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This course is designed for climbers who are looking to learn the fundamentals of traditional (trad) climbing with protection. Trad Climbing involves placing removable protection, such as cams and nuts into cracks and crevices in the rock as you climb, requiring a solid understanding of gear placement and anchor building. Day one and two will be at Te Ahi-a-Tamatea (Rapaki Rock) on the Port Hills of Christchurch and Day three will be at Gibraltar Rock, on the Port Hills. Instruction is at a ratio of 1:4 with experienced guides
Dates, Location and Timings:
- Dates 23, 24, 30 Jan 2026
- 8am - 4pm daily
- Location: Port Hills
- Lead Instructor: Nick Hanafin
Pre-requisites:
NZAC Member (non members are welcome to apply but must join the NZAC in order to be accepted onto the course - there are no exceptions)
Under 18 must have parental/guardian permission and must be at least 16 to attend.
This is not a beginner’s course and at a minimum, you will need to have sport lead climbed confidently, lead belayed (with something other than a gri gri), and abseiled before. Grades are not relevant to this course as you will be trad leading at a level you are comfortable at.
What will be taught:
- Trad equipment and its use
- Leading on traditional equipment
- Cleaning a climb
- Rope management
- Route finding
- Anchor set ups
- Knots
- Trouble shooting and useful tips
Equipment Required (You must provide the below)
- Harness
- Rock shoes
- Chalk bag (optional)
- Climbing helmet
- ATC type belay device and HMS/Pear shaped locking carabiner
- Safety/Anchor chain and small locking biner
- Short prussic (1.3m total untied length) and small locking carabiner
Equipment can be purchased at Aspiring Safety, Bivouac or Further Faster and all give NZAC members discounts.
Cost
$420 will cover three full day plus instruction, all traditional equipment, quick draws, ropes and anchor set-up.
To sign up visit our website https://www.canterburywestlandalpineclub.org.nz/courses/intro-to-trad-climbing-course
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Event venue
Canterbury Westland Section, New Zealand Alpine Club, Christchurch, New Zealand 8011, New Zealand
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