Course Syllabus

OLE 2450 Climbing Technical Leadership

Course Description

This course blends the theory and practical skills of leading and managing groups in vertical environments. Participants will develop hands-on expertise in rope systems, anchor building, rappelling and belaying, protection placement, lead climbing, site management, risk management, emergency procedures, and Leave No Trace principles.

Justification

Climbing technical leadership classes are important for a variety of reasons, spanning personal development, safety, and career opportunities. Safety:Risk Management: Climbing inherently involves risks. This course teaches students how to assess and manage associated risks, including hazard evaluation, decision-making in challenging situations, and emergency procedures.   Technical Skills: Proper use of equipment (ropes, anchors, protection), climbing techniques, and rescue procedures are crucial for safety. This class provides students instruction and practice.   Leadership Responsibility: When leading a group, the leader is responsible for everyone's safety. This course helps instill the knowledge and skills to make sound decisions and manage the group effectively in a potentially dangerous environment.Personal Development:Skill Enhancement: This course helps students to improve their technical skills, leading to greater confidence and the ability to tackle more challenging climbs.Leadership Skills: Students learn how to communicate effectively, make decisions under pressure, and manage group dynamics – skills that are valuable in many aspects of life.   Self-Awareness: Climbing often pushes individuals to their limits, fostering self-awareness about their strengths, weaknesses, and how they react in stressful situations.   Career Opportunities:Professional Certifications: Many outdoor professions require specific certifications. This course can serve as a stepping stone towards those certifications (e.g., guide, instructor).   Industry Jobs: The outdoor industry values individuals with strong technical skills and leadership abilities. This course can help the student be a more competitive candidate for jobs in guiding, instruction, and related outdoor leadership fields.

General Education Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will learn outdoor leadership and group management specific to a vertical environment.
2. Students will learn to identify and correctly use climbing related hardware and equipment.
3. Students will learn to correctly tie fundamental climbing knots and efficient rope-handling techniques.
4. Students will learn effective belaying techniques using appropriate methods for varied circumstances.
5. Students will learn to competently set up and use a variety of anchors for rappelling and climbing.
6. Students will learn and be able to utilize the lead climbing theory.
7. Students will learn appropriate Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics specific to vertical environments.

Course Content

Outdoor Leadership in a vertical environment: teamwork, communication, group dynamics, group management, etc.
Equipment: ropes, webbing, slings, hardware, harnesses, helmets, etc.
Knots: Clove Hitch, Overhand Knot/Water Knot, Double Fisherman's Knot, Figure 8 Family Knots: Double Figure 8, Figure 8 with a follow through, Prussic, Munter, Mule
Rappelling and ascending
Bouldering, basics of climbing, movement on rock
Belaying: top and bottom belay.
Natural and artificial anchors
Sport climbing and lead climbing
Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics for vertical environments