The Intro to Traditional Climbing - Part 2 Course practices and builds upon the skills of the Anchor Building course and Intro to Trad Part 1 course (including anchor building, trad lead climbing, gear placement and mock leads). Additionally, this course covers top-managed belaying (belaying from above the climber), rappelling with backup systems, as well as more fine-tuned practice for placing gear on lead. At the end of this course, students should have the knowledge to confidently take their friends or family out trad climbing and know how to keep everyone safe. The skills covered in this course also set the climber up to easily transition into the Multi-Pitch course.
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 traditional climbing today!
What will you learn in Intro to Trad Climbing?
The Intro to Traditional Climbing Part 2 Course covers the technical aspects of top managed belays, lowers, direct and indirect belays as well as setting up an extended rappel. These skills should be taught then worked into the flow of a lead follow trad climbing day. Prior to this course, students should have taken the Anchor Building and Intro to Trad 1 Courses.
Curriculum Outline
1. Self-Introductions
2. Review Anchor building with cordelette anchors
3. Top managed belay ground school: direct (advised), redirect, indirect
4. Practice a variety of top managed lowers from direct belay (still in ground school)
5. Mock leading, build anchor on top of route
6. Top managed belay and lower practice from the top of a route
7. Rappelling ground school with extended rappels and closed systems
8. Clean anchor and rappel with an extended rappel and a 3rd hand
9. Debrief. Time for questions.
