Joseph Schwartz

Course review:

Single Pitch Guide

Simeon is a superb instructor bringing decades of experience coupled with modern, up to date rope management skills.

One of the key tenets of this course is efficiency. You will learn to utilize two key knots that translates to other skill sets. The bowline on a bight and the munter mule. These two knots allow you to effectively set anchor systems for top rope, multi pitch, and rappel scenarios.

This two day course covers many important topics to safely guide parties of different skill, ability and capacity.

Topics explored:

Top Down-

Setting multi point anchor systems.

Equalization of anchor points and master anchor point placement.

Setting up rappel stations.

Keeping your client safe on rappel.

Bottom Up-

Belay technique and rope management.

Rescue techniques for client challenges.

Fundamental first aid triage.

Management of larger parties to keep all members safe.

Lead climbing skills-

Defining the appropriate gear and racking.

Dissecting the climb into sections.

Gear management, back cleaning when appropriate and rope drag reduction.

Top belay and rescue techniques.

As a seasoned climber of four + decades, this was a superb course. I learned why some of the old school strategies where less efficient. This was especially apparent with the client rescue scenarios.

Says Joseph S. of Loveland, Colorado