Learn To Aid Climb!

Learning to aid climb is the first step to big wall climbing. Most of the worlds big walls are climbed using aid techniques along the route. Even free routes in Squamish can require small sections of aid. For example, the bolt ladder on the Ultimate Everything A0 or 11c).

Gaining this skill set will enable participants to set their sites on a large range of objectives from single pitch aid climbs to long free climbs. Our aid climbing course will cover skills needed to tackle a big wall.  

Advanced aid skills (cam hooks, copper heads, hooking) will be reviewed but these skills are reserved for an advanced course.

Itinerary

Courses are in Squamish from 8am - 4pm. Meet your Guide at Cloudburst Cafe in Squamish at 8am. Plan to be back at the cars by 4pm.

8am - 4pm

Pre-requisites

• Level 3 Rock or equivalent.

• Lead 5.6 crack climbs placing gear.

• Building simple gear anchors.

Waiver

You are required to read the VMG Waiver and agree to it’s terms and conditions prior to paying or signing. Your guide needs to see the emailed waiver verification before participating.

Goals

• Review aid climbing theory.

• Gearing up, overview of equipment for aid.

• Hazards and risk management related to aid climbing.

• Aiding systems:

  • 2 aider systems

  • Daisy chains, fifi hooks.

• Practice aid climbing, learn the steps for efficient aid technique, clipping the rope.

• Aid pieces, whats going to hold, how to bounce test pieces.

• High stepping in aiders, balancing on the rock.

• Lead-belaying with a Grigri.

• Jumarring technique, building speed, safety back-ups.

• Setting up and hauling the haul-bag: packing, hauling with microtraxion, docking the bag.

• Rappelling with the haul bag.

Note: Goals are flexible and can be tailored to individuals.

Equipment

(CLICK above)

• Harness

• Helmet (climbing)

• Belay device

• Chalk bag

• Approach shoes (stiff soles)

• 4 x locking carabiners (pear shaped)

• 2 x double length sling (120cm)

• 1 x cordalette (5m x 7mm cord)

• 1 x Hollowblock prusik

• 10-15 spare biners

• 2 x etriers (5-6 step)

• 2 x ascenders (handles)

• 2 x daisy chains (adjustable)

• 1 x Microtraxion

• Gear rack (set of nuts #4-10, single set cams 0.2 - 3”)

• Rope 9.5mm-10mm x 60m

• 1 x Haulbag

Note: VMG can supply some equipment but we ask that you try to supply as much as you can. Let us know what you need.

Fee

$299 +GST (1 day)

Dates

Note: Private instruction is available. Customize your program and learn at your pace with one-on-one instruction. Contact VMG!

Ratio

1:6 (min 2)

guide : participants

Note: private courses can be organized for groups.

Questions?