Join PATC-MS Women & Gender Expansive (WGE) group and learn to rappel at Sugarloaf!
Who: This event is open to femme and genderqueer climbers. WGE events are designed to create a safe space for people who are historically underrepresented. Participants MUST have belaying experience.
When: Meet at the Sugarloaf povilian by 9:00 AM! The lot fills up early on weekends, so plan to arrive early. Google Maps Link:
Where: We’ll meet at the Sugarloaf Green Trail parking area before hiking in towards the climbing area, a short uphill approach. Come prepared with enough food and water for the day. Google Maps directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iA7rW7ASX1L11NC87
What:The objective of an Intro to Rappelling clinic is to teach climbers the fundamentals of rappelling. Rappelling is an essential skill for performing a safe descent when lowering off a climb or anchor is not an option. The intention of this clinic is to address one of the most commonly seen rappelling scenarios: a counterbalanced, stacked rappel on a single rope using an extended setup with a backup (we’ll break down exactly what that means!) Join us for a fun day out to learn the systems, followed by optional top roping or trad climbing!
Required Gear:
- Helmet (ex. Black Diamond Half Dome)
- Harness (ex. Petzl Corax)
- Tube-style Belay Device (ex. Petzl Reverso, Black Diamond ATC)
- Rappel Extension (ex. 48in 18mm Nylon Black Diamond Sling, Metolius PAS)
- Rappel Backup (ex. 3ft 6mm climbing accessory cord, Sterling 6.8mm Hollowblock2)
- 1 HMS-style locking carabiner (ex. Black Diamond RockLock)
- 1 locking carabiner, any style
- 1 non-locking carabiner, any style
Additional: Please cancel your registration if you are no longer able to attend so someone can have your spot. If you no show once, you will get an email from the Chair. If you no show twice, you will not be allowed to sign up for another event for 3 months. If you continue to no show, your membership will be cancelled and refunded.
If you can’t make it the morning of the event, give the trip leader a courtesy message so that no one is waiting for you in the parking lot.
This trip is set to 8 participants.
Please note that this is not a guided event and none of our trip leaders are professional guides. You will be climbing on ropes set up by members of the club who are hobby climbers and not professionals. Climbing is an inherently dangerous sport and you do so at your own risk. You are responsible for yourself and your own safety at all times.
Leaders Kat Carlile and Kathleen Krupenevich
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WGE Intro to Rappelling Aug 16
August 16, 2025
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Admission
Sold Out
"Women & Gender Expansive Intro to Rappelling August 16" is currently sold out.
Please check back again later, as spots may become available.
Venue: Sugarloaf
Venue Website: https://sugarloafmd.com
Address:
Description:
Sugarloaf Mountain is a small 1,200ft monadnock 20 miles south of Frederick, MD. Sugarloaf offers local climbers some of the closest traditional lead climbing to the Washington Metro Area. It is also notable for some excellent top-rope routes, as well as numerous boulder problems scattered throughout the forest.
The private Stronghold Foundation owns the land and welcomes many hikers and climbers each year. Please bring $5 cash to donate at the entrance (encouraged but not required). Sugarloaf is also a trash free park, so pack it in pack it out. There are port-a-potties at the West parking lot.
The most popular climbing areas – Middle Earth and Boy Scout Ledges – are a short walk from the West View Parking lot
To reach Sugarloaf, follow I270 to the Hyattstown exit, follow Route 109 to Comus, then right on Comus Road to the Sugarloaf Mountain entrance.