Trad Climbing

Traditional or Trad climbing is considered by many to be one of the purest forms of climbing. It requires a “lead” climber to climb a route while on belay. As the lead climber progresses he places various pieces of protection such as camming devices, nuts, and slings in cracks and natural rock features. Trad climbing requires an intimate understanding of the mechanics of gear as well as rock features. Your life depends on proper gear placement. Once the lead climber reaches either the top on a single pitch route, or a belay anchor point on multiple pitch routes, he anchors and prepares to belay the second climber. Second climber then ties in and proceeds to climb the route established by the lead climber. As the second climber progresses he removes the gear previously placed by the lead climber. Removing the gear is often referred to as “cleaning” the route. The second climber doesn’t rely on the placed gear for safety as he is being belayed by the lead climber from an established anchor point. The route is finished once the second climber reaches the belayer on a single pitch route. On a multiple pitch route the second climber reaches the lead climber (belayer) and anchors himself in. Then the lead climber ties in and the whole process starts over again until they complete all of the pitches. Just remember that rock climbing is an inherently dangerous hobby so always check and double check all of your gear and anchor points.