Master the Rack - Trad leading Essentials - 2 day Course
Our Master the Rack - Trad leading Essentials - 2 day Course, offers a comprehensive and immersive experience for those ready to deepen their skills in traditional (trad) climbing. Designed for climbers looking to advance beyond sport climbing or top-rope, this extended course provides ample time to practice gear placements, anchor building, route management, and safety techniques under expert guidance. The two-day format allows for more in-depth instruction and hands-on learning, ensuring you gain confidence and skill to climb independently on single-pitch trad routes.
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Difficulty: Intermediate, perfect for climbers with some outdoor climbing experience
Duration: 2 days (approx. 6-8 hours per day)
Location: Local crags in
- Nanaimo, BC
- Comox Lake (Cumberland BC)
- Squamish, BCSeason: March - November
Group Size: Minimum 2, maximum 4 participants
Price: $420 per person
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Day 1:
Morning: Introduction to trad gear, safety checks, and placing protection.
On the Rock: Practice placing gear, evaluating protection, and basic route planning.
Afternoon: Begin working on anchor building and protection strategies for single-pitch trad routes.
Day 2:
Morning: Reinforce skills from Day 1, focusing on advanced placements and gear assessment.
On the Rock: Continue practicing lead climbing with guidance, placing protection under different scenarios, and improving rope management.
Afternoon: Finalize anchor setups, mock leading practice, and receive feedback on techniques to increase climbing independence.
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Included: ACMG-certified guide, trad gear, and group safety equipment
Not Included: Personal climbing gear (e.g., harness, shoes, helmet), food, water, and transportation to the crag
Rock Climbing Gear Rental Package available as an add-on.
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With two full days to work on trad techniques, you’ll have time to refine and build confidence in crucial skills such as gear placement, anchor setups, and evaluating routes for lead climbs. This extended practice allows you to become familiar with the nuances of trad climbing, ensuring you feel prepared for real-world climbs once the course is complete.
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Fitness Level: Moderate
Experience Level: Prior outdoor climbing experience recommended
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After completing the course, consider booking a guided multi-pitch day to apply your new skills in a real multi-pitch setting before advancing to our Learn to Multi-Pitch course. This guided day will reinforce key trad skills in a multi-pitch environment, building your familiarity with advanced techniques and boosting your confidence on more complex climbs.
Why book?
This immersive, two-day course is ideal for climbers who want to confidently approach traditional climbing with a solid foundation, ready to tackle new routes and explore the world of independent trad climbing.