Trad Lead School
The 2025 Trad Lead School application will open April 1, 2025.
Matthew Inman and Kevin Graham on The Finn, midway through the Selkirk Crest High Traverse, August, 2021.
[Photo - Eddy Kvasov]
Are you ready to go beyond the crag?
This course is designed for those who have taken Rock School or Mountain School and/or have experience with sport leading outside. The focus of this course will be an introduction to Traditional, a.k.a. Trad, climbing. Trad Lead School focuses on the skills needed to ascend vertical rock while placing and removing protection. Topics will include, but not be limited to, traditional gear use and placements, multi-pitch climbing and efficiency, and building trad anchors.
Trad Lead School Director(s) - Brett Barna & Bryce Uhl
Dates/Times/Locations
Lecture Session: Wednesday, May 28, 6-8pm - Location TBD
Outdoor Part 1: Saturday/Sunday, May 31/June 1, 8am-4pm, Spokane Area Crag
Outdoor Part 2: Friday/Saturday/Sunday, June 6/7/8, Leavenworth Area or Equivalent
*Cancelations due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances will be made up the following weekend, pushing the course out by a weekend.
Cost - $150
Requirements
This is not a basic or introductory climbing course. A certain level of rock climbing proficiency is expected. If you are lacking in any of the areas outlined below, start working now so you are ready for the course. Contact the course directors with any questions. Participants must:
- have successfully completed Rock School, Mountain School, or equivalent
- have completed reading, Rock Climbing Anchors, 2nd editioin, by Luebben & Donahue, prior to the lecture session (contact school director to get a copy of the book, included with tuition)
- be in good physical condition
- have experience sport leading outside in the last year
- be able to comfortably lead a sport climb rated 5.8
- be proficient with the following knots & hitches: rewoven figure 8, figure 8 on a bite, clove hitch, munter hitch, bowline, water knot, girth hitch, overhand
- be able to efficiently and safely rappel using a rappel backup system
- feel very comfortable with all aspects of Top Rope Climbing. This includes
- Tying into the Rope
- Belaying
- Communication
- Building a SERENE/ERNEST Top Rope Anchor on bolts and natural anchors
Application Process
Applications will be accepted through Sunday, May 18 or until there is a significant waiting list, whichever occurs first. Accepted applicants will be notified the following week at the latest. Participants must be 18 or older. Participant number is limited. All participants must be members of the Spokane Mountaineers. Join now if you are not already a member! Selection criteria considered will include, but not be limited to, date application was submitted, climbing experience, and previous participation with the Spokane Mountaineers.
The application link below will take you to a form. Please fill this out carefully and completely.