Advanced Mountaineering Program (AMP12) - Fall 2015

  • Updated: October 18, 2015
  • Post By: Matthew Hengst


The Sierra Club Advanced Mountaineering Program or AMP was started in 2009 by Dan Richter and Pat McKusky to teach basic and advanced mountaineering skills with the goal of promoting safe climbing and train a new generation of club leadership.  While it's primarily targeted to WTC graduates and Sierra Club leaders anyone is welcome.  It's run twice a year in the spring and fall and staffed by an array of hard working volunteers.

This post covers the Fall 2015 AMP class.  More posts about AMP can be found here.  More information on AMP and instructions on how to sign up can be found here.

Class 1: Climbing Basics In Pasadena

The first class is all about getting to know all the students and introducing basic safety systems.  Unlike the other classes this is held on a weeknight in a church up in Pasadena.  After this all instruction happens outdoors.


Dan & Pat explaining the course and kicking off introductions




Class 2: Belaying At Stoney Point


Staff setting up top ropes on Boulder 2

The students arrive at 8 and class begins around Boulder 2.  After a quick talk and demonstration it's time to climb.


After covering standard device belay and getting a chance to climb we head up the hill to work on other skills.


Dan demonstrating an old school hip belay and discussing the drawbacks
Tohru explaining a munter belay



Class 3: Rappelling At Stoney Point


Part of the rigging crew starts off the day very early at the local Starbucks


Hauling back the gear at first light


First it's time for ground school
Everyone gets to see and practice device, munter, and dulphersitz rappels under close supervision













Normally we'd head over to a climbing area but due to the high temperatures we called class a little early.


Class 4: Joshua Tree Weekend


Saturday is all about anchor building
Anne Marie demonstrating natural anchor options

Hands on practice building anchors
Slinging boulders for redundant natural anchors
And lastly students setting their own anchors and rappelling off
Sunday is an early day for staff many of whom were enjoying the WTC graduation festivities the night before.









AMP12 Staff
AMP12 Students
AMP12 Students & Staff

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