This intro is ideal for those who already have top-rope climbing experience (crack-climbing is an asset) who wish to learn the essentials for leading on trad routes.  Prior leading experience (indoors or outdoors/sport or trad) is an asset.

As this intro will focus on gear placements and placement evaluation (and less on the actual lead climb), it may also be of interest to those not looking to trad lead but who want to learn more about trad climbing (perhaps someone who prefers to second).

Note: we will use mock leading situations (top-rope belay as backup).

Mandatory requirements: top-rope belaying, top-rope climbing experience

Preferred experience/knowledge: anchor building on a bolted station, 5.8+ (crack) climbing experience, rappelling, prior lead experience.

Gear: participants are expected to provide their own ropes and gear (a basic set of cams and a set of nuts and a nut tool).  Participants will be working in groups of two and three so gear sharing amongst the group is possible.  We will use the planning forum to work out the details.

Mandatory gear: harness, helmet, belay device

For both the Saturday and Sunday, we will meet at St. David’s Church at Taylor Way and work out carpooling there.  If you require a ride to the church, please use the planning forum to make arrangements.

If you must drop out after being confirmed to the course, a text message or phone call from you is mandatory (a drop out email or removing yourself from the trip on the BCMC website is not sufficient).

Course Fee: $20 CAD.
Please note that the course organizers are volunteers. Your course fee is paid directly to the BCMC.

Registration process:
1) after you've register online your name will automatically be added to the "Request List" while the organizer reviews your registration information,
2) after the organizer approves your request, your name will be placed in the "Waiting List", which will give you access to the "Pay Now" (PayPal) button to pay online,
3) after payment has been confirmed by PayPal, your name will be moved to the "Confirmed List" and a confirmation email will be sent to you. 
Notes about the "Confirmed List":
 1) ordering will be based on when course fee payments were received.
 2) group total, including organizers, is limited by "Max participants:".

Payment options:
1) online PayPal / Credit Card payment through the BCMC website is preferred,
2) the alternate method is send a cheque payable to the B.C. Mountaineering Club and mailed to PO Box 2674, Vancouver, BC V6B 3W8.  Allow time for delivery since payment will not be considered "received" until the cheque has been deposited into the BCMC bank account.  Contact the organizer to request a space on the "Confirmed List" be held for you.
NOTE: cancellation fees may apply if a "Confirmed" participant withdraws from the course and requests a refund.  For more information, please review the BCMC Course Refund Policy.