Intro to Trad Climbing

Intro to Trad Climbing

This two-day course introduces climbers to the core skills and decision-making involved in traditional (trad) climbing. Participants will learn about various types of traditional climbing gear, their placement, anchor construction, route assessment, and the fundamentals of leading on gear. The emphasis is on building confidence and competence in a controlled, supportive learning environment.

View Details
Intro to Trad Climbing
Intro to Trad Climbing
Intro to Trad Climbing

Program Details

Itinerary

Pre-Course

  • • Confirm gear and meeting location logistics.

Day 1: Ground School & Technical Foundations

  • • Introductions, equipment check, and safety overview
  • • Review of knots, equipment, anchors
  • • Overview of traditional protection placement, inspection, removal
  • • Gear placement drills and anchor construction on the ground
  • • Lunch
  • • Example climb with commentary
  • • Mock leading with Feedback

Day 2: Guided Practice & Application

  • • Warm-up and review of previous day’s skills
  • • Mock leading or leading with feedback
  • • Lunch
  • • Mock leading or leading with feedback
  • • Personal debrief, next steps, and progression planning
What to Bring

Clothing & Gear:

  • • Comfortable, weather-appropriate outdoor clothing
  • • Closed-toe approach shoes or light hiking shoes
  • • Climbing shoes
  • • Food and water for two full field days
  • • Daypack (Must fit all required equipment with room for group gear. We recommend >30L.)

Technical Equipment:

  • • Harness
  • • Helmet
  • • Assisted Braking Belay Device
  • • 2 Locking Carabiners
  • • Personal Anchor System or Double Length Sling
  • • 1 60m rope/ team
  • • Any Personal Trad Gear You Would Like to Bring