice with gear and concepts, making sure you can apply concepts and have lots of opportunities for practice. Expect to build at least 3-4 complete anchors.
While most students will feel comfortable building simple, natural anchors at the completion of this course, we recommend taking at least Anchors II before leading independent climbing days.
Anchors II
Placing Protection & Rigging Compound Anchors
This course is the second in a three-course series. Anchors I, or comparable prior experience, is a prerequisite.
We start by getting acquainted with climbing hardware, things like nuts, hexes, tricams and spring-loaded camming devices (SLCDs). Students learn how to place this protection as the manufacturer recommends, how to find good placement opportunities in the available rock, and how to tell if a placement is less than ideal. Pieces always get stuck, so we learn how to get them back out too! After practice with placements, we build upon simpler anchor concepts from Anchors I to construct complex, compound anchors using an infinite number of anchor points.
While some students may feel comfortable striking out on their own after this course, we recommend gaining one more day of experience/curriculum in Anchors III.
Anchors III
Preparing to Lead Self Guided Climbing Trips
This course is the third in a three-course series. Anchors II, or comparable prior experience, is a prerequisite.
Anchors I & Anchors II provide a solid basis in anchoring concepts, but Anchors III prepares you to independently apply these skills in the wild, where every situation is unique. Anchors III expands your anchoring toolkit, hones your critical-thinking, and improves your efficiency so you can take your skills into unknown terrain and get more climbing done! The curriculum is less "formal" and more in-the-moment problem solving and instructor feedback on your evolving skill set. In addition to setting multiple anchors and receiving instructor and peer feedback, students will learn to:
Prepare and pack for the day's objective
Utilize various resources (guidebook, maps, landmarks etc) to navigate to their chosen crag and climbs
Improve efficiency and reduce risks when building anchors in complex terrain
Think critically about anchoring choices, make adjustments, and expand anchoring toolkit with new techniques
Prepare efficient transitions to maximize climbing time
Rappel using an extension and backup as a common transition method
At the end of Anchors III, most students feel well-prepared to plan and execute self-guided top-rope climbing days.
"Best part was the hands-on experience and working with the environment. You really chose a good place to learn and practice in real settings, and used hands-on practice nicely to build our own confidence in the anchor techniques."
Booking Options
There are two booking options for anchors courses: private or open-enrollment.
Private Courses
In a private course, you or your group will have an instructor to yourselves, and the curriculum will be customized to your current skillset, goals, and learning pace.
You can schedule a private anchors course any day during the season. Prices are dependent on group size (see below). To schedule, click “enroll now” to submit a date request. Then, we will email you to complete the booking.
Private Course
(7 Hours)
- GROUP SIZE | PRICE
- Solo | $475/person
- 2 pp | $250/person
- 3 pp | $205/person
- 4 pp | $175/person
- 5 pp | $165/person
- 6 pp | $155/person
open-enrollment courses
In an open-enrollment course, we offer our established curriculum in a group setting, providing opportunities for social connection and group feedback at a lower cost than our private courses. Our instructors are adept at reading where students are in their journey, and offering additional practice or challenge as appropriate.
You can view open-enrollment course dates by clicking the drop down menu(s) below. We arrange our open enrollment courses so you can team up Anchors I and Anchors II in one weekend, then follow up with Anchors III. To checkout, select your date from the drop down menu and click “enroll” to add the date to your cart. Once you’ve added all the dates you’d like, click the Shopping Cart icon at the bottom right of the screen to complete payment. We’ll follow up by email with booking materials (logistics, instructor contact info, important forms, etc).
