Come for a day or 7. I lead 5.11 sport but the activity is welcome to all skill levels. Many non-bcmc friends are joining (lots of women climbers). I will add you to our main Whatsapp group when you join. I have a site booked at Okanagan Lake North for May 24-June 1.

Area Description

Skaha Bluffs is a desert climbing area located in the Okanagan with many moderate sport climbs and some quality trad lines. Skaha hosts 50 different crags with grades ranging from 5.0-5.13, with many 5.10-5.12 climbs. The rock is gneiss, a metamorphic rock with similar strength to granite and changing tensile strength relative to the direction of force acting on the direction of the rock's banding. 

Navigation

Skaha is located on the edge of Penticton, North of Okanagan Falls. It is a well-developed area that can be accessed via Google maps.

Different parties are coming and going at different times. Shuttles can be determined in the large Whatsapp group. Gas money is important. I will leave that up to each shuttle.  

Getting to specific crags and climbs will necessitate the use of a guidebook. Mountian Project may also be useful. The appropriate guidebook is "Skaha Climbing" by Marc Boudon, published in 2018 by Quickdraw Publications. Howie Richardson's "Skaha Rockclimbs: A User's Manual" works, but is less up-to-date. 

Camping

I have a spot booked at Okanagan Lake North campground for the duration of the trip. I can host 3 tents per night (including my own), and any number of additional vehicles. Additional vehicles are subject to a fee as per campground rules. 

Some participants have opted to share an Airbnb. Once signed up for this event I will add you to our whatsapp groupchat where you can then be directed to the Airbnb group. 

Allendale Lake recreation site is the nearest legal free camping. No camping whatsoever is permitted in the climbing area. 

Other camping areas exist, with options such as Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Lake South, Wrights Beach, and Lost Moose. Most require reservations. 

Communication

Please ensure the phone number on your account has a Whatsapp account linked to it as I will be adding you to a large Whatsapp group for planning and logistics.

As there are diverse skill levels, stoke levels, and schedules, I will make a separate groupchat on Whatsapp for each day of the trip. This increases precision of communication and adaptability for unforseen events. The day chat groups will come out the night before.

Expectations

I expect all climbers on a certain day to meet at the main upper lot at 0800 before setting out, a mid-day check-in sent to me or the day chat no later than 1400, and to check in with me or the day group chat before heading out. This allows the group to split up, maximizing each individual's experience while ensuring cohesiveness and a certain level of safety. Any changes to the schedule you wish to make, such as a late start, is totally reasonable but needs to be communicated to me first. I will do my best to close the loop of communication so you know I have received your message.

If I do not hear from a group by 2100 on any given day, I will get worried. If I do not hear from a group by 2300 on any given day, I will call SAR. 

I expect every participant to have passed a lead belay test at a gym and have lead climbing and belaying expereince within the past year. If this is not you, you are still welcome on the trip, but this needs to be disclosed to me so we can avoid complications.

Gear 

12-20 quickdraws

60-70m rope

Personal Anchor System

Top Rope Anchor System

Rappel equipment

Harness, shoes, chalk bag, belay glasses, radio, hat, sunscreen, stick clip, bug dope, climbing tape, climbing brush, skincare products

A rack if you want to climb trad

2L of liquid-carrying containers minimum

First aid supplies

Other personal items

Other

Dogs are allowed on-leash in the park. 

The nearest hospital is Penticton Regional Hospital. The nearest trauma center is Kelowna General Hospital. 

Groceries can be bought close to the crag. 

Eskala Mountian Sports is the local climbing store.