top-rope 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 $670
Upcoming Course Dates: TBD
TO REQUEST A PRIVATE TOP ROPE 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 $260
*Mentor will contact candidate to finalize assessement scheduling details
This 3-day course covers Key skills used in guiding top-rope terrain
The PCGI Top Rope Guide Course helps current or future guides and safety-minded climbers hone their skills, manage risk and climbing experience for others, and develop a professional guiding mentality.
This course and certification is specific to top-roping sites with 4th class or easier approaches and involves no lead climbing.
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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Outdoor top-roping experience of at least 12 months (guide candidates are often much more experienced) and comfortably top-rope 5.7.
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Solid anchor building knowledge
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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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Some experience with traditional gear (i.e. cams, stoppers...) helpful.
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Previous guiding experience is helpful, but not required.
TRG 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 Top Rope Guide Course is perfect for current professional guides or instructors working primarily in top rope terrain. There is no requirement for leading in this course; all anchors are accessible via 4th class or easier approaches.
The course teaches a variety of skills, strategies, and methods for both the technical top rope environment as well as creating a strong base for technical instruction, teaching techniques, group management, and other important concerns.
The top rope course is specifically developed to primarily address ”top and bottom managed” top rope guiding. The training encompass certain key top managed techniques that are commonly used such as belayed rappels and top-managed belays for areas such as lake and sea cliffs.
The training days focus on technical skills, common guide and instruction techniques, managing clients, teaching, and pertinent rescue techniques. Classes are very hands on with active discussions and student involvement.
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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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. "