Gym to Crag: Extensive Anchors

This class is aimed for climbers looking to get outside on their own, and are seeking instruction on how to set up extensive anchor systems using trad gear and natural anchors. This class teaches technical skills for building a variety of anchor types in areas where there are no fixed hardware/anchors.

The class will take place outdoors at a nearby crag between 1.5-2.5 hours away. The location is weather dependent but some examples are Pinnacle Rock, CT; Chatfield Hollow, CT; or Powerlinez, NY.

This class provides assessment tools for how to select the best anchor type for a given scenario. The course also covers cliff/edge management so participants can feel comfortable navigating a cliff edge while analyzing and setting up their systems.

  • Relevant Knots: Common knots used to build anchors; fix ropes to natural features

  • Natural Anchors: Trees, Boulders, V rigging system, assessment tools

  • Trad Gear Anchors: Trad gear assessment tools; How to place a variety of trad pieces

  • Common Top Rope Anchor Systems & Set Ups: V Rigging set up, self-equalizing anchors, pre-equalizing anchors

Prerequisites: 

  • Toprope certified at MetroRock Bushwick

  • Familiar and comfortable with basic principles of anchor building and familiar with some common knots used in climbing

  • Rappelling: Must be comfortable with setting up rappel device and rappelling outside (if not experienced, suggest anchors and rappelling class for students)

Materials Required: Harness, helmet, climbing shoes, food & water for an 8 hour day, layers/clothes appropriate for the weather, sun care, a backpack capable of holding personal climbing gear, water, food, extra layers, and provided materials. 

*Harness, helmet, and shoes are available from Metrorock if climbers do not have their own. 

Metrorock will provide all necessary equipment and materials needed for the course, however, students should bring any and all personal climbing gear such as slings, cords, draws, trad gear, etc. so they can become comfortable using their own equipment, rather than using provided equipment students may not have regular access to. 


Transportation: Transportation is provided by Metrorock. The group will meet at MetroRock at 7am for gear check and waiver collection. We leave promptly at 7:30am to head to the crag.

Must be at least 18 years old

3 Climbers : 1 Instructor with a 2-person minimum

Guests | $400

Members | $500


To schedule a course outside of the times on the calendar, email programs@metrorock.com.

Climbing is inherently dangerous. This class is intended to alleviate risk but does not eliminate it entirely.