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Climbing Sampler

 You have seen climbing and have a group that wants to see what talk is all about. The Climbing Sampler is for those groups with first-timers and occasional climbers that don't necessarily want to take skills away with them, just climb safely for the afternoon. We provide the equipment and a safe way to protect all climbers with little instruction.

We will teach you about the gear that climbers use and how they use it. Like all of our classes you will learn by doing. Hand jams, lie-backs, smears...a taste of the vertical world is what you will get. No experience is necessary.

 The Virginia Outdoor Center will provide all of the technical equipment; helmets, harness, ropes, carabiners. We do ask that you bring the following items to make your day of climbing more enjoyable:

Equipment List

  1. Comfortable Clothes: Your clothes should be comfortable enough to do a lot of moving in. Pants should be loose; sweats or tights or something that will allow you to step up high. Shorts should have long inseams so that they will stay under your harness. Lose fitting shirts or tank tops should be worn as well. All Clothing Will Get Dirty!
  2. Shoes: Your shoes will have an affect on your climbing performance. For climbing, try to pick a pair that fits very tight. Running shoes are bad because they have such a wide foot platform for stability. A pair that has a snug fit and are able to get dirty are the best choice. You may want to bring an extra pair, more hiking boot style, to wear for the approach to the crag.
  3. Food: Bring a lunch that you can hike in and eat at the crag, and a minimum of one quart of water - no glass please.
  4. Personal Gear: Camera, Lip balm, Sun screen, Insect repellent, Sun glasses, or anything else you may want to have in your pack for a day out.
  5. Warm Clothing: We do not teach climbing in the rain, but we do teach in the cool weather, so bring appropriate warm clothes in the event that the climate turns cold.

We meet at the city maintained pull-off on River Rd.  *Directions are below. 

        *From I-95 take Rt. 3 west. Take a right at the third light onto Bragg Rd.

*Go about one mile and take a left onto River Rd. Follow River Rd. about a half-mile and park at the dirt pull-off on the right side. If you see Clore Bros. Canoe Outfitters, you have gone too far. Call, or email at info@playva.com, with any direction questions!

Cost: $35 per person

Group Size: 8 minimum, 12 maximum