RCF OUTDOORS

INTRO TO TRADitional CLIMBING

This two day course is perfect for climbers looking to learn the craft of traditional (aka trad) climbing on single pitch terrain.

Day 1:

Introduction to the Elements of Traditional Climbing

You’ll start on the ground, learning the basic components of traditional climbing from equipment use and placement, to building solid, efficient anchors and top managed belaying. Once the individual elements are understood, our knowledgeable instructors will guide you through putting it all together. Your first leads will be “mock” aka backed up with a separate system, so you can focus on the process and not the fall. By the end of the day, you'll have a working understanding of trad climbing gear, movement and anchor building, setting you up for success on day two!

Day 2:

Putting it All Together

You’ll begin with a recap of the previous day’s lessons, reinforcing your knowledge of gear placement, climbing movement and anchor construction. After appropriate warmup and review, our instructors will guide you through your first traditional leads. The focus here will be efficient movement and gear usage while maintaining adequate risk management. As the day progresses you’ll gain in confidence as the elements of trad leading begin to coalesce into a natural flow!

Must be lead belay certified (or able to pass a lead belay test)

Ages 13 years old+

Day Rates

  • 1 climber- $350

  • 2 climbers- $400 ($200/climber)

  • 3 climbers- $495 ($165/climber)

  • 4 climbers- $660 ($165/climber)

  • Members Save 10%

All bookings must be booked at least 4 days in advance.
Cancelation requests must be received 7 days in advance in order to receive deposit refund (Full refunds will be given for bad weather).

WHAT TO EXPECT

Connecticut’s climbing areas are invariably wooded, wild and uphill. Accessing them will generally require hiking up steep, uneven terrain for 10-30min, though longer approaches are possible. There are no restrooms or other facilities available. We will often be parking on the sides of busy, residential roads before walking to the trailhead. Due to this, we recommend carpooling, if possible, in order to minimize our impact.

RCF will supply all necessary technical climbing equipment including helmets, harnesses, climbing shoes etc. Climbers who wish to bring their own equipment are welcome to do so subject to inspection and approval by the instructor.

Please Note:

If under 18, a parent/guardian must accompany the minor for the day.

Spectators are welcome with advanced notice. All spectators must be at least 8 years old and everyone will be required to wear helmets while at the base of the cliff.