CLINICS

Community Designed. Community Led.

Our clinic offerings are based on what the adaptive climbing community asks for. From that feedback, we design a weekend of programming that will help new climbers become climbers for life, and to give experienced climbers the tools they need to push boundaries in the sport. We then try to make sure that all the clinics are led by a disabled athlete, where possible - and where that’s not possible, we have the best allies in the world teaching the skills that will create the instructors of the future. NOTE - clinics are only for disabled athletes, there will not be capacity for any plus ones to participate. Note for Sunday Clinics: These clinics may end earlier and you are free to leave when you need to if you have Sunday travel plans.

All clinics will have top ropes available, you don’t need to lead climb in order to particiate. Please reference the schedule and accessibility guide at the very bottom of this page.

TECHNICAL CLINICS: There are informational clinics where you are aiming to learn a particular hard skill in climbing. At the end of a session, you’ll feel like you’ve added a tool to your climbing tool box - whether it’s how to move your body better, tie a specific knot, or clean and anchor, these will prep you to be a more independent outdoor climber.

AFFINITY CLINICS: These clinics are more social in aspect. You’ll spend the day climbing with people who have similar disabilities as you, but with a wide range of climbing experience. You’ll spend the day together climbing at a crag hand picked for your crew. Each affinity clinic has a leader to facilitate skills exchange, conversations, and to make sure everyone gets a ton of climbing in!

OPEN CLIMB: There isn’t any instruction at open climb, but there will be top ropes hung and belayers on hand if all you want to do is get climbing.

HOW TO REGISTER - All climbers registered for ACF will get an email with a link to clinic sign ups through the same Cognito platform as registration.

For questions or waitlist, email programs@adaptiveclimbersfest.org

2025 Clinic Offerings

  • Intro to Outdoors - Basecamp

    An evening special - go over gear, basics, what to expect at the crag, and how this damn rock climbing thing works, particularly how it works at ACF. Highly recommended for those who have never climbed outside before. This will be at Basecamp; no actual climbing.

  • Intro to Outside

    If this is your first time climbing outside, start here! You'll go over differences between the gym and the crag, and get right to safely climbing outside. This will be out at the crag and will be a full day of climbing as much as you want to! Sponsored by VF Foundation

  • Belay Me, Bro!

    Do you want to learn how to belay, or do you need a refresher? Are you looking for help with tweaks to the traditional belay that will make it easier with whatever wonkiness you have going on? This is the clinic for you! We’ll have ground stations setup and skilled instructors to teach you a basic belay on a gri gr or ATC, and work with you to figure out what you need to be a safe, effective belayer. If you facilitate adaptiv climbing, you can also come to learn how to teach others.

  • Lower Limbo Party - Affinity

    Presented by POA Tennessee

    Lower Limb amps will gather to swap feet, techniques, and experiment with the movement of lower limb amputee climbing. We’ll have samples of different types of feet and other tools to try. Get ready to get rowdy - the LL crew tends to be our biggest and loudest!

  • Unseen Onsight - Affinity

    Climb with other visually impaired climbers. Swap tricks and beta and learn from the best VI climbers in the world about being the best blind climber you can be.

  • Learn to Lead

    Routes will be hung with top ropes and participants will mock lead on those ropes after ground school where they learn proper rope and clipping techniques. At climber and instructor discretion, participants may elect to lead 'for real.' Depending on route location and instructor discretion, participants may be able to take practice whips. Participants should be lead belay certified if possible. Otherwise that will be covered in the class as well.

  • Advanced Open Climb

    If you’ve been to ACF before and are getting bored with Bruise Brothers, check out these other crags that are for exclusive ACF use. You will need to arrange own transit and there will not be mobility assistance, however the trail to the main crag is mild.

  • Trad is Rad

    Nerd out on cracks and gear. You'll learn about different types of trad gear and how to use them, what makes a good placement, and the basics of trad anchors. Participants can mock lead routes and have their placements evaluated by instructors. Expect the routes to be about 5.8.

  • Sport Anchors

    Focus is mainly on sport anchor building and cleaning. Participants will use ground anchors to practice bolted, chain, and mussey anchor building and cleaning using quickdraws, quads, etc. Cleaning and lowering/rapelling will close out the course. Course can end with instructor at top anchor supervising a 'real' anchor cleaning and lower off.

  • Climbing Photography

    Participants should bring their own camera that they have at least a working knowledge how to use. Participants will learn tips and tricks for what makes a good climbing photo, as well as the basic of shooting from a rope. There may be opportunity to shoot climbers at Open Climb.

  • Backcountry Climbing

    Head out on a longer approach to get on some different climbs, deeper into Muir Valley. There will be very limited mobility assistance to get to these crags, and you will be out all day so be sure to pack appropriately. Routes will be mostly 5.10 and up.
    Sponsored by La Sportiva.

  • Rapelling 101

    You know how to get up the wall, but how about getting down? Learn and practice how to rappel under the watchful eye of our safe instructors! Participants should bring their own double tube style belay/device if possible.

  • Projecting

    Are you looking to climb your hardest ever, but need to work on the mental aspects of how? Work with two paraclimbing coaches on how to plan and approach climbing at your project grade!

