Is this Adventure for me? Club Adventures are divided into difficulty levels:

Has never climbed.
Has climbed a bit, but forgot how things work.
Knows how to belay a top rope climber, but the climb is less than 5.8

Being able to walk and use both hands are the only physical requirements for this level.

Knows how to belay and tie in, climbs better than 5.8 on top rope.
Has (or can) lead Sport or Trad climbing.

Knows how to belay a leader, and climbs better than 5.11 on top rope.
Higher level climbers may go on lower level trips.

You get paid to climb. (JK)
Highly experienced, strenuous, but able to teach and teach leaders on climbing and climbing safety.

Are you a beginner? Make sure you're going to climb with experienced climbers. You can always write to the club email list in order to find climbing partners.

Are you borrowing club equipment? You can borrow a harness, belaying devices, shoes, and a chalk bag for free. Please see the Gear Page for steps and times on how to borrow gear.

You can also borrow top rope, sport climbing or trad gear if you have already climbed with a climbing Officer and have proven your ability to use the gear properly (and safely). Your name (if you meet these requirements) will get added to the list of authorized members list in the gear locker room.

What safety considerations should you make? We advise you to check and make sure you are taking the Technical gear appropriate for the type of climbing and the size of the group going with you.

It is also highly recommended that you bring along a Guide book, First Aid, and a Helmet (or Helmets).

Am I authorized to lead this Adventure? There are certain Adventure types that require Officer Authorization/Approval for you to be able to lead them. See the list here.

What are the GENERAL rules for climbing Adventures?

RETURN ALL GEAR since you (the Leader) are responsible for any missing gear, we suggest collecting (and counting) all the gear from everyone prior to leaving. No Exceptions. If an Adventurer wants to use gear, advise them to go through the Gear Check Out process (this will make them responsible for the gear). A large mesh sack or large backpack will make it easier to keep all the gear together when collecting gear to return.

NON-CLUB MEMBERS as a general rule we want to encourage local-based non-club members to join to participate in our Adventures (and gain all the benefits of the club!) but there are exceptions that are allowed on a case-by-case basis. Visitors from out-of-town (Friend or Family member) may be allowed to join the club Adventurer with prior approval from an Officer. This approved visitor (non-member exception) is allowed to ride in a car being reimbursed by the club.

TRAVEL should include everyone leaving at the same time for both the start of the Adventure and the return. You (as the Leader) will be reimbursed for gas, so be sure to fill out the Reimbursement Form and have it signed by all Drivers. If someone departs separately from the rest of the group, the club will not pay for their gas.

CLIMBING ETHICS are very important, however it may be impractical to impart ALL your ethics knowledge to your Adventurers (even if this includes beginners). A minimum standard of highlights would include
Leave No Trace (everyone who goes outside should obey this)
Use of Chalk (what is appropriate, and what isn't)
Keep a Low Profile
Obey Local Climbing Rules

The most important piece of ethics expected from our Leaders, is to Lead by example! Bring a plastic bag and pick up trash (even if it's not yours).

Some other helpful climbing ethics tips and reading can be found at AccessFund.org

What are the rules specific to INDOOR climbing Adventures?

PEAK EXPERIENCE will require an email with the "roster" (Adventure attendance sheet) the night prior, as well as a printed list the day-of to receive the group discount. Contact them here.

What are the rules specific to OUTDOOR climbing Adventures?

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK will have local rules, be sure to read them. SNP Climbing Rules.

What are the rules specific to SPORT climbing Adventures?

SKILL EXPECTATION for our Sport Climbing Adventure Leaders includes belaying, clipping, falling, and cleaning with enough mastery to be able to lead others in learning those same skills.

RESPONSIBILITY AWARENESS is crucial for our Sports Climbing Leaders. We hold our Leaders for Sports Climbing to a high safety standard, as Leading a group is very different from Sport climbing with your friends.

ADVENTURER SAFETY is your responsibility as the Adventure Leader. Make sure that the Adventurers on your Adventure actually know the skills they say they do. Have them perform and demonstrate the specific tasks necessary to complete the intended climb. Also, keeping a mindful eye on your Adventurers during the climb to stay ahead of any possible issues due to lack of knowledge or expertise.

EVALUATE ROUTES for your beginner sport climbers (not just your first timers) for safety. Check things like the first and second bolts, falling down past overhangs, and ledges below. It is the Leaders responsibility to keep climbers from leading routes that are not appropriate for them.

ROUTE LEADING can be championed by a non-leader only after obtaining permission from the Adventure Leader. This is for route leading climbs 5.10 or easier, or to clean the top.

INSTRUCTIONS should only come from the Adventure Leader (Beta / advice from other climbers is OK).

What are the rules specific to TRAD climbing Adventures?

GEAR RACKS should be kept separate unless a route demands the use of more gear than available in one rack.

Individual owned gear should be clearly marked to identify the owner (all club gear is already marked).

DEFECTIVE GEAR should not be used (no brainer). If there is any defect in Club Gear you must notify the Officers about it. Make a note (be specific about the defect) and separate that piece from the rest of the Gear.

CLIMB LEADERS should mock lead for their first time on G rated routes, and the Adventure Leader is responsible to check that the Climb Leader has all the necessary gear.

INSTRUCTIONS should only come from the Trad Adventure Leader.

ASSESSING PLACEMENTS of the Climbing Leaders is the Trad Adventure Leader's responsibility.

What are the rules specific to BOULDERING climbing Adventures?

EXPERIENCE RATIO of boulderers should be 1 experienced boulderer per 3-4 beginners.

SPOTTING is very very very important, and the spotter should know what they are doing.

See an example of good spotting here.

STACKING CLIMBERS or climbers over other climbers, is not allowed.

WHILE TRAVERSING one person needs to move the crash pad to compensate.

Does the club have any whitewater gear?

YES WE DO! Whitewater gear is housed in two large shipping containers in the upper parking lot of Carruthers Hall. There are some boats currently being housed by Dave Clark.

AVAILABLE GEAR includes 6 SUPs, 3 surf boards, 2 rafts, 3 canoes (one whitewater), 5 recreational kayaks, many whitewater kayaks, helmets, paddles, skirts, dry tops, dry suits, wet suits, poogies, skull caps, and other misc items. Go to our Gear Tracker for the most current list.

Quick Reminders for Leaders

RECRUIT interested members to be future whitewater advisors. First years recommended, to get them trained early.

RESPOND to whitewater emails in a timely manner.

WHEN RETURNING GEAR you can recruit Officers to help you check-in, clean, all the whitewater gear you've checked out.

CHARLOTTESVILLE Municipal Code Chapter 10 concerns water protection, but there's more to the environment than just that.

PIEDMONT Environment Council does not create the policies, but are a good resource for current policy.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY Environmental Quality policy within Virginia

DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND INLAND FISHERIES for all things Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife Management Areas.

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

STATE PARKS

NATIONAL PARKS Laws and Policies

CONSERVATION FUND WITH NPS Land and Water Conservation Fund.

NATIONAL FORESTS

NATIONAL REGULATIONS search tool for if you have a particular subject in mind.