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 Our Beginner Course's are NOT “supervised tourist climbing experiences” or a "climbing club outing", with dozens of people in a "class" constrained to give you only a taste of climbing without really providing effective instruction.
Our instructors have AMGA, LNT and WFR certification with years of climbing experience so you will receive professional instruction by qualified guides who make learning fun and exciting.
Our courses take place in some of the most beautiful climbing areas in the Southwest, and our student to instructor ratios are conducive to learning.
Beginner courses are held at a variety of locations (Fall, Winter, Spring) in North Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tucson, Queen Creek and Joshua Tree National Park. Summer courses are held near Prescott and Tucson. The schedule for our Beginner Courses is listed near the bottom of this page and on our Climbing Schedules link.
These course's are designed to provide personalized and comprehensive instruction at a basic level, allowing you to develop a solid foundation upon which to build more advanced climbing knowledge and skills. With a small student-to-instructor ratio you can expect to maximize your learning, safety, success and enjoyment as well as minimize impact on the Sonoran desert environment.
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Feel the excitement and adrenaline rush of your first outdoor rock climb! If you've never climbed before or have limited experience, this is the course for you. Rock climbing's special combination of mental and physical challenges make it a unique experience. Once you've tried it, you're hooked.
 The intrinsic rewards that come from combining concentration, agility, balance, strength and judgement are unequalled in any other sport. Nothing heightens the senses more than the combination of delight and relief that comes from reaching the top of a demanding rock climbing route. Whatever standard you rock climb at, from novice to expert, these feelings remain the same. The key lies in seeking out new and exciting challenges.
Curriculum begins with our specialized "ground school", in which we focus on the basics.
This includes:
...• Balance
...• Weight distribution
...• Energy conservation
...• Choreographing moves
...• Bouldering concepts
Note: You can expect to spend 30% of the day at "ground school" and 70% climbing.
These confidence-building exercises in balance, technique and trust are key to your individual progress and enjoyment of rock climbing.
Our instruction also includes detailed explanations on:
...• Equipment - proper use & care
...• Knots
...• Safety protocols
...• Hands-on belaying (not available on 1/2 Day Course)
...• Communication signals
...• Climbing terminology
The remainder of the day you are on top-rope protected climbs of up to 150 feet on high angled rock faces. Superior and personalized climbing instruction makes for a quality learning experience. Available as a one-day and half-day course. We also suggest taking our Beginner II, Intermediate Climbing Course and Anchors Course before you set out on your own. You will need a daypack (we rent daypacks if needed).
.......
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..$155 per person (1-Day Course)
|
| ..Dates |
..See schedule near the bottom of this page or click here |
| ..Class Size |
..Minimum 2 - Maximum 6 per Instructor |
| ..Discounts |
..REI Members $10 Off / Bring-A-Friend $10 Off |
| ..Ages |
..12 and Up (Call us for age restrictions) |
| ..Equipment |
..Included (rock shoes, harness, etc.) except daypack |
| ..Location |
..Scottsdale |
| ..Times |
..6:00 am - Summer / 8:30 am - Fall /Winter/Spring |
..Prerequisites
..Written Test |
..None
..Optional |
| ..Rating |
 |
| ..Course Info |
.Download our Introduction to Rock Climbing.
.Pre-Course Info & Testing Materials will be emailed
..to participant upon course sign-up
..recommended reading for the course above:
..• How to Rock Climb! (How To Climb Series) by John Long |
| ..Skills/Fun Factor |
.. ..Very High |
 A vital and essential part of the overall rock climbing experience.
After a brief review of the basic fundamentals, it's back to the rock to learn the fine art of setting up a safe and effective rappelling system. Done right, rappelling is a fantastic experience. Part of the initial thrill is fear, at least for most people. ACAS gives the student the opportunity to feel the excitement while at the same time learning and understanding the techniques involved in anchor systems and rappelling.
We'll cover the basic top rope anchoring system concepts - including artificial and natural anchor placements. Also included is information on ropes, carabiners, webbing, cordelettes, harnesses, rappelling devices and more.
