Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have experience?
No, you do not need to have experience and even if you are a bit afraid of heights we can help you over come this challenge!
How many others are there in my group?
This depends, because the course is fairly flexible. You might be alone or with 3 others. Do not worry, our guiders and instructors are great fun! Besides that you will be staying with many other Xtreme Gappers at the same location on Koh Tao. They will be doing a different programme, like freediving or scuba diving. Our rep will introduce you to them so you will make friends right on arrival!
Where do I go climbing?
We will take you to the amazing jungle of Koh Tao that offers you the most stunning views from up high. We go there by jeep, which is a fun ride!!
Do I need gear?
No, we provide you with everything, shoes as well, except for comfy clothing. So make sure you have shorts and t-shirts with you.
What kind of rocks are there on Koh Tao?
The rock type on Koh Tao is granite: a hard course-grained rock that forms from liquid hot magma boiling up from the earths crust. Climbing on granite is different from climbing on other types of rock such as limestone (like the majority of climbing in Thailand). Granite has a larger emphasis on technical footwork making it the ideal training rock from other types. It also places less emphasis on upper body strength and more on overall technique.
Is rock climbing a sport?
Rock climbing is a sport in which participants climb up or across natural rock formations or man-made rock walls. Their goal is to reach the summit of a formation or the endpoint of a pre-defined route. Rock climbing is a physically and mentally demanding sport. It tests a climber's strength, endurance, agility, and balance along with his or her mental control.
How safe is it?
Rock climbing can be a dangerous sport. The knowledge of proper rock climbing techniques and usage of specialized climbing equipment is crucial for the safe completion of routes. For this reason we consider safety and quality of instruction to be highly important. This is why we have selected our partner training organisation carefully. With over 20 years experience between them and unrivalled knowledge of the islands walls you are in good hands.
What is the difference between the beginner and more advanced course?
Beginner Course
For the beginner we have a one or two week package that takes you from a beginner to an intermediate climber. This two-part course includes a pre-trip training session and a full day of field experience to learn the basics of rock climbing safely. After that you start an advanced course, wherein we teach you to construct fixed and natural anchors to give you more independance with your climbing. It also gives you a base understanding of how these systems work. The second day also includes a bouldering session to introduce you to more advanced moves and improve your technique on the rocks.
4 or 6 week master course
If you really have a thing for climbing, or really LOVE the great outdoors then this is the option for you. For 4 or 6 weeks you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to safely explore rock climbing. The course will run through basics, advanced and anchors, sport leading, traditional lead climbing, multi-pitch climbing and rescue training.
Master climbers also have access to:
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Climbing or bouldering with any groups.
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Use of climbing or bouldering equipment any time.
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Experience as a climbing guide.
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Experience as a abseil guide.
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Experience as a zip line guide.
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Experience at assisting teaching courses.
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New route finding, clearing and bolting experience.
How do I get there?
After you have arrived in Bangkok by plane we pick you up from the airport if you arrive before 4pm local time. In Bangkok you will be booked into a 4* hotel right next to the Koh San Rd where everything happens. You will have two days to explore Bangkok at your leisure, before we take you to Koh Tao. Getting there is very easy and we arrange it all for you. Here is a video explaining how you get there. If you would like assistance with your flights, we can assist with sourcing the best value flight options, just indicate on your booking form.
What is the best time to go?
This programme is popular all year, however during October and November it is the wet season on the island Koh Tao, The programme still runs, and there is still sunshine, but sometimes this is accompanied by heavy rain.
Do I need a visa?
If you are planning on travelling to Thailand for 28 days or less and you have British, Dutch or USA passport you can get a Visa exemption on arrival. This is valid for 28 days and cannot be extended in Thailand. If you are planning on being in Thailand longer than 28 days you will need to pre-arrange a Visa. You can prearrange a visa for 60 days which you can extend to 90 days in Thailand.
There are two ways of arranging your visa. When you are from the UK. You can either go in person to the Thai embassy in London, or you can post your passport along with the necessary documentation and fee to one of the Thai Consulates. In general this works the same for the other countries like The Netherlands and United States too, but please contact the nearest Thai Consulate for visa enquiries.
Please note that you are responsible for arranging your own visa. Xtreme Gap cannot be held responsible if you fail to travel with the correct visa. So please check with your local embassy personally. The previous information is meant as a guide, but visa rules change often and frequently. So do not take this as the current law.
