Depending on your needs we offer this course in four different levels - Our intensive two-day Rappelling and Anchors Course's focuses on the many aspects of rappelling on ropes utilizing a variety of devices and techniques and multiple anchor setups. You also have the option of our 1-day Just Rappelling, or 1-day Basic Anchors, or 2-day Extensive Anchors Course depending on your climbing needs.

In the minds of many experienced climbers, rappelling is the least favorite and the most stressful part of the climbing experience.  When ascending the rock; the anchors, rope and belay are all the catch-net should we take a fall.  In rappelling, we are completely hanging from our equipment and there is no back-up to the system so the system must be completely solid.

Rock climbing anchors are one of the most important things a rock climber needs to know how to setup. The anchor is essential in many aspects of rock climbing as well as rappelling. A climber needs to be able to produce a self-equalizing anchor with two fixed bolts as well as position an equalized anchor.

A simple concept to follow when you are setting up your anchors is S.R.E.N.E. This can be used for rappelling, top roping, or belaying.

S.R.E.N.E.
What does S.R.E.N.E. stand for?

Strong: You will need to anchor your anchor to something strong and solid. This can be whatever you have available as long as you are positive that your anchor will be secure. A stout tree (not a dead tree), good bolts, or an immobile boulder will work for securing the anchor.

Redundant: The anchor should be made of multiple components. This way your whole anchor will not fail if a component fails. Some climbers will use two anchors for a back-up plan.

Equalized: Your load should be distributed amongst all components of the anchor. This will help to decrease the chance of components failing.

No Extension: If a component of your anchor fails, then you do not want your anchor to stretch and cause shock loading in the other components. Shock loading may cause other components to fail.

Cord or webbing anchors will equalize as well as create redundancy. They are also able to adjust the length and the position of the anchor. You do not want your anchor to rub on any rock or sharp edges as it may cause it to be cut or tear.

Great care should be taken in placing anchors, as they are very important. Your life may depend on the anchor that you set, so you want to be sure that you check it and then check it again.

You don`t need to be an athlete to gain tremendous knowledge, skill, and confidence in just two days. If you are fearful of heights, this is the course for you because you will be exposed to increasing heights only at a pace which is comfortable for you.

At the conclusion of this course, you will understand and be able to confidently use a wide array of equipment found in the world of ropes and rappelling. You will be confident in selecting and using the correct gear, maintaining and protecting your equipment, tying knots, setting bomb-proof anchors, establishing belay stations, communicating as partners, judging risks, and of course, lots and lots of rappelling.Instruction includes safety in all aspects of rappelling, types of materials used in manufacturing the equipment, care and storage of your gear, the physics of rappelling, equipment specifications and weight limitations, rope properties and selecting the proper one for the given situation, tying proper and strong knots, setting anchors, rappelling and belay devices, and understanding the communication and relationship between rappeller and belayer.

This is also the perfect course for anyone interested in canyoneering or adventure racing and needs certification for rope ascending and rappelling.

Topics will include:
• Multiple-point rock anchors
• Equalization
• Single and double rope rappels
• Back-up systems, rope coiling and release
• Equipment
• Safety, safety, safety!
• Non-extension and advanced belay systems
• Rescue techniques
• Proper placement of rock protection
.(spring loaded camming devices, nuts, and tri-cams)


Climbers will build anchors, remove anchors, hold simulated falls and utilize a variety of belay techniques. Every climber should take this course. Also covered are site selection, sitting/hanging belays, safety and equipment useage. Our equipment is professionally inspected and maintained so you can be assured of safety and learn with confidence.

.......

..Cost

..$345.00 per person (2-Day Rappelling & Anchors Course)
..$195.00 per person (1-Day Rappelling Only Course - No anchors)
..$345.00 per person (2-Day Extensive Anchors Course - No rappelling)
..$195.00 per person (1-Day Basic Anchors Only Course - No rappelling)
..Dates ..See Schedule Below
..Class Size ..Minimum 2 - Maximum 4 per Instructor
..Discounts ..REI Members $10 Off / Bring-A-Friend $10 Off
..Ages ..16 and Up
..Equipment ..Included (rock shoes, harness, etc.) except daypack
..Location ..McDowell Mountains / Queen Creek / Prescott
..Times ..6:00 am - Summer / 7:30 am - Fall /Winter/Spring
..Prerequisites
..Written Test
..Beginner to Advanced climbing skills
..Yes
..Rating
..Course Info ..Pre-Course Info & Testing Materials will be emailed
..to participant upon course sign-up

...recommended reading for the course above:
...How to Climb: Climbing Anchors by John Long





Our instructors are all active climbers and canyoneers.

