Single pitch
guide Course
On the Rocks is
proud to offer PCGI Top Rope and Single Pitch Guide Certification Courses!
book a Course
JOIN A SCHEDULED 3-DAY COURSE
3-day Per Person $780
Upcoming Course Dates: TBD
TO REQUEST A PRIVATE SINGLE PITCH GUIDE COURSE OR TO BE WAITLISTED FOR UPCOMING COURSES:
Please email us at: info@ontherocksclimbing.com
*Minimum age is 18 years old
*Participant applications must be approved by PCGI and course mentor
*Price Includes HST
*Additional fees at Rattlesnake Point
book AN Assessment
REQUEST AND PAY FOR TOP ROPE GUIDE ASSESSMENT (pending mentor availability)
Half-day Per Person $320
*Mentor will contact candidate to finalize assessment scheduling details
This 3-day course covers Key skills used in guiding top-rope and Single pitch Terrain
The PCGI Single Pitch Guide Course helps current and aspiring guides master the skills to lead up to two clients up climbs in single pitch sport and traditional climbing areas, focusing on rope systems, risk management, communication and instruction. A brief review of top-rope guiding skills is also undertaken.
Lead climbing (traditional and sport) up to about 5.7 is done in both the Single Pitch Guide Course and Assessment.
requirements
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Must be 18 years or older to participate in course, and have application approved by course mentor.
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At least 2 years of outdoor lead climbing experience
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Confidence on sport and traditional climbs up to 5.7-5.8
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Solid anchor building knowledge, including traditional gear (cams, stoppers, etc.) for top-rope anchor systems
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Working knowledge of following knots: clove hitch, figure-8 family of knots, friction hitches, bowline, double fisherman and overhand.
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Climbers should consult suggested gear list (below) and consult mentor if missing items.
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Previous guiding experience is helpful, but not required.
SPG Assessment
PLEASE NOTE: Completing a PCGI training course does not constitute certification. In order to obtain PCGI certification individuals must pass a separate assessment for certification.
detailed course description
The Single Pitch Guide course provides an excellent basis for transitioning from top rope guiding to leading climbs with up to 2 clients in single pitch terrain.
The SPG provides students with the necessary skills to safely and efficiently guide clients with an emphasis on rope management systems, top and bottom managed techniques, lowering and rappels, simple approaches and descents, and relevant rescue techniques. Courses also focus on helping students to develop essential holistic guide skills that will enable them to provide highly successful guided trips.
The SPG is specifically developed to address single-pitch and top rope guiding (top and bottom managed), as needed to safely conduct guided single pitch rock climbing experiences for any given client.
The SPG will consist of technical, hands on guide training under a certified mentor that is highly invested in expanding your skills and helping you expand your guiding abilities. Lead climbing up to 5.7 is done during the SPG course, and up to 5.8 in the SPG assessment.
SUGGESTED GEAR LIST
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Climbing harness with belay loop
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Climbing helmet
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Standard free climbing rack, which should include at minimum a set of wired nuts and a range of camming units. Tri-cams, hexes, and other types of gear are optional.
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10-12 shoulder-length runners with carabiners
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50-60-meter climbing rope
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Sticky rubber approach shoes
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Climbing shoes comfortable enough to wear all day
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Five Pear shaped locking carabiners, additional locking and non-locking carabiners
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Two 18-21 foot long 7mm nylon cordalettes
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Belay device (gri-gri (strongly recommended), ATC/Plate, reverso, or other)
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50-100 ft. of 10-10.5 mm static line for extending anchors
what some of our past PCGI Course students have to say...
Matt
"I think everyone should take this, guide or not, just to understand anchor systems better and gain more confidence in your climbing."
Kim
"This course blew my mind, it was exactly what I needed without really knowing that I needed it!"
Finn
"They were exceptional at delivering the necessary information and then further answering any questions that arose as we worked through the course. Very knowledgeable, very helpful. "
