This beginner to intermediate Intro to Top Rope Climbing skills workshop is designed to teach climbers how to build and climb on anchors in an outdoor top rope setting. We will leave this workshop with a more robust understanding of climbing equipment and how to choose efficient systems to develop our recreational practices and a more focused approach to our climbing movement and intentionality. This is a two-day event, and it is up to the individual participant to solidify lodging and meals. Our team is happy to answer questions, as needed.

Adventure Recovery Skills Workshops

AR Skills workshops are designed for individuals looking to develop specific technical abilities in various outdoor sports, through the professional lens of the Adventure Recovery approach. This approach includes mental health awareness, peer-informed communications styles, and overall situational awareness and competency. Each workshop will also cover topics related to mental health to better serve individuals looking to expand their coaching or clinical practices in the outdoors. 

The Adventure Recovery workshops provide individuals with the foundational tools and skills to integrate the “nature as healer” philosophy along with the necessary knowledge and skills to safely and effectively lead themselves and others on more technical outdoor adventures.

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for anyone looking to solidify their knowledge of adventure-based sports through skillful, technical experiential learning. We work with all ages (from 13+ and up), including athletes, wellness professionals, life coaches, therapists, counselors, first responders, teachers, recovery coaches, educators, recovery advocates, etc. The Adventure Recovery model is distinctive in the unique way our expertly trained guides hold both the recovery coaching component and the safety-first, technical outdoor guide practices for clients.

Requirements to Participate

Eligibility for this program is based on the core skills necessary to participate in whitewater activities from Class One to Class Three, based on the standardized EEC (Essential Eligibility Criteria) substantiated by the ACA (American Canoe Association) and the Adventure Recovery Risk Management internal governance. If you have any questions related to eligibility, please email our National Field Director, Nate Bennick, at nateb@adventurerecovery.com

What to Expect

Following registering, we will send you a complete packing list and syllabus. No lodging or meals provided since this event is shorter. We are happy to assist, as needed, with any planning questions.

Please note that we will be outdoors for the majority of the experience, covering long distances in rough terrain with prolonged exposure to the elements. The gear list we send will be considered essential items for outdoor leaders.

Long days are to be expected.

Cold, rain, snow, cold water immersion, steep terrain, exposed cliffs, darkness are all expected (and welcomed).

Be ready to:

• Receive feedback on the materials presented

• Be flexible and adaptable to setting and skill level

• Be prepared – inclement weather does not cancel anything. If conditions are consistent with the level of the course being taught or there is a good teaching moment, we go.

As a mental health peer-based organization, we foster a compassionate approach to all that we do. We apply the AR approach to nurture environments that foster personal growth and mutual respect. You will be supported by the group and by the Adventure Recovery training and leadership team through any exceptionally challenging moments. We are a community and we hold ourselves consciously and with intention, through all we do.

We can’t wait to see you outside!