2-Day Crack Climbing Clinic
2-Day Crack Climbing Clinic
- 4/19-4/20 in Moab, UT
- $599 per Person
- 5 Climbers per Instructor
Or call/text us at (916) 299-0711
Take your crack climbing to the next level!
This weekend will be jam-packed with crack climbing of all different sizes and configurations. With a 5:1 ratio limit, you will get tons of personalized coaching with plenty of flexibility to meet your individual needs!
We will be camping together, immersing ourselves in the landscape while sharing stories around the fire. Tents, dinner, and refreshments are provided.
While this will be a weekend focused on jamming and trad climbing skills we hope that the beauty of the scenery and time shared with new friends will leave a lasting impression that goes beyond climbing.
Who is this clinic for?
Anyone who wants to improve their crack climbing skills!
Itinerary
Day 0: We highly recommend that you arrive this evening so that you can get a good night’s sleep. You’re welcome to come to join us out at the campsite this night to save yourself the morning drive and get straight into the dirt 🙂
Day 1: We will meet at the crag or leave together from camp with bags already packed for a day of climbing. We’ll head to the wall and discuss some basic jams while setting up a variety of routes. You’ll climb your heart out and be coached on your technique from a nearby fixed-line. As we get tired we’ll discuss some trad gear placements and anchoring considerations. We’ll head to camp before sunset so you’ll have time to settle in before eating dinner and chatting around the fire.
Day 2: We’ll have breakfast in camp before heading to the crag for the day. Those needing to head out that night will need to pack up their belongings. We’ll go to a new crag based on what YOU want to focus on. On this day we will emphasize body positioning while moving up the cracks. There will also be potential for some mock leading and lead climbing at our discretion. As our energy for climbing wanes, we’ll do an introduction to self-rescue and answer any questions you may have. At the end of the day, we’ll exchange contact info before folks head home.
Extra Day!: This is optional and would incur an additional cost but if you’re free after the clinic why not stick around and climb a multi-pitch or get some mentorship on your trad climbing? Contact us after booking to secure this day.
What's Included?
- Campsite and tents to sleep in (including the night before and after clinic days)
- All ropes, cams, and technical equipment
- Non-stop stoke and instruction
- Simple Breakfast of oatmeal, bagels, and coffee
- Cooking Supplies if you’d like to make your own breakfast
- Refrigerated Storage for your breakfast and lunch foods
- All photos taken during the trip! Including top-down photos from a fixed line.
Not Included:
- Airfare
- Local travel/car rental
- Lunch food or snacks
- Travel/Trip Cancellation Insurance (recommended)
- Anything on the What to Bring tab
What to Bring
Climbing Gear:
- Harness
- Helmet
- Crack Climbing Shoes (an aggressive shoe will be really painful, contact us with questions!)
- Assisted Braking Belay Device (GriGri, Jul, etc)
- Crack Gloves (or Tape)
- Chalk Bag
- Belay Gloves (optional)
- Backpack (>30 liters)
Camp:
- Sleeping Bag and Pad
- Headlamp
- Toiletries + Medications
- Water Bottle
- Mug/Thermos for Coffee/Tea
Clothes:
- Warm Hat
- Sun Glasses
- Sun Shirt
- Sun Hat
- Thin Pants for climbing
- Solid Shoes for approaches
- Warm Puffy Jacket
- Long Underwear (nights can be cold!)
- Rain Coat
Food:
- Dinner on Saturday will be provided. If you are coming out Friday night or staying Sunday night please bring food.
- Oats, bagels, and coffee will be available but if you’d like to cook yourself something else you’re welcome to use our stoves and cooking supplies.
- Please bring your own lunch food.
Prerequisites
This clinic is for beginner and experienced outdoor crack climbers (up to 5.11) but is not recommended for brand-new climbers.
Here are some prerequisites:
- Top-Roping 5.9 outside or 5.10 in the gym.
- Competent top rope belay skills.
- Fitness for some steep approaches and long days at the crag.
Possible Course Locations
Next Course Details
- 4/19-4/20 in Moab, UT
- $599 per Person
- 4 Students per Instructor
Or call/text us at (916) 299-0711
stoked
Climbers!
