Intro to Trad Climbing 103

Please read the Climb Nova Scotia COVID-19 protocols at the end of the course description and sign the online waiver before registering. Our goal is to keep participants safe and all those attending the course will be required to follow these guidelines.

PreRequisites: Climbers must have completed a CNS Intro to Outdoor Lead Climbing course or possess competent equivalent knowledge.  Additionally, it is recommended that participants have competent experience with lead belaying, rappelling, anchor building concepts, common climbing knots, and have a minimum of 12 days of outdoor lead climbing/belaying experience. Climbers should also be able to lead climb a difficulty of 5.7.

Our Intro to Trad Climbing course is intended to give participants a thorough understanding of the intricacies of lead climbing with traditional gear.  Unlike Sport climbing, the use of traditional gear and multi-pitch tactics introduces a number of additional risks and variables not typically seen with a day of sport cragging. This course will take students through a variety of topics ranging from proper gear placement, to anchor building strategies, risk assessment, top-belay management, and additional skills needed for the exciting world of traditional climbing.

Course skills/concepts covered include but are not limited to:

-Building Traditional gear anchors.

-Advanced anchor concerns/concepts.

-Advanced belay/leading concerns/concepts.

-Top belay management.

-Top belaying strategies with parties of 2 or 3.

-Transition points.

Climbing Gear Required:

Harness

Helmet

Shoes

Belay/Rappel Device

Cordelette (20ft 8mm Cord)

Rappel back-up material (“Prusik” loop)

4 locking carabiners (1 large HMS carabiner)

4 non-locking carabiners

Recommended:

Any common climbing gear typically used on your outings.  Including quickdraws, traditional protection, slings/runners, cord, climbing rope etc.  Additionally any weather/environment specific gear needed for a two-day course in the outdoors.

Disclaimer: Remember, climbing is dangerous and you could die or be seriously hurt. Taking this course only means that you will be more aware of the risks, not immune to them. All participants will have to sign a waiver. Please click the link. https://app.waiverforever.com/pending/v9pfISiwmF1458763759

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR PARTICIPANTS

• Prior to your course instruction, you will be required to complete a screen 24hr to the course date.
• Participants are required to bring and use their own PPE’s ( Masks or face coverings, hand sanitizer, and Gloves may be worn but are optional) if physical distancing is difficult during instructional settings.
• All participants will be required to sign a declaration of health and possible exposure to COVID-19. We will limit participation to those who attest to being well, to not having been exposed to anyone who is sick, and to not having traveled outside Nova Scotia within 14 days prior to the course;.
• Course participants should be dropped off at the trail head or arrive in their own vehicle
• Participants should not share food or drinks
• Participants must not engage in physical contact unless they are residents of the same household or bubble.
• Before each course CNS will ensure all CNS owned equipment to be used during the course (ropes, harnesses, slings, draws, carabiners, cams, ATC's etc.) has either been isolated for a minimum of three days or washed in warm, soapy water.

Instructor: Brendan Konowal

Brendan was first introduced to the sport of climbing at an early age and has been both a student and teacher of climbing for nearly 20 years. He caught the serious “climbing bug” around 2000’ with his first foray into traditional lead climbing in the hills of West Virginia’s Seneca Rocks, an experience he can recount to this day. Brendan believes that to be the best climber you can be, you must be well acquainted with all forms of climbing. Over the years he has taught in many climbing venues from indoor rock gyms to multi-pitch summits.  His professional teaching/guiding experience is focused around top-rope, sport, and multi-pitch traditional climbing up to grade III-IV. Brendan holds a B.S. degree in Parks and Resource Management, has held certifications from a variety of organizations including the AMGA, SOLO, and the American Red Cross, and has spent many years reinforcing his skills with real life experience.