Appalachian Mountain Club Narragansett Chapter
 Rock Climbing Courses

Rock climbing instruction is offered in a beginner and intermediate course each springl. All course participants must be at least 18-years old or 15-years old if accompanied by a parent/guardian and will be required to sign this Acknowledgement of Risks, Assumption of Risks, and Release Agreement for AMC Volunteer-Led ActivitiesAnyone wishing to participate in the classes must contact the class leaders in advance to register. These classes fill up quickly so it is recommended that you apply as soon as registration becomes available one month before the class date.

2025 Course Schedule

Gym to Crag - Rock Climbing Course Part I - April 5 & 6 (12 & 13 rain date)

This course consists of two progressive classes and is intended for gym climbers who want to make the transition to the outdoors.” Participants will learn technical rock climbing skills with an emphasis on safety. Instruction will include learning how to tie and use various climbing knots, belaying, rappelling, and building anchors for top rope climbing. A benefit of the course is that you meet experienced climbers and have the chance to develop climbing friendships.  Students seeking climbing instruction should be serious about pursuing the sport and going on to the intermediate course. Please bring your  harness, rock shoes, belay device and locking carabiner.  All classes are held outdoors so bring adequate clothing, lunch, snacks, and water. 

Course Cost: AMC member $80, Non-member $120.  Youth/Student $60 member, Student non-member $80.
(For membership information go to the Narragansett Chapter web site new member section. )

Register here or contact leader for more information: Leader: Rich Redding

Gym to Crag - Rock Climbing Course Part II- April 19 (rain date 26) &  April 26 (rain date May 3)

This course consists of two progressive Saturday classes and is intended for intermediate level climbers.  Preference is given to members of the Beginner course.  Climbers starting at this level will be asked to demonstrate some basic climbing and safety techniques before acceptance into the course. The goal of the course is to produce "seconds" who can safely belay and follow an experienced leader on a traditional-style multi-pitch climb. Graduates of the course are invited on the AMC climbing trips scheduled each month where they are matched with experienced climbers. Instruction will include learning how to tie and use various climbing knots, belaying, rappelling, ascending, seconding and learning the basics of placing protection. 

It is required that you have a harness, rock shoes, belay device, three locking carabiners, a nut tool, two 2 ft and 1 4 ft nylon sewn slings, and two prusiks. (See the Recommended Gear below for specifics.) All classes are held outdoors so bring adequate clothing, lunch, snacks, and water.  In the case of extreme weather the classes may be held on Sunday instead of Saturday.

Course Cost: AMC member $80, Non-member $120.  Youth/Student $60 member, Student non-member $80.
(For membership information go to the Narragansett Chapter web site new member section. )

Register here or contact leader for more information: Leader: Rich Redding

Gym to Crag - Sport Climbing Course - May 17 (18 rain date)

This is an approximately four-hour course designed to teach those with experience lead climbing in the gym the mechanics of sport climbing outdoors where you must hang your own draws and clean anchors. It covers safely clipping, cleaning anchors, rope management, belaying, and gear. The course will be taught locally at a nearby crag and will be repeated through the year if there is sufficient interest.  Participants must be competent lead belaying, lead 5.7, and have all personal climbing equipment: harness, shoes, belay device, helmet. The course will be taught on an ad hoc basis and arranged at the convenience of the instructor. Course cost is free. Register by emailing: Brian Phillips

Self-Rescue Course - May 10 (11th rain date)

 For lead climbers and experienced seconds. Held at a crag in CT and taught by an AMGA instructor who literally wrote the book on climbing self-rescue. Class is limited to verified trad leaders who lead on AMC Narragansett trips. The AMC will fund the bulk of course cost but for buy-in the cost to you is: AMC members: $40, non-members $45.  Leader: Frank SokolowSee general trip and gear information.

Top Rope Set-up Course - Ongoing dependent on demand

This is an approximately four-hour course designed to teach those with some experience climbing, how to safely set-up a top rope anchor using natural protection (trees, rocks). The course will be taught on an ad hoc basis and arranged at the convenience of the instructor.

Course Cost: Free.

Contact Leader: Brian Phillips

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