TEC Course

Ground School

DISCLAIMER: This video is not an official Sojourn Adventures training and is intended for staff who have attended the necessary training.



  • Each participant will need a seat harness, helmet, and crab claws (carabiners or snap hooks). If it is a corporate client, they will also need a chest harness with jake carabiner.

    • All staff and participants that are in the drop zone (underneath or within 10 feet outside of TEC structure) must wear a helmet if anyone is at height.

  • When stepping up to ground school, explain “ABC” – “Always Be Connected” and point out the overhead cables on TEC. Let them know that our ground school ropes will simulate that experience.

  • Using the ground school practice station.  Teach participants:

1.     How to open carabiners or snap hooks and clip onto a cable.

2.     Clip carabiners or snap hooks in opposing directions.

3.     Use only 1 hand in transitioning snap hooks. This can be difficult with carabiners, encourage participants to keep only one hand on the carabiner when opening it.

4.     With each individual carabiner or snap hook transfer always include:

  • Person’s name

  • Number carabiner or snap hook being transferred

  • Ask and give permission BEFORE transferring

  • If using carabiner claws, squeeze check and confirm squeeze check after each transfer

5.     Teach the buddy what it means to say “yes”.  Must have visual confirmation of correct transfer.

EXAMPLE: Jon, permission to transfer claw #1 / Isaac, permission to transfer claw #2 granted. (Jon and Isaac visually confirming the whole transfer is correct.)

6. Claws should have at least a fist length difference between the adjustment mechanism (metal buckles or prusik knots) in each side of the claws.

7. Claws should not be extended to a length where there is less than one fist’s difference between the carabiner or snap hook and the metal buckles or prusik knot.

  • Have all participants practice on the practice station, making at least 3 transitions.

TEC Facilitation

  • Walk the participants through GROUND SCHOOL.

  • One Facilitator will remain on the ground to perform 4-H checks and supervise clipping into the entry cable as each participant enters.

  • One facilitator should always be the first person in the air to greet participants as they arrive.

  • No more than two participants per cable. Up to 10 participants are allowed on the cable over each platform between elements.

  • All facilitators should carefully watch each participant as they transition, with special attention for the first few times.  The participant’s buddy should also be giving them permission every single transition which means they are being watched by staff and a peer while in the air.

  • NOTE: Staff member(s) should avoid being a participant’s buddy in order to best monitor the group as a whole.

DEUS Operation: Top Facilitator

  • Clip participant to one end of the DEUS rope and remove all slack.

  • Ensure the ground is clear and double check participant’s harness and carabiner.

  • Unclip participant crab claws from belay cable and re-secure them to their harness.

  • Have the participant step off the edge.

  • Ensure the unweighted side of rope stays at least 3 feet from the participant during descent to avoid entanglement.