Intro to Trad Climbing Part 1

This is one of Forged Guides’ most advanced courses at Interstate Park, geared for climbers ready to lead trad routes independently. Focused on hands-on training, this class teaches placing passive and active protection (cams and nuts) in crack systems, evaluating placement quality, reducing rope drag with properly placed draws, and organizing gear on your harness. Students will practice trad leading through mock leads under the supervision of a professionally certified rock climbing guide. Anchor Building is a recommended prerequisite, and Intro to Trad Part 2 is recommended to take concurrently. Ideal for experienced climbers ready to progress their trad skills on the classic St. Croix River bluffs.

Who this course is for

• Climbers who have some sport leading experience either in the gym or outdoors

• Climbers who want hands on guided practice ensuring confidence in what it takes to get to the top AND back down on a traditional climbing route.

• Climbers that have followed some trad routes or placed some gear on the ground having a basic understanding of trad protection.

What you’ll learn

• Gear Mastery: Comprehensive training on the inspection, care, and practical function of all critical trad hardware (cams, nuts, ropes, etc.).

• Anchor Building & Placement: Proficiency in constructing bombproof ERNEST/ERNESA anchors and mastering safe, effective placement and testing of passive and active protection.

• Leading & Safety Efficiency: Techniques for efficient racking, advanced rope management (including drag minimization via alpine quickdraws), and practicing mock lead belaying and fall management.

• Belay Systems: Hands-on practice with the mechanics of dynamic lead belaying.

• Route finding: reading natural lines, identifying features, and planning your ascent.

• Outdoor ethics & Leave No Trace: responsible practices for preserving crags and the St. Croix River corridor.

What to expect - Trad I Climbing

Expect a highly practical and immersive day at Interstate Park, designed to give you the confidence to lead your own traditional routes. We will move beyond theory, beginning with a detailed overview of essential trad gear—from inspecting cams and nuts to maximizing efficiency with alpine quickdraws and smart racking systems. The core of the clinic involves extensive hands-on practice in placing and testing active and passive protection, followed by learning how to build bombproof ERNEST/ERNESA anchors. We will reinforce safety and efficiency through mock-lead and belay scenarios, practical rope management techniques. You will leave equipped with a refined skill set and a solid path toward independent lead climbing.

Logistics

• Location: Interstate Park, MN/WI along the scenic St. Croix River.

• Duration: Half-day and full-day options available.

• Group sizes: Small groups for personalized coaching and safety.

• Gear: We provide helmets, harnesses, ropes, and technical equipment; participants should bring, weather-appropriate clothing, water, snacks. and sunscreen/bug spray.