Frequently Asked Questions
What opportunities are available through Flash Foxy Education?
Flash Foxy Education is a new and growing program, we’re adding new locations and new courses as our capacity increases. Current programs are listed on the main Education Program page. You can find all our course offerings on our Course List page.
Can I participate if I’m not a woman or genderqueer individual?
Currently Flash Foxy Education courses are only open to participants who identify as women and genderqueer climbers. Not sure if this includes you? Please check our our FAQs. Please keep in mind that our organizational roots call us to center the experience of women and genderqueer folks and create a program that responds to the unique needs of all marginalized genders. Our goal is to create and maintain a safe and diverse space where consent and respect are our first priorities. Harassment of any kind (unwanted contact, verbal or physical abuse, racism, homophobia, transphobia, body-shaming, etc.) will NOT be tolerated.
What difficulty do I need to climb to participate?
Flash Foxy programs are open to climbers of all ability types and levels, including people who have never climbed before. If a course’s venue or content requires you to have certain skills or abilities, they will be clearly outlined in the individual course description. If you have a disability that you’re not sure if we can accommodate, please reach out to education@flashfoxy.com.
I don’t see any options in my area. When will Flash Foxy offer something near me?
We’re perpetually trying to meet more folks where they’re at and plan to increase the number of locations where we offer programs as our capacity increases. If you’d like to help bring a Flash Foxy Education Program to your local area, please let us know! We are always looking for guide service partners, guides and climbing organizations to work with as this new program grows. If you don’t see any options near you, please feel free to reach out and let us know where you’d like to see courses offered next! The only way we can do better in the future is to hear from you.
Do I have to bring my own climbing gear?
Nope! Flash Foxy and our guide service/climbing school partner can provide you with any and all necessary climbing gear, including a helmet, harness, climbing shoes, belay device, etc. If you do own your own gear, please feel free to bring it. You may use it at the discretion of your instructor(s).
Other general outdoor gear, such as backpacks or camping gear, may be available upon request. Reach out to education@flashfoxy.com about availability and to get suggestions on where you might be able to rent/borrow equipment from.
What should I bring?
Your instructor will reach out to you about the specifics of your particular course, but you can check out our Packing List for a general overview.
Is transportation included?
Unfortunately transportation is not included. However, your instructor may be able to help coordinate carpooling options among the group or help you navigate public transit. Reach out to education@flashfoxy.com and we’ll see what we can do to help!
Is lodging included?
Unfortunately lodging is not included. However, we have some recommendations for accommodations near our course locations!
*Bishop, CA > Camping at the Tri-County Fairgrounds , the PV Pit or Pleasant Valley Campground; stay indoors at The Hostel California
*Mammoth Lakes, CA > Camping in Mammoth Lakes
*Joshua Tree, CA > Joshua Tree Crash Pad: A community space for climbers, Black Rock Campground: A National Park campground
*New Paltz, NY (aka The Gunks) > Camping at the AAC Gunks Campground; stay indoors at New Paltz Hostel
*North Conway, NH > Stay indoors or camp at CoHo (call or email booking@cohohostel.com for 10% off you stay during any Flash Foxy course!!); stay indoors at The Bunkhouse
What about food/drinks?
Flash Foxy does not provide food or drinks for Education Program participants.
Do I have to be a certain age to participate?
Flash Foxy Education programming is geared towards adults. However, young adults and kids are welcome! Those ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Seniors and elders are also welcome and encouraged to join! All of our courses, top roping tends to be the least impactful and risky style of climbing and is a great option for those concerned about participating.
Is climbing dangerous?
Yes, climbing is dangerous and at Flash Foxy, your safety is our primary concern. As with all things in life, rock climbing exposes us to risk—both physical (scrapes and bruises) and emotional (fear and anxiety). We strive to provide an experience where you are:
Aware and informed of the risks you’re undertaking by participating
Cared for by trained risk managers—our seasoned Flash Foxy instructors
Given the skills to manage the risks you will encounter
Able to choose the amount and types of risk you’re willing to tackle
Not exposed to any unnecessary or unproductive risks
I don’t know if I can afford to participate. What are my options?
Thanks to our generous sponsor Arc’teryx, all 2022 Flash Foxy Education Courses are offered on a sliding-scale starting at $50. To ensure our programs are financially accessible, full scholarships are also available for all 2022 education courses. Apply for a scholarship here. Scholarship application is only required for those unable to afford the lowest tier ticket of $50.
How does sliding-scale pricing work? How much should I pay?
It’s up to you how much you pay, but here are some things you can keep in mind when deciding what price is best for you.
The average cost of a 2-day guided course is about $350.
All the tuition payments go right back into this program so that we can run more courses and provided more full scholarships!
Here’s a loose guideline to help you decide where you might fall on the sliding-scale:
It can be hard to pay rent and cover other basic necessities > Apply for a scholarship!
