Programs CLIFFHANGER CLIMBING I: This class is designed for boys and girls (ages 9-14) who have little or no experience rock climbing. In the Cliffhanger I class, we introduce young people to this challenging, yet rewarding, sport in a safe and encouraging environment. Drawing upon years of climbing and coaching experience, we have created a three part program aimed at establishing and maintaining good climbing habits. Combining the basics of body movement and technique learned in an indoor climbing gym with the invigorating experience of outdoor climbing, we provide our students with the basic skills and confidence upon which they can build a rich and exhilarating life of outdoor achievement. COURSE DESCRIPTION: PART I (September-October): We begin our instruction and training on real rock outdoors at Hammond Pond (located in Newton behind the Chestnut Hill Shopping Center). By beginning outdoors, we expose our climbers early to what will be their ultimate goal. We immediately focus their attention upon the importance of footwork, vision, and planning in good climbing. Many new climbers who begin with indoor climbing alone find it difficult to make the transition to climbing on real rock. The nature of indoor climbing (clearly marked routes and obvious hand- and footholds) often deceives beginners into thinking that vision and planning are of little importance in rock climbing. Often, beginners develop poor footwork and a kind of tunnel vision from strictly indoor climbing. Yet with this basic hands-on introduction to the challenges specific to outdoor climbing, we lay the foundation for developing good all-around climbers. PART II (November-April): Having given our students an idea of what special skills they will need to climb outdoors, we then turn our attention to the specifics of body control and movement: the chief advantages of indoor climbing. Our indoor training is held at the Boston Rock Gym located in Woburn. The Boston Rock Gym is the largest indoor climbing facility in Massachusetts with 8,000 sq. feet of climbing surface and more than one hundred routes of all grades. The accessibility of such a diversity of routes and grades enables us to work with each student on a variety of specific techniques more efficiently than we could outside. Focusing on increased strength, stamina, flexibility and balance, each student is able to make rapid progress. PART III (May-June): In our last two months, we incorporate all our previous experience -- both indoor and outdoor -- and strengthen the foundation we have already laid. Combining the special skills learned outdoors with the increased strength and stamina from indoor training, our climbers will see marked improvement in this final outdoor phase of the course. Plus, we broaden our studentsŐ climbing horizons by including class sessions held at other local climbing areas, such as, College Rock (in Hopkinton) and the Wellesley Arches. Most important, though, every student gains a greater understanding of his or her strengths and weaknesses and discovers the self-confidence and sense of accomplishment that can enrich any young person's life. Classes are conducted in a fun-loving and noncompetitive environment. We believe competition is not a necessary part of a great overall climbing experience. However, students who are interested in taking part in Junior Competition Climbing Association events will have the opportunity to attend them along with our climbing team. While we believe that exposing new climbers to the experience of climbing on real rock is the best way to introduce rock climbing, we are more than happy to welcome students at any time throughout the year. Knowing the potential pitfalls which await new climbers who begin their climbing education indoors, we know precisely how to guard against them and help our students build a battery of good habits, skills, and techniques which will leave them well prepared for outdoor climbing. Thus, students may register for Cliffhanger Climbing I at any time. OBJECTIVES: basic rope work: knot tying, belaying skills communication skills and terminology basic body movement basic hand- and footwork basic strength and flexibility training establish good vision and planning on each climb emphasize proper technique to ensure the formation of good habits COST AND SCHEDULE: Enrollment is open year-round. Classes are held on Tuesdays from 4pm-7pm (which includes the travel time for classes held at the Boston Rock Gym). All classes meet at Hammond Pond, located behind the Chestnut Hill Shopping Center; transportation to and from the Boston Rock Gym is provided by the IRCS. Cliffhanger I Class costs $130.00 each month which includes: one 3 hour session each week and a Boston Rock Gym membership from November through April. A deposit in the amount of $50.00 is payable upon registration and will be subtracted from the first monthly payment. Each class is limited to 10 students.
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