Frequently Asked Questions
Climbing Anchors Courses
Some questions come up often, and we’ve taken a crack below at the ones we hear most. Keep ‘em coming, there’s no stupid question. And we love questions we have never heard before!
What is the difference between Anchors I, Anchors II, and Anchors III? Do I need to take all three?
Our anchors curriculum is meant to be modular, meaning each course teaches a specific set of skill and theory that empowers you to accomplish useful end goals.
We divide our anchors curriculum into three days to make each body of curriculum manageable and learnable. Instead of shooting you with a firehose of knowledge, we introduce concepts one at a time, ask you to practice them, and provide feedback so you actually learn it. Then we build on that knowledge in the next course.
Anchors I teaches fundamental anchor theory, knots, and strategies for building anchors using natural protection (primarily trees and boulders). At the end of Anchors I, students might feel comfortable building top rope anchors using natural protection and climbing on it.
Anchors II builds on foundational Anchors I concepts, introducing and incorporating artificial anchor points (often referred to as “trad” or traditional gear), and teaches new ways to connect anchor points. After Anchors II, student might feel comfortable building anchors using a combination of artificial and natural protection, or even all artificial protection, in straightforward scenarios.
Anchors III builds and reinforces curriculum from A1 and A2, introducing more complicated and challenging anchors scenarios. New skills include advanced knots, guide book interpretation, rappelling, and accessing and protecting 4th and 5th class terrain.
We recommend completing at least Anchors I and II prior to leading your own top-rope climbing outing. If you're not sure which course to start with, feel free to reach out to discuss.
What is the difference between a Private Anchors course and an Open Anchors course?
Both versions of our Anchors course series are taught by our fantastic lead instructors, following the same general curriculum. Open Anchors courses offer that great instruction at a lower price, but these courses require a minimum of three student to run, and custom tailoring to your specific interests will be limited. Open courses are a great option for solo climbers or groups of two, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn with and get to know like-minded climbers.
Private Anchors courses are priced based on group size and customized to your group's interests and learning pace. Since private courses allow your guide to target instruction specifically to your party, these are often the best option for larger groups, folks with specific learning needs, and/or those who have specific goals in mind outside of our general Anchors curriculum.
Do I have to take Anchors I, II, and III back to back?
No, feel free to move at your own pace. Some students complete all three courses in a single long weekend, while others prefer to spend weeks or months practicing the material from each course before moving on.
What should I bring?
Bring any climbing gear you own (helmet, harness, shoes, and any anchor building materials you'd like to practice with) and we’ll work out specifics at the trailhead the morning of your course. There’s no need to purchase equipment before your class; we can supply any equipment you don't own. Aside from technical climbing gear, bring plenty of water, lunch/snacks, layers as appropriate for the weather, rain gear, sunscreen, bug spray, hand sanitizer, and a mask.
Do I have to have my own gear?
No, it's not necessary to have your own gear for Anchors courses. We are able to provide any equipment you don't have. Your Anchors instructor might also have great insight for you on what gear to purchase as you build your own kit.
If you'd like to have your own gear for the course, we offer a limited selection of climbing equipment from Black Diamond and Sterling at 15% off MSRP in our Client Climbing Shop. If you choose to purchase gear in advance, we will have your equipment ready for you on the day of your course.
Will we climb?
You decide! If you’d like to climb using one of the anchors you build, you’ll have the opportunity. Some folks get really excited about climbing on their own anchor, while others prefer to spend their time focusing on anchor building (there’s a lot to learn and know). Your instructor will facilitate to meet your goals.