Son of Rock 2019

Introduction

Son of Rock is a rock climbing instructional school held annually in Spring. There are usually different stations set up in the vicinity of the Smoke Bluffs, Murrin Park, Area 44 and Check Recreation Site in Squamish, with 1-2 instructors at each station leading a skill. All ability levels are welcome and no climbing experience is necessary. The types of stations are determined by who is willing to instruct. For a detailed curriculum of each level, please refer to the Google sheet [1]. Lunch is brought by each member to the crag and is had within your rock group. Dinner is held at various restaurant locations around Squamish (Howe Sound Brewpub being a favorite) or at the Mamquam River Camground (people must bring their own dinners if they choose this) to eat, drink and be merry. Everyone meets back up at the Mamquam River Campground after dinner, sets up their tents and stays the night.

Make sure that you have all the gear you will need for the day and camping afterwords. If you have any questions, ask them at the pre-trip meeting.

Sunday is a do what you want day, where you can put your newly acquired rock climbing skills to the test. Some VOCers will also choose to help out with volunteer activites such as trailwork with the Squamish Access Society (SAS) or helping out at the campground. It may be wise to gather a club rope before the trip and the instructors may also have some club ropes that they can lend out for Sunday.... remember, these are for top-roping only.

Rock 1: Intro to Rock Climbing

For people with little or no climbing experience, and who want to learn how to get off the ground safely. Topics covered include tying in, buddy checks, belaying, knots for climbing, and rappelling (optional).

Gear you need

1. Harness (can rent that from the club room). Make sure it fits you (ask the quartermaster for help fitting it).
2. Helmet (also available at club room. Bicycle helmet works too but this is not ideal. It's not so much about hitting you head, it's more about stuff being dropped onto your head, such as stones or gear). Yes, you HAVE to have this - we won't let you climb without it.
3. Climbing shoes. They should fit snugly but not so tight that they 'really' hurt. Available at the club room.
4. A locking carabiner and a belay device. The VOC does not rent those out due to liability concerns. You can get them at MEC. These can be shared in teams of two as only one will be climbing and one will be belaying. Most people get this here belay device. It's relatively cheap but still works perfectly. For carabiners, get one with a screw lock and one that isn't too small (D- and Pear shape are best for belaying).

Optional*** If you want to learn how to rappel: a prussik cord is available from the club or MEC, and we will show you how to tie it, etc.

Rock 2: Intro to Anchor-Building and Rappelling

For people with Rock 1 experience (or equivalent) who want to learn how to build anchors and set up top ropes. Also covers basic rescue systems such as rope ascending and mechanical advantage systems. Please bring all the climbing equipment that you own. We will be covering many different types of anchor setup. Please indicate if you would like to spend some time climbing or focus more on setting up different anchors with different equipment.

Gear you need

1. Everything from Rock 1 (harness, helmet (MANDATORY!), climbing shoes, locking carabiner & belay device)
2. Something to anchor yourself such as a 48" sling or two 24" slings will do but it may be less comfortable (this may vary depending on your instructors' teaching preferences; discuss with your instructors at the pre-trip meeting before buying any unnecessary gear).
3. Recommended: 4 locking carabiners for anchors, cordelette, cord for tying friction hitches (e.g. prussik)

If you have a rope or can borrow one from a friend, please bring that as well (**although please only borrow a rope from your friend if you are aware of the history of their rope care.**)

Rock 3: Intro to Lead Climbing (Leading on Bolt-Protected Routes)

For people with seconding/top-roping experience who want to learn how to lead climb on bolted protection. Topics covered include belaying a leader, clipping into bolts and rope management.

Gear you need

1. Everything from Rock 2 (harness, helmet (MANDATORY!), climbing shoes, locking carabiner & belay device, slings, carabiners for anchors, cordelette, prussik)
2. Rope and quickdraws if you can borrow them from a friend.

Rock 4: Intro to Traditional Climbing

For people with extensive experience leading on bolt-protected leads (sport climbing; Rock 3 equivalent) who wish to learn the art of traditionally-protected leads (leader placing removable protection).

Gear you need

1. Everything from Rock 3 (harness, helmet (MANDATORY!), climbing shoes, locking carabiner & belay device, slings, carabiners for anchors, cordelette, prussik)
2. Traditional lead protection (nuts, cams, tricams, etc). Please do not purchase these items before Rock 4; only borrow from a friend if you can.

Rock 5: Intro to Multipitch Climbing (TENTATIVE)

For people with extensive experience leading on either bolt-protected or trad-protected leads (Rock 3 or Rock 4 equivalent) who wish to learn the art of multipitch climbing which includes, multipitch anchor systems, switching leads, and maybe rope rescue.

Gear you need

1. Everything from Rock 4
2. More locking beaners and slings