As you continue to refine the basics, you'll encounter new and varied climbing opportunities and be exposed to more challenging rock. We also suggest taking our Beginner III Course (below), our extensive Intermediate Climbing Couse and/or Anchors Course before you set out on your own. Available as a one-day or half-day course for the serious beginner climber. You will need a daypack (we rent daypacks if needed).
.......
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..$155 per person (1-Day Course)
..$75 per person (1/2-Day Course - 1st Sunday of each month) |
| ..Dates |
..See schedule near the bottom of this page or click here |
| ..Class Size |
..Minimum 2 - Maximum 6 per Instructor |
| ..Discounts |
..REI Members $10 Off / Bring-A-Friend $10 Off |
| ..Ages |
..12 and Up (Call us for age restrictions) |
| ..Equipment |
..Included (rock shoes, harness, etc.) except daypack |
| ..Location |
..Scottsdale |
| ..Times |
..6:00 am - Summer / 8:30 am - Fall /Winter/Spring |
..Prerequisites
..Written Test |
..Beginner I Course
..Yes |
| ..Rating |
 |
| ..Course Info |
.Download our Introduction to Rock Climbing.
.Pre-Course Info & Testing Materials will be emailed
..to participant upon course sign-up
..recommended reading for the course above:
..• How to Rock Climb! (How To Climb Series) by John Long
..• How to Climb: Advanced Rock Climbing by John Long |
| ..Skills/Fun Factor |
....Very High |
 A combined two-day climbing course package with all of the above instruction - plus! An ideal learning experience for the hiker, backpacker and adventure racer who wants to take it to the next step! These courses are for people who have had little or no prior technical rock climbing experience, or for those who have climbed before but desire a thorough review of the basics. They are also appropriate for people whose climbing experience has been limited to the constrained environments of indoor gyms.
Our Beginner Course's are NOT “supervised tourist climbing experiences”, constrained to give you only a taste of climbing without really providing effective instruction. Our courses take place on real rock and our student to instructor ratios are conducive to learning.
This course is designed to provide comprehensive instruction at a basic level, allowing you to develop a solid foundation upon which to build more advanced climbing knowledge and skills. Curriculum begins with our specialized "ground school", in which we focus on the basics.
This includes; balance, weight distribution, energy conservation, choreographing individual moves and bouldering concepts. This confidence-building exercise in balance, technique and trust are key to your individual progress and enjoyment of rock climbing. Our instruction also includes detailed explanations on equipment and its proper use and care, knots, safety protocols, hands-on belaying, communication signals and terminology.
We'll cover rappelling and the basic top rope anchoring system concepts - including artificial and natural anchor placements. As you continue to refine the basics, you'll encounter new and varied climbing opportunities and be exposed to more challenging rock. We also suggest taking our Beginner III Climbing Course, Intermediate Climbing Course and/or Anchors Course before you set out on your own. You will need a daypack (we rent daypacks if needed).
.......
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..$299 per person (2-Day Course)
..Call us for private instruction cost |
| ..Dates |
..See schedule near the bottom of this page or click here |
| ..Class Size |
..Minimum 2 - Maximum 6 per Instructor |
| ..Discounts |
..REI Members $10 Off / Bring-A-Friend $10 Off |
| ..Ages |
..12 and Up (Call us for age restrictions) |
| ..Equipment |
..Included (rock shoes, harness, etc.) except daypack |
| ..Location |
..Scottsdale |
| ..Times |
..6:00 am - Summer / 8:30 am - Fall /Winter/Spring |
..Prerequisites
..Written Test |
..None
..Yes |
| ..Rating |
|
| ..Course Info |
.Download our Introduction to Rock Climbing.
.Pre-Course Info & Testing Materials will be emailed
..to participant upon course sign-up
..recommended reading for the course above:
..• How to Rock Climb! (How To Climb Series) by John Long
..• How to Climb: Advanced Rock Climbing by John Long
|
| ..Skills/Fun Factor |
....Very High |
 This is our "all about the climbing" course with an emphasis on improving flexibility, learning about injury prevention and refining face climbing techniques. This course is designed for the beginner climber who has already taken our Beginner I & II Climbing Course or has equivalent knowledge and proficiency in belaying, knot tying, rappelling and anchor set-ups
Course Objectives:
1. Safe stretching techniques for the muscle groups commonly stressed/injured while rock climbing.
2. An understanding of how to prevent and care for injuries commonly incurred while rock climbing (sprains, strains, tendonitis and other joint/muscle injuries).
