SPORT
CLIMBING
TACTICS
An Introduction to the
Fundamentals of Sport Climbing
Sport Climbing is a Great Way to Get Outside and Try Hard!
Learning the fundamentals of sport climbing can ensure a safe and enjoyable time out at the cliff, pushing limits or even transitioning from the gym climbing setting to the outdoors.
This course is designed to teach the practical elements of sport climbing, which will help you gain more confidence in trying at your limit, bailing safely from a route, projecting a route, and having an overall better understanding of climbing bolted routes in the outdoors. This course is best suited for those looking to better their lead climbing skills and is not recommended for someone with no climbing experience. Have you been climbing in the gym for a while, top roping outside, or looking to learn new tactics to advance your progression? This is the course for you!
Space is limited to only 6 participants, so book now to reserve your spot!
COURSE DETAILS
Location: Breaks Interstate Park, Breaks, Virginia
Dates: October 12 – 13, 2024
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Required Gear: Guillard Climbing will provide all necessary climbing gear, however we recommend bringing your own harness, helmet, shoes and quick draws if you have them.
Participants must provide their own daily food and water adequate for 8 hours of activity.
Check out our daily course outline for info on what you’ll learn ↓
October 12th
DAY 1
Gym to Crag: The differences between sport climbing and leading in the gym
Outdoor Etiquette
Lead Belaying: Outdoors vs gym lead belaying
Clipping as the Leader
Stick Clipping Basics
Anchor Building and Cleaning
October 13th
DAY 2
How to Bail: Safely getting off a climb in the middle
Projecting Strategy: How to safely and successfully take on outdoor projects
Stick Clipping: Advanced techniques
Practice and Refinement
BOOK YOUR SPOT
This course will be held in Breaks Interstate Park, located in Breaks, Virginia. For more info on this park and their lodging options, check out their website at BreaksPark.com!
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
“My wife and I had a fantastic climbing experience with Pete this past weekend at Table Rock, NC. While we had done some gym climbing in the past, we had no outdoor experience and our limited skills were in desperate need of a refresher.
Pete came fully prepared to tackle whatever we wanted to accomplish during our time together. We started out reviewing the basics and then progressed to working on rock climbing skills and single pitch climbs.
Pete is a fantastic guide and coach. We have already booked on next session!”
— Tim M.
“I hired Petey three years ago when I was first getting into Trad climbing. Recently, I decided to hire him again because of his natural instructing skills and just being a great hang. It felt like a full-circle moment as I sought his help and guidance to prepare for my AMGA SPI exam, aiming to become a guide myself. I couldn’t recommend him enough.”
— Gus B.
“I have climbed with Pete for several years in multiple locations in NC. Pete is a premier guide! If your a climber wanting to improve your skills he will help you. If your new or first time climber, he will make sure you have a exciting and safe experience! I cant recommend Guillard Climbing enough!”
— Mike P.
ALL FALL 2024 COURSES
PRIVATE CLIMBING BOOKINGS
— Perfect for beginners or advanced climbers
— Up to 6 participants
— No experience necessary
— Full or half day
Learn More →
— Outdoor climbing experience is a prerequisite
— Up to 2 participants
— Full day
Learn More →
SAFETY IS WHAT
DEFINES US
We hold to the American Mountain Guides Association standards for terrain-specific training and certification and are fully insured. With a low guide-to-guest ratio, we can provide you with the full attention you deserve on your private outing.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Do I need my own gear?
We recommend you bring your own gear if you have it! Shoes, harnesses, and helmets are all things that we recommend having if you’re looking to start your own climbing journey. However, we understand that climbing is an expensive sport that you may be trying out for the first time ever, or for the first time in a while. We happily provide harnesses, helmets, and shoes for those who need them!
What do I need to bring?
Things you will be responsible for bringing include:
1. Nutrition: Ample food (based on your personal caloric needs for a day of activity outside) and water (2-3L is recommended.) Bringing a little extra food and water never hurts!
2. Weather-appropriate clothes: As the seasons change, so do our clothing needs. Summer requires breathable activewear, a warm insulating layer, rain-gear, and sun protection (a sun-shirt or sunscreen). Winter, fall, and spring require layering; we often start off in a coat and spend most of the day climbing in light layers!
Can I climb in the winter?
Believe it or not, winter is the BEST time to climb in many of our favorite Western NC locations!
Do I drive with the guide or separately?
Our guide will contact you via email before the day of your booking to confirm location and start time (depending upon whether you’re doing a full or half day.) He will send you a pin location to the parking area where you will drive separately and meet to begin your day together. This location will vary depending upon what climbing area you are going to.
Can anyone climb?
We believe climbing is for everyone! No matter your experience level, we’d love to go climbing with you. Our minimum age is six years old, and the only requirement is that you’re able to hike to the cliff-line. For guests under the age of 18, we do require a guardian to be present, whether or not they’ll also be climbing.
If you have any questions or concerns about what a climbing day looks like, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us a message, we’re always happy to accommodate our guests as much as we can!
If you are interested in climbing and have a disability, we highly recommend checking out our friends at Waypoint Adventure!
What do half days vs. full days look like?
Single-pitch and Private Instruction bookings can be made for either a half day or a full day. Half day bookings can either be made in the morning (9-1:00 pm) or the afternoon (12-4:00 pm.)
Multi-pitch bookings both last for a full day and run from 9-5:00 pm.
We will always do our best to accommodate your schedule when we can. If you’d like to discuss a change in start time, please note it in your booking or give us a call!
What safety measures are in place?
Our guide has been properly trained by the American Mountain Guides Association for the terrain he guides in and has a decade of experience safely guiding rock climbing groups of all levels. He has also been trained as a Wilderness First Responder, and carries a satellite communication device on all trips.
Where do you guide?
Our bookings can be made for the following locations:
Rumbling Bald (North Carolina)
Looking Glass Rock (North Carolina)
Cedar Rock (North Carolina)
Linville Gorge (North Carolina)
Big Rock (South Carolina)
Hidden Valley (Virginia)
Seasonally, we may recommend certain locations over others depending upon weather. However, we will always do our best to accommodate your desired location!
NEED HELP?
Have questions, or simply want to book over the phone?
Give us a call at (828) 214-5194!
