Join us on our unique 1 or 2 day Yoga and Rock Climbing (and rappelling with 2 day) Workshop which takes place in the remote and dramatic landscape of the spectacular Sonoran desert!

Held at the McDowell Mountains Preserve in North Scottsdale, with views of Four Peaks and the Superstition Wilderness, we will immerse ourselves in both yoga and rock climbing in a safe and supportive environment. If you've never rock climbed or rappelled before or have a little indoor rock gym experience, you'll benefit greatly from this hands-on workshop. Beth Suffolk, our certified yoga instructor will instruct you in the fine principles of yoga that are applicable for climbing - Hallie Mueller or Jayci Ferrimani will be your climbing instructor.


This Yoga and Rock Climbing (and rappelling) Workshop is a collection of physical and mental techniques for building awareness to observe what is in the present moment. The refinement of these techniques is what allows one’s attention to be focused and present, creating connections between patterns of thought, breath, posture, and emotions all linked in the physiology of the body.


Every day as living, breathing human beings, we are met with challenges; whether we are hanging from a rock or seeking balance in our work, yoga and rock climbing can support and enhance our experiences by providing mindfulness, self-confidence, courage and strength.


Our focus will be on "moving body over rock" and will incorporate exercises in yoga, breathing and balance. Participants will be introduced to a variety of climbing techniques as well as basic top-rope set up, belaying and rapelling skills. Depending on the experience of the group, we may introduce multi-pitch techniques and mock-leading. Each day will include a 1-2 hour yoga class, shared discussions and evening activities. This is an ideal course for those who are excited about exploring a new medium of creativity and wanting a holistic schooling in rock climbing and rappelling.


A lot of yogis find that once they reach a certain level in their yoga practice, they are no longer interested in participating in other forms of exercise or sport. For instance, many serious yogis do not lift weights, because the kind of muscle development that comes with lifting weights can be counterproductive to what we are developing in our asana practice, which is what we like to call “strength within flexibility.”



One physical activity that is totally consistent with a serious yoga practice, however, is rock climbing. In fact, we might even venture to say that yoga and rock climbing are a match made in heaven. A lot of other climbers who don’t practice yoga seem to buy into the popular misconception that the main and perhaps only thing you develop physically in yoga is flexibility. This is clearly wrong.


The physical development that comes with yoga is strength within flexibility. Also, the balance, focus, poise, agility, etc. that one develops in a yoga practice all translate extremely well to rock climbing.


Most importantly, perhaps, there is also a certain kind of “no fear” or “just let go” outlook of non-attachment that one develops in yoga that translates so well to rock climbing. Specifically, there are many moves in climbing that involve risk and uncertainty, but, as Imost students have found if one lets go of attachments to the “what ifs”, this is accompanied by a kind of liberation that allows one to truly and fully exist in the present moment, exactly what one needs to make that next difficult move. You can’t, after all, expect much success in rock climbing if you are constantly or even periodically thinking to yourself, “What will happen if the next move doesn’t go as planned and I fall?” In fact, you don’t even need to consciously think such a thought for it to get in your way. So long as the basic notion exists within you somewhere, even as a feeling or the mere seed of an unformed thought, that’s enough to take you out of the moment and to cause the kind of nervousness and/or hesitation that, ironically, will result in your making a mistake and falling.

What are some specific asanas that are good for rock climbing? Here’s a partial list tof what we will be practicing during the Workshop:

• Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon) - builds strength in the leg, hip and glutes; develops balance, rotation in the spine, and flexibility; the perfect yoga pose in many ways.

•Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle) - builds strength in your leg while your hips and front leg are really flexed open; rotation in the spine; composure and power in an elongated position.

• Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (One-Legged King Pigeon Pose) -
• Stretches the thighs, groins and psoas, abdomen, chest and shoulders, and neck
• Stimulates the abdominal organs
• Opens the shoulders and chest

• Virabhadrasana III (Warrior III) - builds strength in legs and hips, back; for an extra challenge, try one-legged Warrior III push-ups: bend the knee into a crouched Warrior III with hands in Namaste, and then stand back up to normal Warrior III; repeat.

