Rock climbing can be a fun, athletic activity, but it does require instruction to avoid injury. Luckily for West Virginians, there is a school that will turn a novice rock climber into an expert.
Seneca Rocks, known as West Virginia's only true peak, is a line of exposed, rocky crags rising from the forested hillside like jagged teeth. It is the most popular destination for rock climbers in West Virginia, so it makes sense that it is also home to a rock climbing school. The school also has a gear shop for all the items a rock climber may need.
Seneca Rocks Climbing School has been operating since 1971, teaching both adults and children the art of rock climbing through a series of nine courses that leads students from a novice to a certified teacher.
The courses begin with Rock Climbing 101, designed for beginners, which includes inside instruction on a rock wall. The course lasts 2 to 3 days. This is followed up by Gym to Crag (Climbing 201), which moves the instruction to outdoor climbing.
The courses then move on to Climbing 301, which really tests your skills as a climber and builds on the previous two courses. Become faster and master the art of multi-pitch climbing.
This is followed by Learn to Lead (Climbing 401), which helps you become a more independent climber. So, what happens if something goes wrong on a solo climb? Self Rescue (Climbing 501), addresses this possibility and teaches you how to solve any problems you may encounter if you need to get yourself out of a jam.
Also available is a private guiding course that allows you to plan your personal climb with a climbing expert, and a woman's only instruction course designed for beginning to advanced climbers.
Once you have passed the previous courses (the last two not included), you may decide that you want to teach rock climbing to others. Here's where the AMGA (American Mountain Guide Association) Single Pitch Instructor Program comes in. Here, you will learn how to instruct other climbers as you have been instructed. This is followed by the AMGA Assessment, a two-day exam that will demonstrate your ability to teach and lead.
The school has nine instructors/guides to lead you through your rock climbing curriculum. All the instructors are AMGA certified and maintain a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification. Additionally, the school makes it a point to hire individuals who also have a background in education. It is important to them to hire the best instructors they can find to teach a curriculum that is both challenging and fun.
So, if you have the desire to go rock climbing, but lack the necessary skills, this school is the best place to attend in West Virginia.
Seneca Rocks Climbing School is located at 27 Allegheny Dr. in Seneca Rocks.
For a more detailed description of each course, and class fees, visit the SRCS website here. You can register for courses on the website. Also, be sure to check out the About tab on the website for information on what clothing and accessories to bring. Climbing equipment will be provided, but any other items will not.
Have you attended the Seneca Rocks Climbing School, or know someone who did? Feel free to comment below and tell us about your visit.
Are you looking for more adventure high above the ground? Check out this terrifying footbridge that will make your stomach drop.
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