Intro to Trad Climbing

Traditional (or “trad”) climbing is the art of placing your own protection as you move up the wall, without the use of bolts. This course is great for those interested in getting into trad climbing, want to take your skills to the mountains, or just wanting to learn another discipline of climbing! You will have the opportunity to practice placing gear in a safe environment before taking the sharp end yourself.

In this course, you will learn:

  • to place traditional protection and evaluating your placements

  • basic rappelling techniques

  • proper lead belaying techniques

  • building a variety of climbing anchors

  • essential gear for traditional climbing

  • rope management, both while climbing and on the ground

  • to identify, assess, and mitigate climbing hazards

Trip Details:

Length: 8 hours

Instructor to Climber Ratio: 1:6

Experience Required: experience top-rope climbing and belaying

Price per Climber: 1 - $275, 2 - $250, 3 - $200, 4 to 6 - $175

Location: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge