gym to crag
2 DAYS LEAD AND ANCHOR COURSE
SPORT or TRAD
Rate:
$500/person
SPORT: Learn how to lead climb and build anchors with fixed gear (bolts)L
TRAD: Learn how to lead climb and build anchors with removable gear (cams, stoppers, tie-offs, etc)
Which course is the right one for you? Whether you start your lead climbing career with SPORT or TRAD does not matter. It is mainly based on your interest and goals in climbing. Due to the less technical nature of “sport climbing” we often recommend starting here and then eventually progress into “trad climbing” later. There is no one way! Many of our students join Chillino Sessions, where they find out what is the next best course for them – SPORT or TRAD
Dates | Style | Locations
*both days at Mission Trails in San Diego. ** first day at Lake Dixon (Escondido) and second day at Mission Trails. Other locations include Joshua Tree, New Jack City and Big Bear (Holcomb Valley). No courses held in July, August and September 2023. Please inquire about booking this 2 day course as a private outing.
Prerequisites:
- Climb solid 5.7 top rope (gym and/or outdoor)
- Know top rope belaying technique (ATC, GriGri or similar assisted device)
- Be efficient at tying figure eight follow through knots
- Be familiar with the course manual (will be sent to you when signing up)
Class Goals:
Here is a breakdown of all skills that are taught in our lead climbing and anchor course:
Knots
Figure eight knot on a bite
Overhand knot on a bite
“Big honking knot” (figure eight + overhand)
Fisherman knot/stopper knot
Double fisherman’s knot
Flemish bend
Rope hitches (9mm)
Clove hitch
“Munter” hitch
Cord Hitches (5-7mm)
Girth hitch
Prusik
Auto-block
Belaying skills
Lead belaying
Top managed belay (ATC guide, Reverso, GriGri,…)
Lead Climbing skills
Placing trad gear + clipping bolts on lead
Clipping rope
Rope management while leading
Anchoring skills
Sport vs. trad anchors (variations: Cordalette, Quad)
Placing trad gear
Equalizing
Tying off master point (various knots)
Rappelling skills
Transition from anchor to rappelling
Friction hitch back up
“Fireman’s belay”