Build Solid Trad Skills!

Level 3 Accelerated is a 1-day course designed for climbers with previous lead climbing experience. Whether you are a sport climber wanting to learn trad or you are a trad climber wanting to boost confidence. This one day course allows ample time to learn gear placement skills under the watchful eye of your guide.

You will learn the same material taught in Level 3 Rock but the pace will be faster. With previous lead climbing experience you already know some of the basics. Your guide will quickly assess individual skill levels and focus on teaching skills that require the most attention.

Our guides provide close support, ascending on a separate fixed-rope beside you when lead climbing. This will ensure your safety, while boosting your confidence and providing direct feedback.

Take Level 4 Rock sequentially and receive 10% off! 

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

• Sport climber comfortable leading 5.7.

• Comfortable top roping 5.7 cracks.

• Level 2 Rock or equivalent.

Questions?

Goals

• Equipment strength, forces encountered leading, fall factors.

• Placing and assessing trad gear (cams, nuts) will be a large focus.

• Tricks for cleaning gear, seconding a pitch, and using a nut tool.

• Building anchors with IDEALS acronym. Anchors in series and parallel.

• Safety systems and risk management while leading on trad gear.

• Mock leads with top-rope or real leads depending on participants.

• Leading strategies: distance between protection pieces, choosing sizes for a climb, protecting the second.

• Extended rappel, prusik back-up, throwing ropes, knots in the ends.

• Next steps: discuss Level 4 Rock and Rescue 1 Rock.

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

Ratio

1:6 (min 3)

guide : participants

Note: private courses can be organized for 1-2 participants, and groups.

Equipment

• Harness,

• Helmet (climbing)

• Belay device

• Chalk bag

• Rock shoes (required)

• 4 x locking carabiners (pear shape)

• 2 x carabiners (non-locking)

• 2 x double length sling (120cm)

• 1 x cordelette (5m x 7mm cord)

• 6 x quickdraws

• 2 x alpine Draws (60cm slings)

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

• 1 x Nut tool

• Rope 9.2-9.8mm x 60-70m

Note: VMG can supply all equipment except rock shoes (can rent from Climb On Squamish). Email us what you need.

Fee

$209 +GST (1 day)

Dates

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

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.