Community Events

2-Day 2SLGBTQ+ Intro to Rock Rescue

Presented in collaboration with The B.I.G Initiative

Date: Saturday May 10th - Sunday May 11th

Location: Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park

Are you a trans, non-binary, gender-queer or queer climber looking to gain knowledge in how to deal with an emergency situation in a rock climbing environment? Join ACMG Rock Guide Ren Lavergne (they/them) in the Skaha Bluffs for a two-day Intro to Rock Rescue course. Expect a principle-focused approach and lots of hands-on practice as we review tools and systems to manage common scenarios. This course is presented by The B.I.G Initiative. (Note that this course will run rain or shine). Course max is 6 people.

Subsidized cost: Minimum $40. If you would like to participate but it is not financially possible for you, please indicate that in the form. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Pre-requisites: Experience- Advanced. Participants should have lead climbing experience. Multipitch climbing experience (as follower or leader) is an asset but not necessary.

Required equipment: Backpack, helmet, harness, climbing shoes, belay device with locking carabiner (belay tube recommended), personal sling/lanyard/tether or PAS, anchor kit (120 cm sewn sling with 1 locking carabiner and 2 non-locking carabiners), Sterling Hollowblock (13.5") or 1.5m x 7mm accessory cord for rappel prusik, 5m x 7mm accessory cord, 60m single rope (One rope for each team of two), first aid kit, clothing appropriate for the day (including rain/wind layer), lunch, snacks and water, footwear (good approach / hiking shoes).

Need a ride? Missing some required gear? For any questions, please contact elaiza@thebiginitiative.com

Upcoming Events

Interest form open until April 1st

Due to course capacities, we can't guarantee everyone a spot.

Intro to Rock Climbing
This course is sponsored by SOS Pride

Date: Saturday March 29th at 9:00am - 5:00pm

Location: Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park

Join ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide Keenan Gibson (they/he) for a full-day course for people who are curious about outdoor rock climbing and want to test it out in an environment that promotes safety (physical & emotional), belonging and mutual support. Participants will learn the basics about outdoor rock climbing, including knots, top-rope systems, belaying, communication, risk assessment, safety procedures, management of equipment, and rock climbing movement skills. Course max is 6 people.

Subsidized sliding scale: $10-$60. If you would like to participate but it is not financially possible for you, please indicate that in the form. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Pre-requisites: None. This course is for beginners!

Required equipment: Helmet, harness, climbing shoes, belay device with locking carabiner. Please indicate in the form what gear you are missing and we can provide rentals.

Anchor Building and Cleaning

Date: Sunday March 30th at 9:00am - 5:00pm

Location: Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park

Join ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide Keenan Gibson (they/he) for a full-day anchor course. Participants will learn about best practices for single pitch anchor building, including how to tie different anchors, the pros and cons of each, communication, risk/hazard assessment, and safety procedures. You will also learn how to clean anchors when you arrive on top-rope. Course max is 6 people.

Subsidized sliding scale: $10-$60.

Pre-requisites:

• Familiar with basic climbing systems including safety checks and how to top-rope belay.

• Participants at any climbing grade level are welcome.

Required equipment: Helmet, harness, climbing shoes, belay device with locking carabiner, lanyard or personal anchor system with locking carabiner, single-pitch anchor kit (120 cm sewn sling, 4 locking carabiners)

Registration CLOSED

Registration CLOSED

QC X ROC Spring Community Climb

In March 2024 we teamed up with Queer Crushers Kelowna for a stellar spring climb day! Although we got rained out on our first attempt, the following day the group hit up Lower Red Tail at Skaha for a day of smiles, sunshine and sends!

Cross-Country Ski Day

We may be a climbing organization, but at heart we are just people who love the outdoors! In March 2024 we hit the runs and learned a new sport thanks to Rainbow Outdoor Collective who supplied passes, rentals and instruction for free for us at Nickel Plate Nordic Centre.

2024 Events

Arc'teryx x Gneiss New Kids on the Bloc

In May 2024, we were invited to host a booth at the Arc'teryx x Gneiss New Kids on the Bloc event. We held a butterfly rope coiling contest and were able to give some Arc'teryx swag out as prizes. We had lots of fun and are so happy that we got to attend along with some other great Okanagan climbing groups!

Intro to Rock Rescue

In July 2024, Nicole, an AMGA certified single pitch instructor, taught a course addressing rock rescue techniques. Emergencies happen without notice and injuries are all too common while climbing. This course allowed participants the opportunity to acquire practical companion-rescue skills to better prepare themselves for the what-ifs.

Intro to Mindset for Climbers

In July 2024, Nicole, an AMGA certified single pitch instructor, lead a workshop that focused on mental and emotional components that go along with climbing. The session helped participants work through mental challenges on the wall and practice both top rope and lead climbing falls.

Ecology for Climbers

In September 2024, Cole Hooper, a Masters student at UBCO focusing on climbing management, led a walk around White Lake Basin to learn more about cliff ecology. We learned how to be an environmentally conscious and responsible rock climber to help reduce the potential impact we have on the species of the cliffs, including bats and snakes.

QC X ROC Fall Community Climb

In October 2024 we teamed up with Queer Crushers Kelowna for a stellar fall climb day! The group hit up Reilly Rock and Windy Wall at Skaha to take advantage of the weather before winter comes!