Self Rescue Course

Climber handling ropes while ascending a route at Smith Rock

Self Rescue Skills for the Recreational Climber

Climber preparing to rappel to the ground while being taught self rescue skills

Technical Self Rescue for Climbers

Self rescue is an essential skill for every recreational climber to learn before they hit the crag. Our self-rescue course is designed to teach you how to deal with the unexpected during a climb. We will explore  potential scenarios that require efficient, confident action to assist a distressed or injured climber, react to environmental/weather issues and practice efficient systems and skills to manage risk. Our certified guides and instructors will cover preventative considerations for risk management and developing sound judgment for single pitch and multi-pitch climbing. This course is meant to provide you with the baseline rescue skills and techniques that every climber should master before they enter into committing climbing terrain.

Climbing instructor standing at the top of a route with climbing student holding ropes and gear at Smith Rock

Skills and Technical Topics Will Include:

  • Tools and techniques: essential gear, knots, and hitches
  • Belay transfers/belay escapes
  • Assisting fallen leader or second (counter-balance ascending/descending techniques).
  • Rope drag issues: prevention and correction techniques
  • Explore the GriGri and break assist type belay device as a multi-use rescue tool.
  • How to asses common rappel issues: stuck ropes, ascending techniques
  • Lowering/descent options and techniques for efficient retreat
A climbing guide and climbing student ascending a route alongside each other while practicing self rescue skills at Smith Rock

Meet Our Lead Clinicians

Our self-rescue clinic presenters have well 50+ combined years of professional guiding experience at Smith Rock. They are psyched to share their knowledge and experience with you so you can learn & practice the essential self-rescue skills needed for every climber!

Jim Ablao

  • AMGA Certified Rock Guide
  • AMGA Certified Rock Instructor
  • AMGA SPI Provider
  • AMGA SPI Certification Provider Trainer

Gabe Coler

  • IFMGA American Mountain Guide
  • AMGA Certified Rock Guide

James Byrne -AMGA Certified Rock Guide

Daniel Heibert-AMGA Rock Guide Apprentice

Scott Becker-AMGA Certifed Rock Guide

Michael Alfonso-AMGA Rock Guide Apprentice

Evan King-AMGA Rock Guide Assisntant

2024 Course Dates

May-Sept dates TBD

Courses are $180 per person, a minimum of two people required to run a course

If the listed course ‘dates do not work with your schedule, all courses can be arranged as a Private Guided Day Trip – customized to your needs, on the day you choose.

Check out our other instructional courses to take your climbing skills to the next level!
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Our AMGA Accreditation helps assure our clients receive the highest professional standards in our industry.
Our AMGA Accreditation helps assure our clients receive the highest professional standards in our industry.