Climbing Classes

Learning the proper techniques and use of climbing equipment opens up a whole new world of exciting adventure, and provides new feelings of confidence. The proper techniques, balance, and control are more important to climbing than superhuman strength or hundreds of dollars worth of gear. For more than 20 years, the Texas Mountaineers have safely provided instruction to North Texas area outdoor enthusiasts interested in learning about this exciting, challenging sport.

Texas Mountaineers holds multiple classes each spring and fall at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. These classes are devoted to the development of safe climbing practices and climbing techniques for beginner and novice climbers. Each class consists of an evening classroom session at least a week prior to the outdoor session. In the outdoor session, two students are paired with one instructor and one assistant for personalized, one-on-one training. If needed, the club can provide all climbing gear except the student’s climbing shoes and camping gear (which can be rented in local recreational equipment stores).

Beginner Class – $95

The Beginner Class assumes no prior experience and you MUST be at least 18 years of age.

The primary purpose of the Beginner Class is to provide a safe and enjoyable introduction to rock climbing. All climbs during the beginner class are top-roped. Students will be taught the following climbing concepts:

proper use of climbing equipment
basic climbing techniques
belaying techniques
rappelling techniques
proper use of climbing signals between climber and belayer
proper stance
balance and control
setting up top-rope anchors
different types of climbs (faces, cracks, chimneys, dihedrals)

Anchors Class – Free

The purpose of this class is to build on the foundation of SERENE anchors that was introduced during the Beginners Class and provide a hands-on opportunity to build anchors using natural features and gear in a no-risk environment while supervised. The desired outcome is to enable climbers to be capable of independently constructing SERENE anchors for top-roping. Minimum qualification to participate in the class is completion of the Beginners Class or equivalent training. Completion of this class fulfills one of the prerequisites for the Introduction to Trad Class.

Introduction to Trad – $80

The Introduction to Trad class incorporates the skills the student has learned from the Trad Anchor Class, “Time on the Rock” and experience from the other requirements stated below, students will follow the instructor on multi-pitch climbs and learn the technical aspects of placing good protection.

Depending on the students skill and comfort level they may perform a “simulated lead” and or an actual trad lead.

This class is for the serious student that wants to move to the next level of climbing and gain the freedom of the crag. Prospective students are evaluated by their actions and must have achieved or demonstrated the below requirements and have accumulated some portion of a gear rack.

If the student is new to climbing, it is recommended they climb for 6 months prior to taking the Introduction to Trad Class to develop the necessary skills.
A climbing resume is to be submitted to the class leader; to determine frequency on the rock. The recommendation is: the student is climbing once per month outdoors.
The student has:
- completed Beginner Class or equivalent (equivalent to be determined by the class leader and/or Members of the Eboard).
- completed the Trad Anchor Class or equivalent (equivalent to be determined by the class leader and/or Members of the Eboard).
- taken the Sport Lead Class or equivalent (equivalent to be determined by the class leader and/or Members of the Eboard).
The Student volunteers as an assistant instructor for one of the following:
- Two days assisting at a Beginner Class.
- If they have taken the Anchor Class, the student volunteers at an ensuing Anchor Class and at one indoor portion of the Beginner Class.
The Student shall participate in the indoor portion of the Introduction to Trad Class and demonstrate the skills necessary set forth in the Introduction to Trad Class document.
Gear requirements per Introduction to Trad Class document.

Sport Anchor Cleaning and Lead Class – $60

The objective is to demonstrate and teach students basic belaying of a sport leader and how to clean sport route anchors. At the Crag, the leading aspect is demonstrated by instructors prior to the students leading routes.
Student must have completed the Beginner Class or equivalent (equivalent to be determined by class leader and/or Members of the Eboard).
Student has experience and is comfortable belaying with an ATC or Gri-Gri.
IMPORTANT: Student should arrive at the class prepared with a solid understanding of gear and knots (per class syllabus page 3) required for this level of climbing.
Gear requirements per Class document

Signing Up

If you are interested in joining the Beginner or Introduction to Trad classes, please contact our training instructors to determine class availability. Please note, a Texas Mountaineers membership is required before taking any of our classes. If you have any questions, check out our faqs & guidelines page or feel free to send us an email. We will send you more details about the classes we offer.

Beginner Class Fee: $95 for individuals, $175 for couples; Introduction to Trad Class Fee: $80; Sport or Trad Leading Classes Fee: $60.

Check our Calendar for the upcoming dates on available climbing classes and clinics.

Cancellation Policy:

TM Cancellation and Refund Policy

The following cancellation and refund policy will apply for TM organized events that require registrants
to prepay TM unless otherwise stated in official TM publication for a specific event.

Cancellation by TM
TM will attempt to hold all scheduled events/activities unless the TM event organizer, in his/her sole
discretion determines it is necessary to cancel.
Weather conditions will not always result in cancellation of an event, but, if weather or another reason
results in an event cancellation by TM, then TM will notify registrants via the e-mail provided in his/her
registration as early as possible.
When an event is cancelled by TM for weather or other reasons, the registrant will receive a credit
toward a future scheduled TM event with open registration.

Cancellation by Registrant
If there is a waiting list with an approved registrant to fill an open spot at the time of cancellation, then
registrant will be eligible for a full refund.

Otherwise, the following will apply:

Cancellations received in writing at least 15 days prior to the event are eligible for a full refund.
Cancellations received in writing at least 3 days, but up to 14 days prior are eligible for a 50% refund.
Cancellations received within 3 days of an event are not eligible for a refund.