Climbing Classes

[TheCiscoKid]

Thought this might be the appropriate place to post this. Iv been considering the idea of starting some recreational climbing classes, that'd I'd instruct. There isnt anything in the areal that offers something like this. What would I need other than equipment? Would I have to be insured-or can I have people sign liability release forms like rock climbing classes? I figured someone here might have experience in this area and could offer me some insight.

Thanks!

 

[monkeylove]

Rock gyms still have insurance, the release is just CYA. If you slip and get a boo boo the release usally discourages trivial suits. If the rock comes unbolted and you fall then the release usally doesn't hold up if they can prove neglect on the gyms fault. The assumption is that the gym is in good working order and that they are not responsible for you doing something outside your physical or mental capacity.

 

[oldoakman]

Richard Mumford aka yoyoman would be able to help you out with this. Tree Climbers International has specific set requirements for their instructors. It certainly can be a liability nightmare.

 

[jmaher]

@yoyoman

 

[Richard Mumford-yoyoman]

Thought this might be the appropriate place to post this. Iv been considering the idea of starting some recreational climbing classes, that'd I'd instruct. There isnt anything in the areal that offers something like this. What would I need other than equipment? Would I have to be insured-or can I have people sign liability release forms like rock climbing classes? I figured someone here might have experience in this area and could offer me some insight.

Thanks!

Basically what our club, ATCC is all about. Join us or join our Facebook page. We have liability weavers and bylaws but we really focus on learning and climbing in an open minded way. We meet once a month and often have additional special events. I can't give you much guidance if you're talking about doing it to make money, our club is totally volunteer.

 

[Boomslang]

I feel as soon as you say you'll instruct you become liable because there's a certain amount of trust and knowledge attached to that. I'd sell it as a climbing club where like minded individuals come together to have fun....maybe participants will learn something along the way.

 

[moss]

There are a bunch of recreational tree climbing instructors around the country. Peter Jenkins/Tree Climbing International in Atlanta has been doing it for at least 25 years. Jenkins also teaches a tree worker course, more intensive than the rec course. You can find these teachers by doing a google search. Typically tree climbing instructors work their way through a systematic instructor program and prove their capability before they start teaching. Teaching a tree climber to be self-sufficient in the basic skills required to safely access trees is not as trivial as any experienced climber might think. At any rate, more power to you if you want to teach. Instructor insurance is a good idea, as mentioned previously waivers are a good thing to orient the students to potential dangers and their own responsibilities for their safety but do not protect you from a lawsuit.
-AJ

 

[Richard Mumford-yoyoman]

There are a bunch of recreational tree climbing instructors around the country. Peter Jenkins/Tree Climbing International in Atlanta has been doing it for at least 25 years. Jenkins also teaches a tree worker course, more intensive than the rec course. You can find these teachers by doing a google search. Typically tree climbing instructors work their way through a systematic instructor program and prove their capability before they start teaching. Teaching a tree climber to be self-sufficient in the basic skills required to safely access trees is not as trivial as any experienced climber might think. At any rate, more power to you if you want to teach. Instructor insurance is a good idea, as mentioned previously waivers are a good thing to orient the students to potential dangers and their own responsibilities for their safety but do not protect you from a lawsuit.
-AJ

Amen!

 

[TheCiscoKid]

Thanks for the insight guys! Going to dig deeper in the insurance end of things!

 

[TheCiscoKid]

Basically what our club, ATCC is all about. Join us or join our Facebook page. We have liability weavers and bylaws but we really focus on learning and climbing in an open minded way. We meet once a month and often have additional special events. I can't give you much guidance if you're talking about doing it to make money, our club is totally volunteer.

Nice! I will check this out!