A word about the class from the Climbing Instructor
INTRODUCTION TO ROCK CLIMBING
EXER 1233-001
Howdy!!
I would like to give you some extra info about the EXER 1233-001 ROCK CLIMBING class of what it is, what its not, expectations, so you can decide if this is indeed the class you want to be in or not. If you have further questions, please come by the Venture office in the Cone building or email me at sdmoulto@.uncc.edu -thanks!!
This class IS:
- For beginners who have little, if any formal training in rock climbing.
- If you have experience…you may be unhappy / bored with this beginner’s level class!!
- Learning about basic equipment used in rock climbing such as harnesses, helmets and belay devices.
- Being taught Venture’s (and AMGA's) way / style to belay a climber.
- Learning how to tie knots with rope / webbing used in climbing and other outdoor activities.
- Is a hands-on, physical demanding class that will put your body through a tough work out.
- You do NOT need to be in top physical shape but should be fit and must be willing to exert energy for each class including trips!!
- This is NOT a class for couch potatoes who are looking to get in shape.
- This class is about climbing top rope sling shot style only, NOT sport climbing and NOT lead climbing.
- This class will meet EVERY class time from from 2-4:45pm in the SAC’s indoor climbing wall. Class runs just about the entire time period!!
- Attendance is mandatory and reflects a good portion of your grade. Miss one class, it might be excused, and any absence after could result in one letter grade each absence.
- There is one mandatory Sunday trips that will go out to Crowder Mtn and climb real rocks. Miss that and you will receive an automatic “F” in the class.
- As tough as this could all sounds, most, if not everyone, has had a GREAT time and learned LOTs.
Extra Stuff about the class:
- Your one credit will be very well earned…but you need to decide if you are up for this. The BIGGEST feedback I receive from the students is to make it a three credit class. Not going to happen!
- There could be:
- Up to four “reflection” papers to write. About a page+ long each.
- 1 - five minute individual presentation in front of the class
- Two Written Test
- 3 to 4 quizzes.
- 1 Group project.
- 1 Individual Presentation
- Three to four mini homework assignments.
- Two outdoor climbing trips. (Depends on weather)
- And certainly lots of climbing time at the indoor climbing wall.
Quotes in Italics from past semesters climbing classes, as advice to share with future class. Instructor's response in normal font.
- “I felt I was fully prepared for the course. The description on the website is very thorough and complete.”
- I'm just satisfied someone read and understood what they were getting into.
“Explain that it is a serious commitment and while its fun, you shouldn’t take it if you don’t want to work.”
- I try to explain, some folks just turn deaf ears until they find out on hand what they have gotten into.
“I believe this course has challenge me the most, both physically and mentally. I often left the class thinking about my performance, my observation of others and new ideas that were spawned of the trips we took.”
“Don’t think its just a class where you get to climb and that it or a class that you can sit around in. You have to learn trust, communication skills, trust building, you have to learn knots and understand their importance…etc.”
- This is advice to certainly take!!
“I think you should definitely say it’s a 3 credit class that only really earns you one credit.”
- Oh and I do, each and every semester!
“The amount of credit hours needs to be more than one because of how hard a person works in this class.”
- When someone's life is at stake by a person holding the other end of the rope, each person is going to learn what needs to be done to make the real risk lower, I am going to work you hard but you are only going to earn one credit but lifetime of memories.
“Emphasize that it is a physical class that requires some sort of fitness and that there will be trips outside of the class.”
- It's an activity class, what more can I say?
“I do not know how to add (or tell) the fun I had in this course to the upcoming semester classes.”
“Let them know, yes its beginners, yet its hardcore.”
“The strict and almost scary warnings on the website help you to really think if you’re up for the class and its requirements but make sure you ask Scott in person before you drop the class if that is what you are thinking.”
“I loved the class and I am sad its is ending. You really get to know your classmates and like them for who they are.”
