This is one of the more advanced rock climbing courses available with Stone Adventures. This course is designed for climbers aspiring to independently lead rock climbing routes using traditional gear such as cams and nuts. Through discussion and lots of hands-on practice, climbers will learn how to place gear in crack systems, analyze the gear placements, mitigate rope drag by using alpine quickdraws, organize gear on their harnesses, and practice trad leading by way of mock leads. The course will be taught by a professionally certified rock climbing guide. The Anchor Building course is a recommended prerequisite to this course, and the Intro To Trad Climbing - Part 2 is recommend to be taken concurrently.
What are the rates for Instructional Intro to Trad Rock Climbing Courses?
In efforts to make our instructional courses more accessible and affordable for aspiring outdoor climbers, we have special discounted instructional rates. Climbers are encouraged to bring their own gear to practice with, however, Stone Adventures will provide any needed rock climbing equipment at no extra cost. All courses are 6 hours long, taught by a full time professional rock climbing guide and the curriculum is up-to-date with the standards of the Professional Climbing Guide Institute (PCGI) and American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA). Last but not least, the courses are held outside in beautiful Joshua Tree National Park!
| Instruction Rates | Price per Climber |
|---|---|
| 1 Climber | $365 |
| 2 Climbers | $225 |
| 3+ Climbers | $190 |
What to Expect during a Stone Adventures Intro to Trad Rock Climbing Course?
On the day of your trip you will go to the meeting location inside the National Park at the confirmed date and time. This Google Maps link will be in the confirmation email sent at the time of reservation as well as a description of your guide’s car and a short self-introduction video of your guide. After meeting, you will caravan a short distance to the climbing area. You will then be outfitted with rock climbing shoes, harnesses and helmets. Waivers are required to be signed by all of our participants. Children under 18 need to have their waivers signed by a legal guardian. From there, everyone will take their packed bags and start walking to the climbing area. To save time, please come to Joshua Tree National Park with a small backpack prepared with water, snacks, jackets, sunblock and whatever else you need to be comfortable on your trip.
Once at the climbing area, your guide will begin to set up the ropes and anchors and the climbing will begin shortly after! The first route will be a moderate warm up climb. This is an opportunity to become familiar with your guide, trust the gear and learn how to read the rock. Thereafter, your guide will continue to choose routes that best suit your abilities and ambitions. We do not push people past their fear points. Let us help you transition into outdoor climbing today!
What will you learn in Intro to Trad Climbing?
As a prerequisite to this course, Students are encouraged to take the Anchor Building Course. The content for the Intro to Traditional Rock Climbing course is beneficial for climbers who already have strong foundational knowledge and practice building trad anchors. In the Intro to Trad 1 Course, students learn and practice the skills needed to lead trad by way of Mock Leads. This is a hands-on day full of climbing practice.
Curriculum Outline
1. Self-Introductions (Instructor and all participants) (10 minutes)
2. Discussion on gear (cams, nuts, extenders, locking and non-locking carabiners, ropes, cordelette) and how to store and care for it
3. Review of Anchors (ERNEST/ERNESA)
4. Gear placement in boulders
5. Alpine quickdraws-when to use, when to extend (10-15 minutes)
6. Racking gear on harness
7. Flake rope, close system
8. Mock leads, mock lead belays, evaluation of gear placements
9. Introduction of top managed belays directly off the anchor
10. Questions and answers/debrief of the day
