Lead Rock Climbing

Catalog description

Kinesiology 10A is designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to the skills, safety, terminology and equipment used in the activity of lead rock climbing. Lead climbing involves the climber placing protection to protect oneself as opposed to top roping ( KINES 10 ). This course also provides the knowledge base and experience the student needs to evaluate their continued safe participation in lead rock climbing including a strong group work ethic and practicing the responsibility, cooperation, and collaborative skills needed for safety in lead rock climbing. In Lead Rock Climbing, students are introduced to advanced climbing techniques such as: footwork, hand holds, and body positions and benefit from immediate encouragement and assessment from the group. Lead climbing challenges the climber to be more critically aware of making good decisions in clipping, route choice and direction, back-stepping if necessary, body positions, equipment use, and safety. This class delves more deeply into issues of kinesthetic awareness of the climber's relationship to the climbing surface and to gravitational forces when climbing. Students learn and practice proper physical aspects of climbing focusing on foundational training and conditioning through cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility movements. Important information on training practices, safety issues, injury prevention and treatment, and understanding the climbing environment are important aspects of the course. The climbing surface provides a conduit to promote lifelong wellness by engaging in the entire body and mind to be physically challenged and mentally stimulated. Rock climbing challenges the participant to take risks, to work with others to solve problems and to make informed decisions. Students may be exposed to a wide range of climbing opportunities including indoor and/or outdoor experiences including bouldering and more advanced rock climbing techniques.