Learn to trad climb: A crash course in 6 parts

Today we have the ultimate trad climbing crash course for you. In six episodes you will learn everything you need to know to go from indoor climbing to trad multi-pitch lead climbing.

In a total of six episodes, all aspects of trad climbing are examined: from rope handling and material placement to belay construction and rappelling. The protagonists of the videos are DMM graphic designer Clare Carr and climbing instructor Alice Kerr. The following videos are suitable for people who want to get started, as a refresher course for getting back into it, but also as a guide for climbing courses.

When trad climbing or clean climbing, you only use mobile safety devices. Image: DMM
When trad climbing or clean climbing, you only use mobile safety devices. Image: DMM

Learning trad climbing – the overview

Learning trad climbing Part 1: Secure with two ropes

In this episode, the instructor Alice explains the basics of the partner check, belaying with a dynamic belay device and the half rope technique.

Learning trad climbing Part 2: Laying mobile belays

In part 2 of this series, Alice goes over what you need for your first trad rack and how to install mobile belays in the rock.

Learning to trad climb Part 3: Building a stand

In the third part you will learn how to build a belay on a trad route and secure your climbing partner from above.

Learning to trad climb Part 4: Climbing a single-pitch route

Part four is dedicated to the first lead climb at the “sharp end” of the rope and goes into the most important points that need to be taken into account.

Learning trad climbing Part 5: Abseiling

Anyone who climbs up has to come down again at some point. Part five of the series is about abseiling and all the tricks associated with it.

Learning trad climbing Part 6: Leading a multi-pitch route

In the sixth and final episode, the aim is to implement what has been learned so far on a trad multi-pitch route. Instructor Alice explains what you should pay attention to.

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Credits: Cover picture DMM

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Nicola Bertoldo and Diego Dellai open a new mixed route on the north face of Monte Agnèr: Ultima Perla (350m, 5+, M6, 50°).

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