Trad climber placing gear

The art and science of trad lead climbing

  • August 16, 2019

nutHave you ever wanted to learn how to lead “trad” climbs and not known how to start?

Traditional climbing, or trad climbing, is a style of rock climbing in which a climber places all gear required to protect against falls, and removes it when a pitch is complete.

This is a 1-day introductory traditional lead climbing course run by CCA in conjunction with K7 Adventures. The course is a mix of theory and practical activities to introduce the foundation skills for traditional climbing, such as:

  • climbing knots
  • modern traditional climbing equipment
  • belaying leaders and seconds
  • setting up anchors
  • placing and removing protective gear
  • keeping yourself (and others) safe at the crag.

The course is being run by qualified, experienced Outdoor Recreation Industry instructors from CCA and K7 Adventures.

You will be provided with a gear list for this activity and there will be homework to complete before the course; homework will take about 60 minutes.

The course will take place at White Rocks, a small limestone crag located on the Queanbeyan River within 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of the Canberra CBD.

Participant numbers are limited to 3-6 climbers.

Trad climbing gear

Trad climbing gear

Trad climber placing gear

The art and science of trad lead climbing – Day 1

  • March 8, 2018

nutEver wanted to learn how to lead “trad” climbs and not known how to start?

Traditional climbing, or trad climbing, is a style of rock climbing in which a climber places all gear required to protect against falls, and removes it when a pitch is complete.

This is the first day of a 2-day introductory traditional lead climbing course run by CCA in conjunction with K7 Adventures.

Day 1 provides foundation skills covering knots, gear, belaying and setting up belays, placing protection and staying safe. It will take place at White Rocks; cost is $100 per person (see details below).

Day 2 (date will be provided to participants of Day 1) will give you the opportunity to lead single-pitch trad climbs at Booroomba Rocks, Namadgi National Park; cost is $220 per person.

The course is being run by qualified, experienced instructors from CCA and K7 Adventures.

Trad climbing gear

Trad climbing gear

Booroomba 50th Anniversary Celebration: 1966 – 2016

  • August 4, 2016

The first climb recorded at Booroomba Rocks was made in January 1966 by Peter Aitchison. The climb, named Aitchison’s Needle was graded at 13 and is a small pinnacle just off the South Buttress.

Peter Aitchison at the top of the Bugaboos in British Columbia, circa 1992.

The CCA is proud to announce a celebration of 50 years of climbing at Booroomba Rocks; the night promises to be a great evening with displays of photos and memorabilia from that era. As well, a number of climbers who made many first ascents over the last 50 years will be present to tell some great yarns.

Finger food will be provided on arrival and drinks can be purchased at the bar. Meals can be purchased after the event.

Please RSVP to Tony Wood (see details below) before Monday 22nd August, including how many will be attending (for catering purposes). Tony, of course, was one of the early pioneers of climbing at Booroomba Rocks.

Booroomba Rocks – some 1st ascensionists (August 2016)

Some participants of the Booroomba 50th Anniversary celebrations