3. Improvement in face and crack climbing techniques.
4. An ability to assess one’s strengths and weaknesses as a beginning climber.
After a brief review of safety and belaying protocols be prepared to spend the entire day climbing, climbing and more climbing! Climbs will vary from 5.6 to 5.9. Available as a one-day or half-day course.
We also suggest taking our Intermediate Climbing Course and Anchors Course before you set out on your own.
.......
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..$155 per person (1-Day Course) $175 pp for Private
|
| ..Dates |
..See schedule near the bottom of this page or click here |
| ..Class Size |
..Minimum 2 - Maximum 6 per Instructor |
| ..Discounts |
..REI Members $10 Off / Bring-A-Friend $10 Off |
| ..Ages |
..12 and Up (Call us for age restrictions) |
| ..Equipment |
..Included (rock shoes, harness, etc.) except daypack |
| ..Location |
..Scottsdale / Prescott |
| ..Times |
..6:00 am - Summer / 8:30 am - Fall /Winter/Spring |
..Prerequisites
..Written Test |
..Beginner I & II or equivalent
..No |
| ..Rating |
|
| ..Course Info |
.Download our Introduction to Rock Climbing.
..recommended reading for the course above:
..• How to Rock Climb! (How To Climb Series) by John Long
..• How to Climb: Advanced Rock Climbing by John Long
|
| ..Skills/Fun Factor |
.. ..High |
Are you tired of the crowded and noisy indoor walls where you learned to climb? Feel the need for fresh air and excitement?
We can show you how easy it is to do this safely, you might have heard how different it is outside? Its true! You need to learn the basics of outdoor ropework, anchor setups, equipment limitations and much more. Designed for the indoor rock gym climber who is looking to expand his or her climbing experience. This course is for the entry to mid-level indoor climber in need of a solid foundation of skills from belaying to rappelling to top rope anchoring methods, and the many variations of these systems.
Following this comprehensive course and evaluation, climbers will be comfortable setting up their own top roped climbs without expert supervision. The day will be packed with instruction, practical application, full systems reviews, and climbing. Note: This course does not cover trad or sport lead instruction or trad gear placement.
Learn how indoor and outdoor climbing compliment each other and how real rock adds a third dimension to climbing. We also suggest taking our Lead Climbing Course, Intermediate Climbing Course and/or Anchors Course before you set out on your own. You will need a daypack (we rent daypacks if needed).
This is a one day (condensed) or two day course for the experienced indoor climber only.
.......
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..$245 per person (1-Day Course)
..$315 per person (2-Day Course) |
| ..Dates |
..See schedule near the bottom of this page or click here |
| ..Class Size |
..Minimum 2 - Maximum 6 per Instructor |
| ..Discounts |
..REI Members $10 Off / Bring-A-Friend $10 Off |
| ..Ages |
..12 and Up (Call us for age restrictions) |
| ..Equipment |
..Included (rock shoes, harness, etc.) except daypack |
| ..Location |
..Scottsdale |
| ..Times |
..6:30 am - Summer / 8:30 am - Fall /Winter/Spring |
..Prerequisites
..Written Test |
..Indoor Climbing Gym Experience
..Yes |
| ..Rating |
 |
| ..Course Info |
.Download our Introduction to Rock Climbing.
.Pre-Course Info & Testing Materials will be emailed
..to participant upon course sign-up
..recommended reading for the course above:
..• How to Rock Climb! (How To Climb Series) by John Long
..• How to Climb: Advanced Rock Climbing by John Long
|
| ..Skills/Fun Factor |
....High
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 Rock climbing is easily the fastest growing and most exciting of all outdoor adventure activities. Talk to someone who has experienced the simple yet intense pleasure of climbing a vertical, sun warmed rock face and you will hear why this sport can be so addictive!
