GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY. School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. PRLS 118 Intermediate Rock Climbing. Spring Arlington, Va.

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1 GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism PRLS 118 Intermediate Rock Climbing Spring 2010 DAY/TIME: T 5:45 6:45 p.m. Sun 9-5 LOCATION: AC 112 Great Falls NP., Va. Instructor: John Woodson ADDRESS: climbingjohn@gmail.com OFFICE LOCATION: Arlington, Va. PHONE NUMBER: OFFICE HOURS: M-F 12 6 p.m FAX NUMBER: PREREQUISITES N/A PRLS 117 EQUIPMENT FEES: Lab Fees: Bring a $100 check written to: GMU Acct # Fees are due first day of class. COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is for individuals that want to build on their current level of outdoor climbing knowledge. The course will involve activities to teach techniques, equipment, and safety practices for top rope belay climbing, rappelling, self rescue, basic haul systems and climbing site management. COURSE OBJECTIVES

2 At the completion of this course students should be able to: 1. Explain and demonstrate the different ways one can set up a top rope anchor system. 2. Explain and be able to set up a releasable rappel. COURSE OVERVIEW 3. Explain and be able to perform a belay escape. 4. Explain and be able to perform a simple haul system. 5. Demonstrate a knowledge of basic climbing rescue techniques. Students will learn the basic fundamentals of setting up top rope anchor systems and basic rescue techniques in an outdoor climbing area. Due to the technical nature of the subject students must meet the following requirements: 1. Participate in all lab exercises at Great Falls National Park, Virginia. All labs start promptly at 9:00 and end at 5:00 pm. No makeup day will be offered! 2. Students must provide own transportation to off campus sites. 3. Wear active clothing that does not limit motion and is appropriate for the day s weather conditions. (No Open Toed Shoes, Cotton Clothing and dress in layers) 4. Bring to class a raincoat or waterproof breathable parka, extra layers, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, day pack, healthy lunch and two liters of water and any medications needed to maintain health. All labs will be held at Great Falls regardless of weather conditions. 5. Policy on alcohol and/or drug use. Students must show up sober and leave sober. 6. Read and sign all waivers and medical release forms. 7. Adhere to all off site locations rules and policies. 8. Two built in rain days are available but are seldom used due to the nature of this course. This course is allocated to run until May 2. We will attempt to finish by Apr. 18. We will be going to several outdoor climbing sites at Great Falls National Park VA. Several people die each year at this park by not adhering to the park s safety rules. Students violating any of the park s safety rules or those of the instructor will result in removal from class and a final grade of F.

3 REQUIRED READINGS Handouts will be supplied when and if needed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BOOKS Graydon, D. (1997). Freedom of the hills. Seattle Washington. The Mountaineers Books** Luebben, C. (2002). Knots for Climbers. (How to Climb Series). Guilford, Connecticut. The Globe Pequot Press* * (found in Outdoor Stores like Dick s, REI, Hudson Trail Outfitters and Eastern Mountain Sports) ** (found in Barnes and Nobles or Borders Bookstores.) EVALUATION This course will be graded on a point system, with a total of 100 possible points. Requirements Points Exam #1 Final Exam 40 Participation 60 TOTAL 100 Grading Scale A = B+ = C+ = D = A- = B = C = F = 0 59 B- = C- = TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

4 Date Topic Location and time T Mar Sun Mar Sun Mar Sun Apr Sun Apr 16Introduction, overview 21Review Top rope anchors 28Top rope anchors and belay escapes 4Top Belays and releasable rappels 11Basic Rescue and Haul systems Sun Apr 18Floating Rain Day X 2 Sun Apr 25Final Exam AC 112 at 5:45-6:45pm Note: Faculty reserves the right to alter the schedule as necessary. DIRECTIONS TO OFF CAMPUS SITES GREAT FALLS VA From GMU take 620 East (Braddock rd) to 495 Take 495 North towards Maryland Take exit 44 Georgetown Pike Rt Turn left at stop light at the top of the exit ramp.

5 Follow Georgetown Pike several miles until you reach another stop light (Aprox. 4miles.) Turn right at stop light (you should see the brown signs telling you to turn right for Great Falls Park) Follow this road until you reach the entrance for Great Falls Park Pay the nice Ranger! ($5 per car unless you have a Great Falls or National Park pass or you can purchase an annual pass for $25) Immediately after the front grate take the first right into the climbers lot. Park here All students are held to the standards of the George Mason University Honor Code [See University policy states that all sound emitting devices shall be turned off during class unless otherwise authorized by the professor School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism Students with disabilities who seek accommodations in a course must be registered with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) and inform the instructor, in writing, at the beginning of the semester [See

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