Intro To Outdoor Sport Climbing
Intro To Outdoor Sport Climbing
- Saturday, March 21 @ Auburn Quarry
- Saturday, April 4th @ Auburn Quarry
- $249 per Person
- 4 Students per Instructor
Or call/text us at (916) 299-0711
Get out of the gym and learn to lead climb outdoors!
Learn to sport climb outdoors! This is an entry level course that provides a pathway for indoor sport climbers or anyone interested in learning the foundational skills it takes to lead outdoor sport routes safely and competently.
This course will serve as a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of sport climbing and will focus on developing the essential skills and techniques required for safe and efficient lead climbing on bolted routes outdoors.
Who this course is for:
You lead in the gym and want to transition outdoors.
You have never led but are interested in trying it.
You’ve been top roping outdoors but want to access new terrain.
You’ve done some leading outside but want to solidify your skills with expert instruction.
Itinerary
We’ll start the day with some discussion on the differences between indoor and outdoor climbing then jump into skills such as clipping, anchor building, anchor cleaning, and lead belaying. From there we will see a lead demo from our guide and then get on the rock ourselves “mock” leading while still protected by a top rope. This will bring up issues like rope management and challenges with lead belaying. Everyone will get a turn and we will learn from each others successes and mistakes.
Curriculum
– Sport Climbing Equipment
– Clipping Techniques
– Outdoor versus Indoor
– Route Selection
– Rope Management and Foot Positioning
– Lead Belaying
– Simple Anchor Building
– Anchor Cleaning & Lowering Off
– Rappelling
– Pitfalls and Safe Practices Outside
– Stick Clipping
What's Included?
-Ropes
-Quickdraws
-Assisted Braking Belay Devices
-Anchor Material
-Climbing Gear (if requested in advance): Harness, Helmet, Shoes
What to Bring
-Personal Climbing Gear: (We have extra if you need but must be requested at the time of signing up.)
-Harness
-Helmet
-Shoes
-Assisted Braking Device (Grigri, Megajul, etc)
-Quickdraws (If you have them bring them!)
-Anchor Material (If you have it, bring it!)
-Backpack For Gear
-Water (2 Liters Recommended)
-Food/Snacks
-Sunscreen
-Chapstick
-Hat
-Sunglasses
-Puffy Jacket / Warm Layers
-Athletic / Gym Clothing To Wear While Climbing
Prerequisites
-Solid top rope belaying skills.
-Climbing for at least 6 months.
-It is recommended but not necessary that you are familiar with indoor lead climbing.
Possible Course Locations
Next Course Details
- Saturday, March 21 @ Auburn Quarry
- Saturday, April 4th @ Auburn Quarry
- $249 per Person
- 4 Students per Instructor
Or call/text us at (916) 299-0711
stoked
Climbers!
EXCELLENT Based on 52 reviews Posted on Jessica Rose4 February 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went on a rock climbing and yoga retreat in EPC with Erik and it was INCREDIBLE. Great instruction, great climbs, great vibes. I was one of the relatively newer-to-outdoor-climbing folks on the trip, and Erik was both patient and thorough in answering any and all of my questions. He helped build my confidence with lead climbing and lead belaying and I always felt super supported. Can't wait to play rocks with Erik again!Posted on Michael Westbrook2 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Took the SPI course and exam with Kevin. We learned all of the required AMGA stuff and also got a lot of practical insights into the business.Posted on J. C.8 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vertical Pursuits is THE BEST rock climbing guiding service I’ve ever experienced. Erik has been our guide for years and he is reliable, prepared, knowledgeable, ready-for-anything, positive and downright fun. I always feel safe, supported, yet gently challenged with Erik. I always have the best time with Vertical Pursuits. If you’re looking to bridge into outdoor rock climbing or even up your climbing game, then Vertical Pursuits is the choice for you!! I Highly recommend!Posted on Vicky Wyatt3 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been on a few climbing trips with Eric between 2023 and 2024 - such an amazing rock climbing guide and all round good human being. I went on a couple of organised group climbs (intro to sport climbing clinic and outdoor climbing day) and a couple of solo guided trips to Moab and Lovers' Leap - these are some of the best things I've ever done! So grateful to Eric and to Vertical pursuits making these climbs accessible for a relative beginner and so encouraging as well as being confident safety is a top priority. Highly, highly recommend and so sad I moved from the US so haven't got climb with Eric for a while.Posted on Andrea Willett3 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Taking clinics with Vertical Pursuits was an absolute blast. Erik knows how to get on your level and make the material palpable. He and the staff at Vertical Pursuits are incredibly knowledgeable and hard working people, highly recommend if you are looking to learn more about safely rock climbing or a guiding service.Posted on Zain Memon3 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Erik and Kev are unmatched!Posted on Meagen Doucette3 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I took my spi instructor course with Kevin and couldn’t have asked for more. He was so tuned into what each of us needed and was sure we left with what AMGA curriculum listed AND MORE. He made sure we had enough energy to actually retain the info we learned and left plenty of time to practice real time. As the only female in the group, Kevin made me feel very comfortable and welcome. I would recommend Kevin and vertical pursuits to anyone looking to get SPI certified or guided up something.Posted on Eric R3 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I took a big wall and aid climbing course with Erik and it was absolutely EXCELLENT! Never thought I could obtain the skills to big wall in the span of two days but the instruction was clear, efficient, and actually practiced during the course. I feel confident enough to get started and can definitely vouch for the instructors. They are extremely good at what they do and it is evident that it comes from a place of passion and love for climbing. Highly recommend anything with Vertical Pursuits!Posted on Justin Nguyen3 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kevin is an incredibly knowledgeable instructor, guide, and rock climber. He's so passionate about teaching and helping climbers be safe that he's even been recording webinars and youtube videos for free!! The content on videos is top tier and some of the best on the webPosted on Kyle Moorman3 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went from learning trad with them to a year later confidently leading 5.11 on gear - highly recommend