• Vrksasana (Tree Pose) -
• Strengthens thighs, calves, ankles, and spine
• Stretches the groins and inner thighs, chest and shoulders
• Improves sense of balance
• Relieves sciatica and reduces flat feet

• Urdhva Prasarita Ekapadasana (Standing Split) - again, not to sound like a broken record, but this pose builds strength within flexibility, especially when you take both hands to your ankle and use just the leg and hip to support your entire body weight, and to balance it. This pose also really helps to build “the subtle muscles” of the foot.


Rock climbing’s special combination of mental and physical challenges make it a unique experience. Once you’ve tried it, you’re hooked.

The intrinsic rewards that come from combining concentration, agility, balance, strength and judgement are unequalled in any other sport. Nothing heightens the senses more than the combination of delight and relief that comes from reaching the top of a demanding rock climbing route. Whatever standard you rock climb at, from novice to expert, these feelings remain the same. The key lies in seeking out new and exciting challenges.

Curriculum begins with our specialized "ground school", in which we focus on the basics.
.......This includes:
........• Balance
........• Weight distribution
........• Energy conservation
........• Choreographing moves
........• Bouldering concepts

Note: You can expect to spend 30% of the day at "ground school" and 70% climbing.

These confidence-building exercises in balance, technique and trust are key to your individual progress and enjoyment of rock climbing. Our instruction also includes detailed explanations on:
....• Equipment - proper use & care
....• Knots
....• Safety protocols
....• Hands-on belaying
....• Communication signals
....• Climbing terminology
....• Rappelling
....• Anchor setups

The remainder of the day you are on top-rope protected climbs of up to 150 feet on high angled rock faces. Superior and personalized climbing instruction makes for a quality learning experience. Note: With smaller size classes (less than 4 students), the first day is dedicted to basic rock climbing skills the second day is focused on yoga techniques/exercises and rappelling.


We'll also cover rappelling and the basic top rope anchoring system concepts - including artificial and natural anchor placements. As you continue to refine the basics, you'll encounter new and varied climbing opportunities and be exposed to more challenging rock.
We suggest taking our Beginner III Climbing Course and Intermediate Course before you set out on your own. You will need a daypack (we rent daypacks if needed).



We have an optional overnight campout package availabe which includes tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, breakfast (2nd day), lunch (both days), dinner, snacks and beverages. Camping will be at McDowell Mountain Park Campground which has real toilets and showers.

Imagine the true darkness that only pure, deep desert can provide. The star-filled skies above hold almost no glow from nearby cities, allowing amazing star and moon gazing. The stillness is broken only by the songs of the coyotes. 
We will enjoy a late afternoon nature hike, a meditation session and story telling around a campfire!


.......

..Cost ..$225.00 per person (1-Day Workshop without campout) ..$435.00 per person (2-Day Workshop without campout) ..$695.00 per person with overnight campout and meals ..Dates ..See Schedule Below ..Class Size ..Minimum 2 - Maximum 6 per Instructor ..Discounts ..REI Members $10 Off / Bring-A-Friend $10 Off ..Ages ..18 and Up ..Equipment ..Included (rock shoes, harness, etc.) . ..Bring your yoga mat or rent for $10! ..Location ..McDowell Mountains during Fall/Winter/Spring - Prescott during Summer ..Times ..6:00 am - Summer / 8:30 am - Fall /Winter/Spring ..Prerequisites ..Written Test ..Little or no rock climbing experience ..Optional ..Rating ..Course Info ..Pre-Course Info & Testing Materials will be emailed ..to participant upon course sign-up ...recommended reading for the course above: ...• Girl on the Rocks: A Woman's Guide to Climbing with Strength, Grace, and Courage by Katie Brown

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Our instructors are all active climbers, kayakers and backpackers.
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.

Our select staff are former instructors or graduates of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Arizona Mountain Group Association, American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and/or Outward Bound School! Their years of climbing and teaching have made them unequalled in safety and experience. Climbing and wilderness adventures are more than our business, it's our way of life!

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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 Intermediate 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.

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