Learn to Trad Climb!

Level 3 Rock is designed for climbers wanting to learn how to lead single pitch routes with trad gear. Two days allows the time needed to practice new skills under the watchful eye of your guide.

Consider this scenario: you’re leading a route and get to the crux. You place a piece of gear and climb the crux then traverse 20ft right on easy terrain to the anchor. In this scenario if the seconder falls at the crux they will take a massive swing which could injure them and damage the rope. Learn how to mitigate risks like this with our experienced guides.

This course builds on skills from Level 1 and 2 Rock. Our guides provide close support, ascending on a separate rope beside you, ensuring your safety, while inspiring your first lead on gear!

Take Level 1, 2, 3, or 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

• Experience setting up top rope anchors outdoors.

• Comfortable top roping 5.7 cracks outdoors.

• Level 1 Rock or equivalent and practice.

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

Day 1

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

• Equipment strength, forces encountered leading, fall factors.

• Place and assess trad gear (cams, nuts)

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

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

Day 2

• Learning to communicate before and during a climb for safety.

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

• Practice crack climbing techniques (hand jams, finger locks).

• Strategies for lead climbing: distance between protection pieces, choosing sizes for a climb.

• Placing protection to ensure the seconder is safe.

• 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.

Questions?

Fee

$369 +GST (2 days)

Dates

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.