Rock climbing is not about using shear physical strength to conquer or subdue a rock wall nor is it a life or death struggle to get to the top.
Climbing on rock is like a vertical ballet, where one must perform with grace and efficiency while combining both physical and mental abilities to achieve agility and balance. The modern sport of rock climbing has evolved rapidly with advances in techniques and equipment making it much safer as well as more enjoyable and satisfying. Judging by the momentum, the rock climbing revolution has only just begun and the good news is that you can be part of it too!
ACAS has been at the forefront of professional rock climbing instruction and guiding for over eighteen years and we strive to offer our students the finest and most innovative climbing courses and outdoor adventures available anywhere!
In a world of growing adventure sports, people are entering the sport of climbing without fully comprehending its true dangers. Climbing has begun to take on a Hollywood image, separating it from a need for practice and instruction, which leads us to our main point – Instruction is required!
In the past, climbers developed their skills through years of mentoring and exposure to a variety of environments and risks. Today, due to the proliferation of indoor artificial climbing walls, the demographics of climbing are changing. New climbers now rapidly develop the technical expertise to ascend difficult climbs through intensive indoor training. However, they often lack the breadth of experience that builds a foundation to deal with outdoor climbing environments such as the variety of natural rock climbing surfaces, heights (most climbing walls do not exceed 20 to 40 feet in height), natural anchor set-ups, wildlife and weather.
So DON'T learn from a friend – call us for the most comprehensive, experienced and personalized rock climbing instruction in the Southwest!
Our instructors are all active climbers, canyoneers and backpackers.
Our staff are among the best in the Southwest. They become full instructors after one year of rigorous training, testing and field work during which they learn ACAS's safety procedures, curriculum, process, technical standards, interpersonal/educational methods, and low impact backcountry techniques.
Our select staff are former instructors or graduates of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and/or Outward Bound School! Their years of climbing and teaching have made them unequalled in safety and experience. Climbing and wilderness adventures are more than our business, it's our way of life!
Depending on the season and the course, in Spring and Summer you need only bring shorts, t-shirt (backup sweatshirt), cap, daypack, running shoes and or light hiking boots, fastener if you wear glasses, sunblock, disposable camera and personal items.
For Fall and Winter you need to bring loose fitting pants or lycra tights, daypack, polartec type jacket, cap, and windbreaker. Bring your lunch, snacks, plenty of water, and a daypack (we can also rent you a daypack for $5 per person per day) to keep items together. If you have your own gear (shoes, harness, atc, etc.) - bring them. There are no restroom facilities at the climbing site.
NOTE:
*Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI).
REI members must show proof of membership to receive discounts.
**Bring-A-Friend (BAF) discounts apply to weekend courses only
*Monday - Friday Course Specials - BAF and REI discounts do not apply
Articles and news stories featuring the Arizona Climbing and Adventure School have appeared in The Arizona Republic newspaper, Alaska Airlines Magazine, Frontdoors magazine, National Geographic Adventure magazine, and AAA Highroads magazine. FOX network television (Channel 10 - Phoenix) and CBS KPHO televison (Channel 5 - Phoenix).
The activities described on this web site carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. Rock climbing and rappelling are inherently dangerous. The owners and staff of the Arizona Climbing and Adventure School do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, are knowledgeable about the risks involved, and are willing to personally assume all responsibility associated with those risks.
