1e. Rock Climbing Fundamentals

Physical Education

Learn the fundamentals of rock climbing from an experienced instructor at Rocky Top Climbing. This eight session course will cover climbing safety/etiquette and establish a strong foundation of basic techniques. Participants will explore various training strategies which can be implemented individually to enhance personal climbing adventures going forward.


Parents will need to sign Rocky Top's wavier for students to climb at the gym. Parents are also responsible for student transport to and from the climbing gym.  Course fee includes access to the gym and shoe rental. If you have a gym membership, you should enroll in the gym member version of this course for a reduced fee.

Instructor: Reed Weatherill

Born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, I've lived in Charlottesville for the better part of the last 6 years. I started dabbling with rock climbing with friends in high school, scrambling around the boulders and cliffs in the Hickory Nut Gorge. My passion for climbing solidified during my time as a student at UNC Chapel Hill, where I worked at the campus climbing walls while earning a BA in Linguistics. Over my 12 years of climbing and traveling since then I have bouldered all across the US, worked as a zipline guide in Alaska for two summers, coached a youth climbing club in NC and have spent the last year working at Rocky Top Climbing. Climbing is a beautiful and difficult sport that requires strength, flexibility, creativity and problem-solving. In this class we'll cover fundamental climbing techniques and safety while playing games, doing drills and developing specific challenges for each child as they gain a better understanding and appreciation of climbing. All levels of experience and physical ability are welcome!