Trad Leading Clinic by Bluegrass Climbing School in Rogers, KY
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition, with endurance for a full-day activity and the ability to handle sustained climbing efforts.
Overview
Join Bluegrass Climbing School in Rogers, KY, for an immersive trad leading clinic that transforms your climbing skills. Over a full day, learn essential techniques from certified instructors and gain confidence on real rock routes with stunning scenery. Perfect for climbers eager to tackle challenging trad routes safely and independently. Ready to elevate your climbing game? Read on to find out what makes this clinic a must-do for outdoor athletes.
Trad Leading Clinic
Advanced Skills Course • 6-8 Hours
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About This Adventure
Join an AMGA certified instructor for an immersive 6-8 hour trad climbing course that unlocks the thrilling world of traditional climbing. Master essential skills like gear placement and crack techniques, while receiving real-time feedback. This course is perfect for climbers eager to elevate their skills and tackle challenging routes safely.
Train with an AMGA certified instructor!
Duration
6-8 hours
About
This is the second part of our trad climbing course series. Traditional or “Trad” climbing opens up a whole new realm of climbing outside of bolted sport climbs, the fundamental skills learned in this course will lay a groundwork for your climbing whether your goal is to conquer “splitter” single pitch crack climbs or to work your way up to Yosemite Big Walls.
It’s recommend to take our Anchor Building course (Trad 101) or have a basic understanding of artificial climbing protection prior to the taking this course.
We’ll focus on placing reliable artificial protection, in cracks and rock features, to mitigate risk on traditional style climbs. We’ll also explore the special climbing techniques necessary to ascend crack features, learn the proper way to “hand jam”, “fist jam”, “finger lock” and more.
This course starts with an extensive review of gear placement and anchor building, and progresses to mock leading on routes with real time feedback on placements and a recommendation of how to progress forward in your trad climbing career.
Prerequisites: Sport Lead Climbing
Topics covered include:
- A review of placing artificial active and passive protection
- Equipment selection and planning
- Evaluating rock quality
- Route finding skills; how to read the rock
- Using natural protection
- Building gear anchors for single and multi-pitch
- Evaluating fixed gear, pitons, in-situ webbing, and bolts
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable, flexible clothing
Climbing involves a range of movement, so ensure your clothes allow full mobility.
Bring weather-appropriate gear
Check the forecast and pack rain gear or sun protection as needed for a seamless experience.
Practice good communication
Effective signals and clear instructions are key during trad lead climbing, so stay attentive to guides and partners.
Start with familiar routes
Build confidence by initially focusing on routes you feel comfortable with before progressing to harder climbs.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern box turtles
- Red-tailed hawks
History
The limestone cliffs have served as both natural barriers and scenic landmarks for centuries, with climbing gaining popularity since the early 2000s.
Conservation
The area emphasizes leave-no-trace principles, maintaining the delicate limestone formations and surrounding ecosystems for future climbers.
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Adventure Hotspots in Louisville
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Climbing harness
A harness fitted with gear loops is essential for safety and gear organization during climbs.
Climbing shoes
Tight-fitting shoes designed for crack and trad climbing enhance grip and control on limestone features.
Helmet
Protection from falling debris or during falls makes a helmet a must-have for safety.
Chalk bag
Keeps hands dry, especially useful in warmer weather with sweaty hands.
summer specific