Contrary to what some might think, it may seem like there’s no right or wrong way to bail.
Not so.
Knowing how to bail properly is, in fact, an art form – and Sam Hennessey will explain why.
Hennessey’s clinic entitled “The Fine Art of Bailing” will be one of the dozens of offerings available as part of the 2023 Arc’teryx Climbing Academy, running Aug. 24 to 27 in Squamish.
All in, there will be more than 30 clinics set against the breathtaking terrain in Sea to Sky country led by world-class Arc’teryx athletes like Hennessey.
Through workshops, clinics, seminars and socials, Arc’teryx Academies provide participants with a safe and supportive space to advance technical skills, boost confidence and learn from the best in the field while connecting with people who share a passion for the outdoors.
Picture showing up to a hockey camp and seeing Connor McDavid ripping up the ice or a soccer clinic led by Canadian international phenom Alphonso Davies.
This is the Arc’teryx advantage.
“What differentiates us from what guiding companies offer the remaining 360 days of the year is what our athletes bring: that stoke, that excitement, the storytelling and the things they’ve picked up along the way as they’ve collectively mastered the world of climbing,” explains Monika Tesiorowski, brand experience lead with Arc’teryx.
Outside of being hosted by Arc’teryx athletes, each clinic will include Canada West Mountain guides to ensure participant comfort and safety.
The clinics generally run from 7:30 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m. and are open to those aged 18 and up. Each offering will range from beginner to master level in skill and experience across five disciplines: traditional climbing, bouldering, mountain running, safety and sport climbing.
Outside of learning the fine art of bailing, some of the other course offerings include:
· Surviving Mountain Sports with Will Gadd
· I Need More Than Just a Pair of Shoes? Mountain Running with Eric Carter
· Get the Vert with Less Hurt with Emma Cook Clarke
· Love on the Rocks: A Journey of Exploration for Couples with Janelle Smiley
Women-specific clinics, adaptive clinics and affinity clinics for the 2SLGBTQ+ community include:
· Rockin' OUT: A Queer Climbing Day with Jordan Cannon
· Pushing Your Limits with Alannah Yip (Intermediate Women’s Bouldering)
· Adaptive Climbing with Craig DeMartino
Given that we are talking about mountains here, a premium is placed on safety and instruction above all else. Clinic leaders impress upon participants the very real need to know your gear, your terrain, your partner and how to communicate across every scenario.
“In climbing, there are several things you need to do 25 times with someone watching you before you should do it yourself,” Tesiorowski says. “It’s a sport that requires you to learn and practice, and that’s what we’re offering with very experienced oversight.”
Clinic previews go live on July 6 and will be available online at squamish.arcteryxacademy.com/clinics-info, with registration beginning at 12 p.m. PST on July 18.