Our staff are among the best in the Southwest.

They become full instructors after one year of rigorous training, testing and field work during which they learn ACAS's safety procedures, curriculum, process, technical standards, interpersonal/educational methods, and low impact backcountry techniques.






Depending on the season and the course, in Spring and Summer you need only bring shorts, t-shirt (backup sweatshirt), cap, daypack, running shoes and or light hiking boots, fastener if you wear glasses, sunblock, disposable camera and personal items. For Fall and Winter you need to bring loose fitting pants or lycra tights, daypack, polartec type jacket, cap, and windbreaker. Bring your lunch, snacks, plenty of water, and a daypack (we can also rent you a daypack for $5 per person per day) to keep items together. If you have your own gear (shoes, harness, atc, etc.) - bring them. There are no restroom facilities at the climbing site.


The activities described on this web site carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. Rock climbing and rappelling are inherently dangerous. The owners and staff of the Arizona Climbing and Adventure School do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, are knowledgeable about the risks involved, and are willing to personally assume all responsibility associated with those risks.





To sign up for a course call or email us to check availability. If a course is open click on the On-line Application Form or go to our application and map (meeting point) site, print out both the Application (PDF), Map and Waiver. Fill out the application and fax or mail it to us (don't fax the waiver, just bring it the day of your course).

Note: *Summer courses start at 6:00 a.m. - October thru April Bouldering & Rappelling courses start at 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 depending upon weather at the designated pick-up point. Call us the day before your course starts to verify start time. Bring your own snacks, lunch, water, sunblock and wear appropriate clothing. Camera (disposable), writing pad and pen are recommended.
*Summer courses - May 1 thru September 30.


Please call us if the dates below do not work with your schedule


january
2012

..bouldering – 14
..rappelling & anchors –
14 & 15
..basic anchors –
14
..extensive anchors –
21 & 22
..just rappelling –
21

may
2012

..bouldering –
5
..rappelling & anchors –
12 & 13
..basic anchors –
26
..extensive anchors –
19 & 20
..just rappelling –
19

february
2012

..bouldering – 11
..rappelling & anchors – 11 & 12
..basic anchors –
25
..extensive anchors –
25 & 26
..just rappelling –
11

june
2012

..bouldering – 2
..rappelling & anchors – 16 & 17
..basic anchors –
16
..extensive anchors –
22 & 23
..just rappelling –
30

march
2012

..bouldering –
24
..rappelling & anchors – 17 & 18

..basic anchors – 17

..extensive anchors –
24 & 25
..just rappelling –
10

july
2012

..bouldering –
7
..rappelling & anchors –
14 & 15
..basic anchors –
21
..extensive anchors –
28 & 29
..just rappelling –
21

april
2012

..bouldering – 28
..rappelling & anchors – 14 & 15
..basic anchors – 14

..extensive anchors –
28 & 29
..just rappelling –
21

august
2012

..bouldering – 4
..rappelling & anchors – 11 & 12
..basic anchors –
18
..extensive anchors –
18 & 19
..just rappelling –
25





course cancellations
While it is unlikely, if the Arizona Climbing and Adventure School cancels a course due to insufficient reservations or conditions beyond our control (weather, etc.); alternate dates or refunds will be given as preferred. If you cancel within 14 days prior to your session, rescheduling your course can be expected. There are no refunds on gift certificates. If you fail to show at the designated meeting place at the appointed time you will be charged for the course - there are no exceptions. If you would like to reschedule within 48-hours of the course's starting date, you may do so. To receive a full monetary refund (minus a 20% handling fee), 14 days notice is required (expect a refund within 2 billing cycles or 60-days of your course date). You may also want to purchase travel insurance due to cancellations – click here for more information.

liability
Although we spare no effort to assure a safe program, we can assume no responsibility for your safety or loss of personal equipment. In a sport of this nature an element of risk is inherent and beyond human control. A signed release (waiver) will be required of all participants. A parent or guardian release is required for students under the age of 18. These can be obtained in advance by contacting our office or downloading from our website.



Our select staff are certified outdoor guides and have received extensive training from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Outward Bound Wilderness (OBW). the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), Wilderness Medicine Institute (WMI), Climb Smart! and Leave No Trace (LNT) or are members and partners of the American Alpine Club, Arizona Mountain Group Association, American Safe Climbing Association and Access Fund. They follow strict procedural guidelines and safety protocols set by these institutes and by the Arizona Climbing and Adventure School (ACAS).