Knots, cracks and towers: step into the world of Czech sandstone with a PZA-certified instructor.
About the course
For the average sport climber, traditional sandstone climbing is a completely different, almost abstract world. Thousands of towers that are hard to find your way around. Strict ethics that forbid chalk, top-roping, metal nuts and cams. New routes opened only from the ground up, with sparingly placed rings. And cracks everywhere, in every size.
It's paradise for climbers who love this style of climbing. World-class areas lie just a few hours' drive from Poland's biggest cities.
The barrier to entry is high: you need to learn to protect with knots and how to move in cracks. With us, you'll get there. You'll get to know the area and learn to find your way around it. We'll show you which techniques to use in cracks of different widths and how to protect yourself properly and relatively safely.
You'll find it's not as scary as it looks. And once you've got the hang of it, no Tatra chimney, Alpine crack or even a Yosemite offwidth will frighten you.
Who it's for
This course is for you if:
You lead sport routes and want to try something completely different.
You've done a trad climbing course and want to take on the most demanding kind of trad.
You're preparing to climb in the mountains (the Tatras, the Alps) and want to improve your crack and chimney technique.
You've already been to the sandstone, but without someone experienced at your side you lacked confidence.
Syllabus
A sample three-day plan: from learning to tie knot protection on the ground to climbing cracks and chimneys to the summits of the towers.
Rules and ethics, a gear check, learning to place knots and slings on the ground. First easy routes seconding the instructor: removing and assessing the protection.
Crack technique in different widths. Chimneys and off-widths. Leading easy routes with the instructor belaying.
For those who want to: leading routes on your own protection. Anchors and abseiling from the summits. Navigating with a guidebook.
Skills
Location
World-class climbing areas in the Czech Republic, a few hours' drive from Poland's biggest cities. We choose the area based on the conditions, the season and the group's level.
Gear
We provide the gear for protecting in sandstone during the course. You bring the rest.
Three days of training with a PZA-certified instructor and training gear.
Leave your chalk at home: it's banned in most areas.
Booking
The best seasons are April–June and September–October. Sandstone needs a few dry days, so if the forecast is bad we may move the date.
No dates available right now. Get in touch — we'll gladly find a date that works for you.
Want to come with your partner or your own crew? We also run private group courses and days with an instructor. Get in touch
Reviews
Reviews from our Google Maps listing, in the original Polish.
„Kurs skałkowy z Pawłem to świetny wybór. Profesjonalne podejście, dużo cennych wskazówek i wiedzy przekazanej krok po kroku. Wszystko odbywa się w przyjaznej atmosferze, a Paweł z dużą cierpliwością odpowiada na każde pytanie. Zdecydowanie polecam!”
Matilde Anselmo„Szczere podziękowania dla instruktora Pawła. Dużo nowej i przydatnej wiedzy przekazanej w pozytywnej atmosferze. Polecam serdecznie :)”
Jan Nowak„Jestem po kursie skałkowym u Szymona. Profesjonalne podejście, ogromna wiedza, pasja do wspinania, a równocześnie bardzo przyjazna atmosfera i reagowanie na potrzeby naszej grupy. Polecam każdemu kto chciałby spróbować swoich sił w skałach :)”
Marek WarzeszkaFAQ
Can't find your answer here? Give us a call — we're happy to help.
It takes more care than sport climbing: protection is sparser and its quality depends on you. That's why we start by practising protection on the ground and on easy routes, and only then gradually raise the difficulty.
Sandstone is soft. Metal damages the cracks and breaks the rock. Knots and slings protect the rock, and when placed well they hold a fall.
Chalk clogs the pores of the sandstone, making the rock slippery and slower to dry. It is banned in most areas.
Yes, if you lead sport routes. A trad course helps, but it isn't required.
Yes. We also run private group courses and days with an instructor.
Next step
Sign up and find out that sandstone could become your favourite climbing area.