Intro to Rock Climbing Course

Want to try rock climbing? Want to learn some nqilxʷcn/nsyilxcn? We invite curious individuals to join us for a day of rock climbing and language learning at tuʔikn (Skaha Bluffs). 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. 📆 When: Sunday May 31st at 9:00am-3:00pm. Lunch included. 📍 Where: tuʔikn (Skaha Bluffs), in snpintktn (Penticton) 💡 No pre-requisites. Must be 19 years or older. ☀️ Prioritizing Indigenous Peoples 💵 Subsidized sliding scale: $0-60, plus, opportunity to borrow equipment ✔️ Accessibility: Will require the ability to navigate roots / rocks and some uphill. Pace will be set so no one is left behind. Pit toilet on site at parking lot, and disbursed through the park. Please consider that course days contain a lot of new information that can be overwhelming to some people. About the guide: As a rock climbing guide, Nicole Chickloski (she/they) is passionate about creating space for others to experience nature. Growing up in the Okanagan, Nicole learned to climb in tuʔikn (Skaha Bluffs). Nowadays, she finds herself there every summer promoting diversity within rock climbing and learning how she can do better to recognize and respect the land. Nicole is forever grateful for what the beautiful bluffs and lakes of the Okanagan have allowed her to experience. About the facilitator: skəkm̓xísaʔt Sofia Terbasket-Funmaker (she/her) is sqilxʷ/syilx (Okanagan) and was raised in the area now known as Cawston. She has been learning nqilxʷcn/nsyilxcn for the past five years and currently works as a Language Resource Coordinator with the Okanagan Indian Band. New to rock climbing, she has only done five outdoor climbs. She believes that outdoor rock climbing is a great way to spend time with the tmxʷulaʔxʷ (land) and hopes this workshop will help make it more accessible to community. 🧗🏽‍♀️ About the organizers: Rock On Collective empowers the Okanagan outdoor community through rock climbing mentorship and inclusive learning opportunities that foster meaningful connections with one another and the land. Please see our website for more information. This event is part of the Equitable Outdoors Series. This series gives participants the knowledge and practical skills to recreate responsibly and meaningfully on syilx territory. Collection Notice: The personal information is collected under the authority of the British Columbia Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). Personal information is collected for the purposes of administering rock climbing programs and collecting statistics for impact reports. If you have any questions about the collection of personal information, please contact us.

Preferred Name/Nickname (First Name & Last Initial) *
Pronouns (if comfortable sharing)
Email *
We will contact you via email to tell you if you are accepted by May 9th, 2026.
Phone Number *
What city do you live in? *
Date of Birth *
Participants must be at least 19 years of age before the event date.
UTC
Do you have a vehicle to get to the event? *
Yes
No
Please self-describe in regards to your racial and ethnic identity *
We strive to make climbing accessible to people facing systemic barriers and to have an anti-racist and anti-oppressive approach to our program design. By understanding the social identities of our participants, we can better design inclusive programs that are relevant for all. If you prefer not to disclose, write "I rather not say."
Do you belong to any of these equity-denied groups?
Select all that apply. By understanding the social identities of our participants, we can better design inclusive programs that are relevant for all. If you prefer not to disclose, choose "I rather not say."
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Do you have any climbing experience? *
e.g. indoor / outdoor experience, bouldering experience, grades, comfort with skills such as belaying
Do you have any allergies or medical conditions that we should know about?
A small lunch will be provided.
Do you have any food preferences or cultural restrictions?
A small lunch will be provided.
What access needs* do you have and how may we help accommodate them? What type of support would you like to fully participate in this event?
*Anything a person requires in order to fully participate in their environment or community can be considered access needs. They can be physical or emotional and may require changes to the standard practices.
Are you in need of borrowing gear?
Select all that apply. We do not have a full range of climbing shoes, but we will do our best to find some that fit you or provide a location you can rent them.
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Please confirm the following: *
"I understand that I will be required to sign this waiver to participate in this event. I understand that outdoor sports come with a risk of personal injury or death. I also commit to minimize risks for myself and others to the best of my ability." Note that this is a requirement in order to participate in this event. If you have any concerns, contact us.
To ensure our programming is accessible to anyone regardless of financial situation, this event is offered on a sliding scale from $0-$60. After your acceptance we will include instructions to donate. *
Do you consent to having photos taken of you during the event? Select all that you CONSENT to. *
If you do not consent, choose "I do not consent to any photos". This doesn't affect your ability to be accepted to the event.
Do you wish to receive newsletters from Rock On Collective to hear about future events? *
This doesn't affect your ability to be accepted to the event.
Anything else you'd like to share?
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