We all know that climbing is inherently dangerous, but that won’t stop most of us from diving head first into this complex and enthralling sport. Have you ever found yourself in a sticky situation at the crag or in the backcountry? did you know what to do? Learning self rescue technique Is a excellent way to protect you and those around you should a scary situation arise.

This past week I got the opportunity to begin my quest for self rescue knowledge. I recently signed up for the Self Rescue Seminar at the Timonium, MD location of Earth Treks Climbing Centers and this past Tuesday I attended the first of four sessions. Sessions one focused on essential knots, hitches and bends, escaping belays, and ascending fixed lines.

In the knots portion we were taught how to tie figure 8 on a bight, how to set up an autoblock, Prussik, and kleimheist, among others. The instructors did a great job at making sure everyone was comfortable with what they were being taught and gave everyone individual attention when needed.

Like I mentioned earlier, In addition to the knots and such, we learned how to effectively escape a belay. I found this component to be especially useful since I did not know this technique and do a lot of climbing where this could come in use should I find myself in trouble. The primer on knots and hitches proved to be invaluable for this skill.

The last skill we learned for the day was how to ascend a fixed line. I had a little experience with this process prior to the class, but I wasn’t fully learned on how it all came together. The guys at Earth Treks put it all in perspective and showed us how to use our new found knowledge of the Kleimheist to make a solid fixed line ascent.

at the end of the night I left the 3 and a half hour session feeling fulfilled and more knowledgeable than prior to it, and have the great instructors at Earth Treks to thank. I would suggest this seminar to anyone within driving distance of the gym to check out this class, and that comes only after one session. more to come after the following sessions.

-Patrick