Teaching Trad Leading

The next step in the progression after learning to lead on sport climbs is to learn how to lead on traditional rock climbs which require leader placed protection in the form of nuts, cams and slings.

In order to do this safely, I am climbing alongside the student on a completely separate top rope. This means I am immediately on hand to offer advice and evaluate each placement. The student is belayed from below by their climbing partner as usual. At the top of the pitch the student also has to construct a belay and bring their partner up.

This was filmed on the lower pitch of "The Ramp" on Upper Cave Crag at Dunkeld.