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january
2013
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..beginner I – 5, 19, 26
..beginner II – 6, 20, 27
..indoor to real rock – 12 & 13
..beginner III – 19
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july
2013
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..beginner I – 13, 27
..beginner II – 14, 28
..indoor to real rock – 27 & 28
..beginner III – 27
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february
2013 |
..beginner I – 2, 16, 23
..beginner II – 3, 17, 24
..indoor to real rock – 16 & 17
..beginner III – 9
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august
2013
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..beginner I – 10, 24
..beginner II – 11, 25
..indoor to real rock – 10 & 11
..beginner III – 11
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march
2013 |
..beginner I – 2, 9, 16, 23
..beginner II – 3, 10, 17, 24
..indoor to real rock – 16 & 17
..beginner III – 16
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september
2013
|
..beginner I – 14, 28
..beginner II – 15, 29
..indoor to real rock – 28 & 29
..beginner III – 29
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april
2013 |
..beginner I – 6, 13, 20, 27
..beginner II – 7, 14, 21, 28
..indoor to real rock – 20 & 21
..beginner III – 21
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october
2013
|
..beginner I – 12, 26
..beginner II – 13, 27
..indoor to real rock – 26 & 27
..beginner III – 27
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may
2013 |
..beginner I – 4, 11, 18, 25
..beginner II – 5, 12, 19, 26
..indoor to real rock – 25 & 26
..beginner III – 26
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november
2013
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..beginner I – 2, 16, 23
..beginner II – 3, 17, 24
..indoor to real rock – 23 & 24
..beginner III – 24
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june
2013 |
..beginner I – 1, 15, 29
..beginner II – 2, 16, 30
..indoor to real rock – 15 & 16
..beginner III – 16
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december
2013
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..beginner I – 7, 14, 21, 28
..beginner II – 8, 15, 22, 29
..indoor to real rock – 21 & 22
..beginner III – 22
|
 To sign up for a course call or email us to check availability. If a course is open click on the On-line Application Form or go to our application and map (meeting point) site, print out both the Application (PDF), Map and Waiver. Fill out the application and fax or mail it to us (don't fax the waiver, just bring it the day of your course).
 Note: *Summer courses start at 6:00 a.m. - October thru April Beginner courses start at 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 depending upon weather at the designated pick-up point. Call us the day before your course starts to verify start time. Bring your own snacks, lunch, water, sunblock and wear appropriate clothing. Camera (disposable), writing pad and pen are recommended.
*Summer courses - May 1 thru September 30.
course cancellations
While it is unlikely, if the Arizona Climbing and Adventure School cancels a course due to insufficient reservations or conditions beyond our control (weather, etc.); alternate dates or refunds will be given as preferred. If you cancel within 14 days prior to your session, rescheduling your course can be expected. There are no refunds on gift certificates. If you fail to show at the designated meeting place at the appointed time you will be charged for the course - there are no exceptions. If you would like to reschedule within 48-hours of the course's starting date, you may do so. To receive a full monetary refund (minus a 20% handling fee), 14 days notice is required (expect a refund within 2 billing cycles or 60-days of your course date). You may also want to purchase travel insurance due to cancellations – click here for more information.
liability
Although we spare no effort to assure a safe program, we can assume no responsibility for your safety or loss of personal equipment. In a sport of this nature an element of risk is inherent and beyond human control. A signed release (waiver) will be required of all participants. A parent or guardian release is required for students under the age of 18. These can be obtained in advance by contacting our office or downloading from our website.
health benefits of climbing:
For a rock climber, reaching the top is not the point.
Like rearing children, rock climbing is the journey that matters most if you are climbing for fitness.
Whether their journey lasts two hours or two days, rock climbers can benefit from a mental workout as well as a physical one, according to competitive climber Michelle Hurni, president of the Colorado-based American Sport Climbers Federation (ASCF). Physically, rock climbing burns fat while strengthening muscles if pursued at a vigorous pace. Mentally, rock climbers exercise their ability to focus fully on a single task, an increasingly rare occurrence in this age of multitasking.
Climbers also get practice confronting their fears- the fear of heights, the fear of falling, the fear of equipment failure. Ultimately, the sport can improve your self-confidence - if you learn how to climb safely, that is.
how many calories will rock climbing burn?
Ascending a natural rock wall burns up to 700 calories an hour if you weigh 140 pounds or up to 974 calories an hour if you weigh 190 pounds. Rock-climbing sessions tend to last at least six or seven hours.
further advantages:
In addition to offering an anaerobic and aerobic workout, rock climbing exercises almost every muscle group, according to Hurni of the ASCF. Rock climbing two or more times a week improves your strength, muscular and cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and mental toughness. click here for more info
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