Coopers Rock, WV
LOCATION
experience level
Top rope climbing and belay experience recommended
A full weekend of technical instruction, movement clinics, and plenty of climbing time on the unique American gritstone of Coopers Rock State Forest, West Virginia. Overlooking the beautiful Cheat River Valley, Coopers Rock is a hidden gem with hundreds of boulder problems and routes on highly featured, coarse sandstone. Hone your skills, camp on-site or stay in nearby Morgantown, and enjoy an immersive climbing trip to one of our favorite area crags.
This weekend-long event combines our Top Rope Anchors and Intermediate Rock Climbing classes into two full days of experiential learning and engagement with the rock—you’ll learn to build a variety of solid anchors, then put them to the test by climbing on them during movement and climbing technique clinics.
**Please note the fee includes instruction only; we recommend reserving a campsite in the Coopers Rock State Forest or staying in Morgantown if you prefer not to camp.
you'll learn
- Fundamental principles and current best practices for solid, redundant top rope anchors
- Anchor gear selection and use
- Intermediate to advanced top rope anchor setups (optional)
- Movement techniques unique to climbing outdoors, including basic crack climbing techniques; how to stand, smear, and smedge confidently on small and slippery feet; and weight shifting, balance, and body tension for efficient movement on poor holds
- How to read the rock, identify holds, and sequence your climbs
- Crag etiquette and outdoor ethics
what's included
- Personal climbing gear if needed (harness, helmet, shoes, belay device)
- All group climbing gear
- Optional bouldering and hiking
- Small-group instruction with the region's most trusted guides
- Camping and meals are NOT included in class fee
CURRENT DATES
- October 16-17
policies
ET Members and returning students—please email us at srmgpotomac@gmail.com first for your discount code!
COVID-19: We’ve been working closely with the Parks Service to ensure responsible recreation during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re keeping classes small, limiting shared gear and touch points and increasing sanitation on those that are impossible to avoid, encouraging social distancing, and requiring masks when social distancing is impossible. Please do not come to class if you have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case and/or if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, cough/sore throat, shortness of breath, new loss of taste or smell; contact us and we’ll work it out.
RAIN AND CANCELLATION POLICY: Outdoor courses are held rain or shine; instructors make the final judgement on whether the weather makes it impossible to continue. As a general rule, weather moves quickly in our region, our rock type dries quickly, and climbing in light rain is both possible and fun--as long as you bring the right attitude and a rain jacket. We will notify you ahead of time if an extended bad weather forecast makes rescheduling likely, and we will pause courses in progress for thunder and lighting or for excessive heat (over 100 degrees). Rescheduled courses and classes rained out before 1pm will receive a rain check. Otherwise, come prepared to climb and enjoy the outdoors.
Courses are non-refundable within 15 days of class date unless cancelled by SRMG East for weather or not meeting minimum enrollments.