I can pay for basic necessities, but I do not have extra income for things like a climbing gym membership > Apply for a scholarship!
I can pay for basic necessities and some luxury items like a climbing gym membership > $50-$100
I am able to afford or save up for occasional weekend trips and the costs associated with that (rental car, park fees, owning gear, etc) > $100-$200
I can afford regular weekend trips and the costs associated with that (rental car, park fees, owning gear, etc) > $200-$300
I am financially comfortable and able to help support scholarships for future course participants > $300-$400
*Please also consider that income is not the same as wealth. Income is the amount of money you make. Wealth is passed down from generation to generation and usually takes the form of inheritances, land ownership, and/or earning power. We ask that you take into account not only your income but also your wealth when choosing your price point within our sliding scale.
Should I tip my instructor(s)?
Flash Foxy aims to compensate instructors well so that they don’t need to rely on additional gratuity, and you don’t need to think about extra budgeting after you’ve paid your course fee. However, if your instructor has given you an exceptional experience, and you and/or your fellow students would like to show appreciation, please feel free to tip. Groups of students often pool a tip for instructors and the use of Venmo, Paypal, or other electronic payment is common. Gratuity is always appreciated.
Other forms of gratuity are also welcome! If you don’t have the funds to provide a monetary tip, please consider sending your instructor a handwritten card or homemade gift. Our instructors often take bookings outside of Flash Foxy courses as well, so sharing their website or social media platform with your networks can help generate work and income for them.
If I was waitlisted, how will I know if/when my status changes?
You will receive an email from Flash Foxy (via Eventbrite) as soon as possible if a spot becomes available, and you are eligible.
Are Flash Foxy courses rain or shine?
As much as is practical, we try to run courses rain or shine. Your instructor will communicate with you about any potential inclement weather and what to expect. If for some reason we need to cancel, you can see what your options are in the next section down.
I can’t make it to the program I booked. Can I get a refund?
On occasion, Flash Foxy may need to cancel a program for a variety of unforeseen reasons including weather, instructor availability, low enrollment, etc. In the event that Flash Foxy is forced to cancel a program, all participants will be eligible to either reschedule to a program occurring in the next year (subject to availability) at no additional cost to you or receive a full refund. Otherwise, our refund policy is as follows:
30 Days or More Prior to Program
Reschedule to a program occurring in the next 12-months (subject to availability) at no additional cost to you
Receive a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee
Less Than 30 Days Prior to Program
No refunds are available
Reschedule to a program occurring in the next 12-months (subject to availability) for an administrative fee. Fee is based upon original payment.
Less than $100 = $25 administrative fee
$100 - $200 = $50 administrative fee
$200 - $300 = $75 administrative fee
$300 or more = $100 administrative fee
Less Than 7 Days Prior to Program
No refunds or reschedules are available
Insurance
Flash Foxy is not responsible for covering additional trip expenses, including change or cancellation fees for travel, lodging accommodations, rental cars, or other arrangements. For your protection, we strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. Trip insurance can compensate you in the event that you’re no longer able to attend a program. Check out this article for more information about finding and choosing travel insurance.
Climbing is dangerous. Especially if you don’t have regular health insurance, we recommend getting some kind of medical coverage such as accident insurance. Global Rescue is one such service.
What is your Covid-19 Policy?
All Flash Foxy attendees must be fully vaccinated to attend any Flash Foxy Education Program. To request a vaccine exemption please email education@flashfoxy.com. Exemptions will only be granted for those with medical conditions preventing them from receiving a vaccine. Participants are NOT required to wear face masks, except in the instances outlined below, however participants are welcome and encouraged to mask during the course if desired. If you are feeling sick - whether you think it’s COVID-19 or a cold - please stay home.
Please refer to the guidelines below if you have a known or suspected COVID-19 exposure, or generally aren’t feeling well, and are unsure as to whether or not you should attend your scheduled program.
If you are symptomatic and are testing positive for COVID-19, please stay home.
If you are symptomatic and testing negative for COVID-19, please consider staying home. If you have any symptoms of COVID or a cold please mask during the course!
If you have a known exposure, but are testing negative for COVID-19, please wear an N95 mask or equivalent for the duration of the course. You may unmask when greater than 6-feet from all participants and instructors.
If you are recovering from COVID-19, or any other illness, and have followed the CDC guidelines on quarantining after testing positive for COVID-19, please wear an N95 mask or equivalent for the duration of the course. You may unmask when greater than 6-feet from all participants and instructors.
We are unable to offer refunds or reschedules for cancellations within 7-days, including those related to illness or injury. Please refer to our full refund policy above for more details.
Our COVID-19 plan is constantly in progress and may be updated at any time.
If you have a question or concern that hasn’t been covered above, please reach out to education@flashfoxy.com.