Summer 2024 in Index, WA
Learn to Lead Trad
Trad Climbing Course
Do you have alpine climbing goals or dream of leading adventurous multi-pitch routes? Want to send splitter cracks? Learning to lead traditional routes is often an important step toward in the process. Leading trad isn’t just a more complicated way to climb; it opens up new terrain, big adventures, and different movement. A structured clinic can jump start your learning and help you take ownership of your climbing goals.
At a glance:
Dates flexible in Index, WA during summer 2024
2-3 days recommended
4:1 max climber to guide ratio
Price varies based on group size and number of days
Intro to Trad Course Description
Over the course of two days, climbers will learn fundamental trad climbing skills, get individual feedback on gear placement during mock leads, practice building trad anchors, and more!
Day One:
Trad gear overview: types, sizes, styles, assessing rock quality, how to place and remove cams and nuts, etc…
Practice placing gear on the ground
Trad anchors overview and practice
Lead strategy lesson
Mock leads with individual feedback from instructor
Day Two:
Lots more mock leads! Repetition is key, and we’ll focus on getting plenty of practice and feedback on gear.
Possible leads*
*Leading is not guaranteed during a trad course. This is a decision the participant and guide must make together and is highly individual. Leads are more possible during a three day course after multiple mock leads on day two.
Climber Guidelines
Trad climbing requires you to solve multiple puzzles on the same route. Participants will get the most out of this course if they have the bandwidth to introduce a mental element beyond just climbing movement. This course will be a good challenge for you if you:
Can consistently top-rope 5.8 outdoors without taking
Have some experience leading sport climbs indoors or outdoors (though not absolutely necessary)
Have some experience lead belaying
What’s Included
All group climbing gear* (ropes, cams and nuts, belay devices, anchor materials)
Instruction and guiding
*If you have your own trad gear - bring it! But it’s not required.
What’s Not Included
Personal climbing gear (helmet, harness, shoes)
Transportation
Food
Camping (if needed)
Contact me for available dates!
I don’t have clinics scheduled for specific dates - all guiding and instruction is custom, so we can figure out a set of dates that works for you or your group!