Intro to Rock 101

As low as:

$215.00 / person

(at 6:1 ratio)
  • STRENUOUSNESS
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  • TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
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Add-ons

IAG Cancellation Coverage $11.00

As per our Cancellation Policy, your trip or course is 100% non-refundable as of 30 days prior to the trip/course start date. Purchasing this add-on will allow you to cancel your trip/course within that 30 day time period for reasons of injury, illness or family emergency, and will provide you with a credit for the full value of your trip/course fee which can be used on any Island Alpine Guides or Hike Vancouver Island trip or course for up to one year from the start date of the trip/course originally booked. If needed, credits can be transferred to another person of your choice. We charge a $25 admin fee in these cases.

Comox Valley Climbs Guidebook - 2024 Edition $25.00

Newly Released 2024 Edition! Covering over 300 climbs in the Comox Valley area, including local winter ice and illustrated with lots of coloured photos.

About

Experience climbing outdoors over a fun-filled day at the crags. Learn to move fluidly on the rock as you learn the basics to climb, belay, and rappel (descend). Suitable for all ages and a great day for a family, this low ratio day can be customized to suit your needs. 

Note: this is a hybrid between a course and a guided day, and does not include anchor building. For a more comprehensive introduction to rock climbing, we recommend our two-day Intro to Rock 102 course. 

Curriculum

  • Movement on rock
  • Belaying
  • Rappelling

Included in the price:

  • 1 day with an ACMG guide
  • Group technical gear
  • Personal technical hear (harness, helmet, carabiners, belay devices, climbing shoes)

Not included in the price:

  • Transportation to and from meeting point
  • Food
  • Accommodation
  • Clothing
  • Personal equipment

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details about our booking and cancellation policy, and other commonly asked questions.

Location


Courses typically take place at Comox (Cumberland) Lake Crags, but Quadra Island, Crest Creek Crags, and Flemming Beach (Victoria area) are also options.
 
Locations will be noted on the booking tab with the corresponding date.  If you would like to request a specific location prior to booking, please reach out. 
 
Note: certain crags may be more suitable depending on the weather and time of year – if weather dictates that the course will be delivered more optimally elsewhere, we may provide the option of moving your course to a more suitable location. We encourage you to maintain some flexibility in your plans to allow this possibility. 
 
Exact meeting details will be provided in a pre-trip email sent one week before your course.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details, or send us an email. 

Itinerary


A typical day starts at 09:00 and ends around 17:00. 

Curriculum delivery will depend on the students, the instructor and other factors such as weather and conditions, but below is a general idea of what to expect:

  • 09:00 – Meet at the location specified in your pre-trip email. The instructor will facilitate introductions and hand out any rental items. You will then sign waivers (please note that anyone under 19 needs to have their waiver signed by a parent or guardian and sent in prior to the course if unaccompanied). The crags are usually a short hike from the parking lot. You will set up here for the day, progressing through the day at a pace that works for your group. 
  • 17:00 – Complete your day and return any rental equipment. 

Exact meeting details will be provided in a pre-trip email sent one-week prior to your course. Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details, or send us an email. 

Requirements


This day is geared towards beginners, and no previous experience is necessary. That said, please come prepared to:

  • Hike a short distance to the crag
  • Spend the day outdoors in a variety of conditions

Questions about the suitability of this course? Send us an email. We’re happy to help you find or customize courses to suit your needs. 

Gear List 


Your guide will provide all group gear (or “the rack” -- ropes, slings, carabiners, etc.). Please bring the following, and reach out if you have any questions:
 
Technical Gear: 

If you require any of the items on the technical gear list, please email us to request it (along with any sizing requirements such as shoe size). 

  • Harness 
  • Helmet 
  • Belay device & locking carabiner 
  • Climbing shoes 

Clothing: 

  • T-shirt or long-sleeve (ideally loose-fitting)
  • Pants (ideally loose-fitting, tapered at the ankle) 
  • Rain gear (jacket and pants) 
  • Mid-weight insulating jacket 
  • Approach shoes (something that will provide some support on trails to the climb)
  • Toque and/or sun hat 

Other: 

  • Lunch (pre-prepared) and snacks 
  • Water bottle
  • Notebook and pencil (Rite in the Rain recommended) 
  • Belay gloves (optional)
  • Chalk bag (optional)
  • Sunglasses that block 100% UV 
  • Sunscreen 
  • SPF lip balm 
  • 30L backpack (or large enough to fit all your gear + possibly some of the group gear)

If you own any additional equipment, you are encouraged to bring it along so that you can learn more about the gear you already own.

Questions? Send us an email or read our blog for advice on choosing appropriate gear. 

Testimonials

Dane gave us a fantastic trip and great memories in his endeavors today! Over the moon with how the day went. Thanks so much you guys, and we will be back for another adventure! Mark,
We really enjoyed our Rock Experience course last week. It was great! Ken did an excellent job of working with each of us at our various skill levels, putting everybody at ease and giving lots of positive encouragement. And the location was beautiful — loved the forest! Thanks so much. Andrea Hubbard, Victoria, BC
Jan was a great guide! We had an introduction to outdoor climbing & anchor building and he tailored our day of private instruction to exactly what we wanted and where we wanted to climb; In this case, Quadra Island. Coming with no previous knowledge of outdoor climbing, I found it be the perfect balance of theory and climbing. I'm very confident with the skills I have no to go outdoors and top rope with just the one day course. I am definitely booking again for lead and other outdoor courses with Island Alpine Guides! Dana & Grant, Parksville
I had an amazing time on this course. Ken was an awesome instructor, a good balance between clear and concise instruction, and humour! Since the course, I’ve bought all my own gear and have been travelling around the island to different crags since. I’m hooked! Shannon Hamilton, Tofino, BC
We thoroughly enjoyed our Rock 101 adventure. I personally found it a wonderful mix of education, excitement and relaxation in a beautiful outdoor setting. My personal goal to take a leap of faith and "go over the edge" was met and who knows what the future holds! Carol, Intro to Rock 101 (Comox Lake Crags)
What went well - Everything! Dane was very knowledgeable, relaxed and explained things clearly. The diversity of skills shared was perfect, given the short course time. Happy I got to rappel a couple of times, as well as do many climbs of various grades. Amanda, Intro to Rock 101 (Comox Lake Crags)
Dane was a fantastic guide for our Intro to Rock 101 course. He provided clear, comprehensive instruction and was very knowledgeable. I appreciated his emphasis on safety, explaining the reasons behind what we were doing. I had so much fun and made new friends to climb with. I look forward to taking the Intro to Rock 102 next! Linda, Intro to Rock 101 (Comox Lake Crags)
Dane provided us with a spectacular experience on our Intro to Rock 101 Climbing Course at Cumberland Lake. From the warm welcome he provided, to his teaching style, to his expertise, to his ability to create group cohesion, to his passion for climbing, and to his experience in knowing not to overload us with extraneous information, to his encouragement, and to his concern for our comfort and safety, to his stamina, he represents the perfect ambassador of climbing in general. Ron, Intro to Rock 101