  • Open Climb

    Do you want to just get to climbing, but don’t have what you need to head out on your own? We’ll have topropes and belayers available so you can just get right to it! There won’t be any official instruction, but our volunteers are knowledgeable and ready to help our where needed!

  • ARMageddon - Affinity

    Is your finger count less than ten? This is the hang out for you! Upper limb different people can share taping (or not taping!) techniques and tips and tricks to advance their climbing skills.

  • Brokeback Mountaineers - Affinity

    If having a not fully functional spinal cord is your thing, we have the crew for you! We’ll have experts on hand to discuss assisted climbing rigs, or how to climb without using them. Learn more about opportunities for the SCI climber!

  • Wonky Wobbles Rollers - Affinity

    Got something wonky going on with your nervous system? Is your brain not so great at talking to your body? MS, EDS, neurological fun stuff, and more - come meet your peeps! The Roller team will be at an accessible crag where there will be lots of help to get you around.

  • Wonky Wobbles Walkers - Affinity

    Got something wonky going on with your nervous system? Is your brain not so great at talking to your body? MS, EDS, neurological fun stuff, and more - come meet your peeps! This clinic is for RP climbers who are mostly self mobile over uneven terrain and steeper stairs.

  • Slacklining

    Are you ready to take your sense of balance to new heights? Join us for an exciting adventure in the world of adaptive slacklining! This workshop is for anyone who wants to learn the basics of slackline. Slackline is an act of walking, seating and/or balancing along a suspended length of webbing between trees! Our instructor will guide you through fundamental balance techniques, helping you build stability and coordination.

  • Safety Third - Crag First Aid

    Learn the basics of tools you should have on you in case of emergencies at the crag, and learn how to make a plan for when a great day doesn’t go to plan. Bring your notebook - you’re going to want to remember this stuff!

  • Intro to Multipitch

    Ground school for those who really want to get off the ground! You’ll go over types of anchors, speedy transitions, and many other skills that it takes to get waaaaay off the deck. Bring whatever gear you own, but we’ll have some anchor material to borrow. This is a great compliment for those who have already done intro to rapelling, sport anchors, and/or intro to trad.

  • Climbing Movement

    This clinic will focus on how to adapt you climbing style to find more stable positions, bringing hips into the wall and focusing on what parts of the foot to use while climbing outside. This will also touch on same sided climb (twist locks) lock offs, and some straight arm climbing. Not recommended for first timers.

  • Hangover Yoga

    Saturday night can often be… a lot. Get ready for one more day of climbing with a community slow paced yoga session. Sunday AM, Basecamp

  • Arts and Crafts

    Need a breather from sending? Come chill out, get creative, and make something rad with your hand(s). This arts & crafts session is all about relaxing, connecting, and making cool stuff—think friendship bracelets, pet rocks, gear decorations, and whatever else we dream up. No experience needed, just bring your imagination and your post-climb snack vibes.

  • Celebration Meditation

    Climbing’s more fun when you’re feeling good—inside and out. In this clinic, we’ll use simple breathwork and meditation to shake off the nerves, get hyped about how far you’ve come, and drop into a feel-good headspace before you hit the wall. Whether you're stoked to send or just here for the vibes, this clinic will help you show up grounded, grateful, and ready to crush (or at least have a blast trying).

    Sponsored by Evolve/Wild Country

  • Stick Clip Shenanigans

    Don't have a rope gun with you? Not looking to change categories via a ground fall? Then come learn the tricks of the trade when it comes to all things stick clipping. How to quickly hang a draw with a rope, how to put the rope in an already hanging draw, how to use a stick clip on a projecting route, etc. Bring your stick clip of choice, test others, compare techniques and roll your eyes when people start comparing stick lengths.

    With Support from Pronghorn

  • Trad 201

    This clinic is for adaptive climbers ready to push their trad game with sharper skills, cleaner systems, and more commitment. We’ll get into complex gear placements, anchor building under pressure, and leading strategies that adapt to your style and body. You’ll get real-time feedback on live leads (yes, leads), fine-tune your rack for efficiency, and tackle terrain in the 5.9–5.10 range—if that’s your jam. Must have taken Trad is Rad or have some experience with trad.

  • Climbing Mobility

    No offense to your PT, they all mean well, but sometimes the things we’re taught to do or “fix” miss the mark. This workshop flips the script so forget symmetry and “normal.” Instead, we’ll focus on making the most of your mobility with strategies tailored to climbers with disabilities. Expect practical tools, some good laughs, and absolutely no generic stretches. Led by Team USA Para PT Dr. Nick Purcell

  • High Performance

    Are you a strong climber looking for a ropegun? This 'clinic' is about getting out on routes that will truly push your limits, sending you out with a team of high end climbers to get the rope up. This is also a great time to push your lead if you're ready. Climbers must be able to climb 5.11 outside, anticipate ropes on 5.12 to 5.13. Climbers who sign up for this clinic are subject to vetting to make sure it's the right fit.

  • Basecamp Cleanup

    Want to give back to the crew and community that made this festival a reality? What better way than to help clean up at basecamp! Turning this campsite into an accessible adaptive weekend retreat is no small feat, and we could use all of the limbs and wheels you can contribute to help leave the area cleaner than we found it!

Tentative 2025 schedule, subject to change