EXCELLENT Based on 27 reviews Isaiah Poritz15 February 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a fantastic private instructional day with Kevin in El Potrero Chico! He did a wonderful job explaining the multipitch climbing process and identifying the reasons why it all works and is safe. We spent the first half of the day going over the ropes on the ground, and we spent the second half climbing. He was very thoughtful in trying to craft a day that would help me achieve my climbing goals! Louie Chen19 January 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I took a self-rescue clinic with Kevin as I was wanting to feel more confident with multi-pitch trips, and it definitely delivered. The clinic was originally a 2-day class, but since I was the only one that signed up, it turned into more of a 1-day private lesson, which I didn't mind at all. Kevin was very knowledgeable and encouraging on all the skills, and always had answers to all my questions. I got to practice everything to make sure I really understood it and though I don't expect to use most of the skills I learned anytime soon, I definitely got tons out of the experience and had a great time! Felipe Heidrich4 December 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My daughter and I had a fantastic time learning Trad Climbing with Vertical Pursuits! Our instructor, Kevin, was incredible – knowledgeable and clearly passionate about climbing. He went above and beyond, climbing alongside us and providing hands-on guidance to ensure we placed our protection correctly. He patiently taught us how to evaluate our placements and improve our technique for a safer and more confident climb. Highly recommended! Sara Pittman2 December 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our group hired Erik and Haley (plus they were joined by another guide, Etel, who was also awesome) to teach a 3 day course in bishop focused on sport, trad, multipitch, and self rescue. I loved every single day and feel like I got 1:1 training despite being in a big group. They both have such amazing, patient energy that made learning from them so easy! They met you where you were at skills and knowledge-wise and helped me navigate when it was time to sit back and practice more on the ground versus just trust my skills and knowledge and jump in and get climbing. Safety was a clear priority and Erik and Haley supervised at every step. I felt really safe while being pushed to try new things. Thanks guys, had an awesome weekend with you!!! Rebecca Frager15 November 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would recommend Vertical Pursuits. Kevin was knowledgeable, professional, and had a style that was easy to learn from. I would easily choose Vertical Pursuits again in the future. Elias Iristree24 October 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Man oh man, five stars is too low a score! 6/5 I took the Crack Clinic near Moab, and hot damn was it worthwhile. Expectations and hopes were sky high and they were absolutely exceeded. I learned a crap ton, saw incredible sights, and met a super varied and interesting group of folks. Kevin's teaching, knowledge, and stoke were a joy and a privilege to be around. I really couldn't recommend them more!! Fantastic experience A++ The only caveat to be mentioned is that an addiction to crack is no way discouraged. Take that as you will. Adrienne Levoy11 October 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I learned about Erik’s guiding services through the pipeworks gym community and hired him as a guide to take my mom and I on a mother-daughter multi pitch adventure at lovers leap for my mom‘s first multi pitch experience. It was a fantastic day of climbing, we had fun and felt very safe with Erik, as well as learning some new skills. In addition to providing safe belaying and videos and photos to commemorate our trip, Erik taught me some techniques for advancing my skills, gear placement techniques, and just generally provided a fun atmosphere for the day! My mom and I had a blast and I would recommend his services to anyone, beginner through advanced. He’s a very skilled guide and we felt safe in his hands. Brian Kaufman30 September 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently completed the two-day Intro to Big Wall course with Vertical Pursuits, and I couldn’t be more impressed. Our instructor, Kevin, went above and beyond by scouting out locations prior to the class to ensure the best possible experience for everyone. The setting was beautiful, and the course was exceptionally well planned and executed. Kevin taught the skills in a clear, understandable way while always prioritizing safety, which made me feel confident throughout the entire experience. If you're looking to learn big wall climbing, I highly recommend Vertical Pursuit. Moses Sedler24 September 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've attended a one-day intro to multi pitch course bed by Kevin. It was a very informative and enriching day of skill building that Kevin expertly led. Just recently Kevin guided myself and my 14 year old son on a full day single pitch sport climbing experience in the Bowman lake area. Kevin's presence, and knowledge combined for a really fun and rewarding day. I highly recommend Vertical Pursuits courses, and private guided experiences. Nicki H20 September 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had climbed with both Erik and Kevin on several sessions. They are knowledgeable, experienced and have a lot of enthusiasm. Safety of the climbers is their top priority. Even though I consider myself as somewhat of an experienced climber, I always learn new skills and invaluable lessons. I highly recommend them to anyone regardless of their levels to learn and improve climbing skills.