Rock Climbing

Rock climbing’s special combination of mental and physical challenges make it a unique experience - once you’ve tried it, you’re hooked.

The intrinsic rewards that come from combining concentration, agility, balance, strength and judgement are unequalled in any other sport. Nothing heightens the senses more than the combination of delight and relief that comes from reaching the top of a demanding rock climbing route. Whatever standard you rock climb at, from novice to expert, these feelings remain the same, the key lies in seeking out new and exciting challenges.

Al Shaheen Adventure’s position in the Northern Emirates is an ideal location to sample the delights of this sport. The fantastic climbing of Wadi Beah, the Hajar mountains, and the sea cliffs of the Mussandam are all on our doorstep - whether you are a beginner, or an experienced climber wanting to progress skills – we have a course to suit your needs.

Taster Sessions

Introduction to Rock Climbing (Full day or Half day)
Pre-Requisites: No previous experience is necessary
This session covers the basics of safety and how to move on rock.
Students are coached at their natural level and introduced to techniques that will help them to progress. All equipment is provided.

Transition to rock (Full day or Half day)
Pre-Requisites: No previous experience is necessary
You may have learnt on an indoor climbing wall but a lot of climbers are put off by the transition to outdoor rock. When you experienced real rock you won’t look back! We can help you make the transition as painlessly as possible by helping with route choice, backup and safety coaching.

Rock Climbing Courses

Indoor Climber (2 days) *From 2010
Pre-Requisites: No previous experience is necessary.
This weekend is designed to equip you with all the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to climb at a climbing wall under your own steam. Using indoor walls, you'll cover everything including equipment choice, tying in, belaying, body movement and general safety principles, emerging an inspired and confident indoor climber. A fantastic starter for beginners, allowing you to get the basics right before you attend our 'moving out' course, and a perfect opportunity for indoor climbing partners to learn the ropes together.

Discover Rock Climbing (2 days)
Pre-Requisites: No previous experience is necessary.
This weekend gives you the chance to learn all of the basic climbing skills in a practical and safe way under the direct supervision of our expert instructors and guides. You will cover basic ropework, equipment selection and most importantly get the chance to climb some classic routes. Bouldering, top-roping, single and multi-pitch - we guarantee you will do lots of climbing!

Development Rock Climbing (4 days / 2 weekends)
Pre-Requisites: No previous experience is necessary.
In four days we will help you progress from never having climbed before to the possibility of leading your own climbs in a controlled and confident manner at the end of the week. All of the basic ropework, equipment selection and climbing techniques will be covered and many local climbing areas will be explored - always under the direct supervision of our expert staff.

Rock Climbing for Families (4 days / 2 weekends)
Pre-Requisites: No previous experience is necessary.
Designed to specifically meet the needs of the family, In four days we will help you progress from never having climbed before to the possibility of leading your own climbs in a controlled and confident manner at the end of the week. All of the basic ropework, equipment selection and climbing techniques will be covered and many local climbing areas will be explored - always under the direct supervision of our expert staff.

Moving Out (2 days)
Pre-Requisites: Some previous indoor climbing is necessary for this course.
If you are experienced on the indoor wall but not too confident about the transition to outdoor climbing then this two day course is a perfect start. By the end of the weekend you'll be a competent second with an understanding of anchor selection and belay techniques, and knowledge of what makes the outside world so different.

Touching Stone (4 days / 2 weekends)
Pre-Requisites: Some previous indoor climbing is necessary for this course.
This course is designed specifically for the growing number of people who climb regularly on an indoor wall and are not sure how to develop their skills to help them climb confidently outside at the crag. The course is structured to help you become self sufficient as quickly as possible, covering anchor selection and construction, rope handling, abseiling and self protection along with a host of other skills unique to outdoor climbing.

You'll discover the complexities of access and crag etiquette as well as picking up tips on equipment selection, training and mental preparation techniques. After this week you should leave ready to take to the outdoor crag with confidence and enthusiasm.

Rock Improver (4 days / 2 weekends)
Pre-Requisites: You must be a proficient second and have an understanding of the principles of leading.
Single pitch, multi pitch, traditional mountains - we have it all on our doorstep. if you've started climbing and want to progress to more challenging situations then this is the ideal way to get the experience. Over four days we will build up your technique, rope work, protection and self reliance skills so by the end of the course you'll be better prepared to lead more confidently and safely. All the time our expert instructors will be coaching not just your practical skills but also your mental approach.

Rock Developer (2 days)
Pre-Requisites: You will need indoor wall experience or single pitch climbing experience.
If you're an experienced indoor climber or you've spent time on single pitch crags and you'd like to make the progression to longer multi pitch climbs then this is the perfect choice. Over these two days you'll learn all the skills required to climb multi pitch routes safely.
Covering everything from selection of equipment and ropework to understanding guidebooks and choosing routes. This is a good follow up to our two day ‘Discover Climbing’ and an excellent stepping stone towards an 'Introduction to Leading.'

Introduction to Leading (2 days)
Pre-Requisites: You will need an understanding of basic rope work and belaying techniques before undertaking this course.
This two-day course is ideal for anyone with seconding experience and wanting to lead their first climb. Covering everything from selection of protection and ropework to understanding guidebooks and choosing routes, you should leave with a confident understanding of lead climbing. An excellent follow up to our Rock Developer course.

Troubleshooting Techniques – Advanced Ropework (2 days)
Pre-Requisites: You will need some outdoor rock climbing experience prior to this course.
The course that every rock climber should have been on. This two-day course will teach you how to get out of those tricky situations that should never arise but all too often do. If you have any doubt how you would react in an emergency then this weekend, covering self rescue technique and how to look after an injured partner, is an ideal way to put you and your climbing partner's minds at rest.

Lead Climbing Coaching (2 days)
Pre-Requisites: You should have some experience of leading prior to this course and have an understanding of the principles of leading.
Two-days on the sharp end, consolidating and expanding your leading skills, under the watchful eye of our expert coaches. Get the tips, the techniques and learn from all their experience. Whether you want to lead harder routes, or get slicker and safer, this intensive course could take you further than you dreamt possible.