Early Sierra Club Rock Climbing Section Guidelines

This interesting piece of history is from Dr. Robert Underhill’s private library. Dr. Underhill was contacted by the Francis Farquhar of the Sierra Club in the early 1930’s to train members in techniques he learned while climbing in Europe and to develop new systems for dynamic belays as well as methods for safer instruction of new climbers.

In November 1932 the San Francisco Sierra Club chapter absorbed the Cragmont Climbers Club into its ranks and they became the Rock Climbing Section (RCS). Richard (Dick) Leonard was one of the leaders of the Cragmont climbers and became the chairman of the RCS. This set of guidelines for climbers attending RCS outings dates from the very inception of the organization.