Experience with REI anchorbuilding classes?
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Hi all, |
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We travel, so I have been to many different REI's. Some have extremely knowledgeable folks, some not so much. So if you have had good experiences at your REI, you have the time and money, I'd go for it. |
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REI has done a pretty good job of stepping up their outdoor instructional courses in the last several years. I've meet a few folks who took their courses and they were all pretty competent climbers, and for the value, I would think that the course is worth it. |
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So REI's secret (or not so secret) is that they often use other guides under their brand name. Essentially a "private label" guide who has a full-time job with another service. These guides aren't allowed to talk to their clients about who they "actually" work for, and sport REI gear head to toe. The one's I've encountered are highly qualified. |
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I did the anchor building class. It was at Stony Point and all we did was build anchors. It really had nothing to do with "trad". It was more for top roping. Building anchors off natural protection and bolts. Its a good class if you know nothing or have read nothing about building anchors. If i was to do it again i would have done an intro class with Vertical Adventures. |
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Thanks for the info all :) |
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I took the REI Anchors class, It was about how to safely place gear, and they did refer things a bit to building top rope anchors with gear. They ended the class with rappelling off of bolts. There was zero climbing during the class. |