New Trad Climber Weekend

Are you ready to experience the adventure of Trad Climbing?

The American Alpine Club, Washington DC Section with from Arc'teryx DC are excited to offer the opportunity to learn the art of traditional climbing from experienced mentors.

This event will give rock climbers a chance to begin their journey into trad climbing by learning the gear used for protection in trad climbing and practice placing and removing gear under the mentorship of experienced trad leaders. The weekend will be capped by an opportunity for new trad mentees to follow experienced trad leaders on classic climbs at Seneca Rocks.

All participating mentees will be required to bring their own personal protective gear (see "What to Bring" below).

Location: Seneca Rocks, WV

Dates: May 31-June 2, 2024*

*weather permitting

Agenda:

Friday, May 31 (arrival)

• 8:00-10:00 pm: Check in at group campsite, gear-check, initial instruction, and social. Bring your gear & questions and we'll make sure you're all set to climb Saturday morning!

Saturday, June 1 (ground school & mock leading)

• 8:00 - 11:00 am: Safety, Gear Placement, Anchors, & Cleaning Ground School
• 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Practice trad climbing & rappelling
• 5:00 pm: Dinner at camp pavillion

Sunday, June 2 (climbing)

• 8:00 am: Breakfast & climbing team assignment (2 mentees to 1 leader)
• 9:00 am - 2:00 pm: Mentees follow lead climbers to the Summit of Seneca Rocks
• 3:00 pm: Departure & return home

Participant Prerequisites

• Prior rock climbing experience and skills including: ability to tie-in and belay a climber.

• American Alpine Club Membership. Registrants must provide proof of current membership prior to the event.

Lodging

We will be sharing a group campsite near Seneca Rocks. Participants will need to bring camping gear.

How to Get There

Seneca Rocks, WV is a 3-4 hour drive from the DC area, so carpooling is recommended. After you register for the event, we will create a shared group chat to coordinate sharing carpools and and camping supplies.

Cell service around Seneca Rocks is poor, so we recommend pre-downloading GPS maps for the area ahead of time.

What to Bring

Climbing/Safety Gear

All participants must have the following:

• Harness & Shoes
• Rock Climbing Helmet (bicycle helmets are insufficient to protect from rockfall)
• Carabiner + ATC/tube-style belay device (a Gri-gri alone will not suffice)
• Prussik Cord or Hollow Block Cord
• 2 extra locking carabiners
• Nut tool
• Personal anchor (either Personal Anchor System or 48" sling)
• A 20-35L crag bag which can hold some group gear and everything you need for a day of climbing

Also nice to have:

• Small (~20L) climbing backpack that doesn't get in the way of climbing, but can hold approach shoes, water/snacks, and an extra layer of clothing.
• Rain shell in case of afternoon showers

If you are unable to acquire the required gear, you will be able to purchase it at the Gendarme.

Food

Bring enough water and food (including snacks and lunch) for 2 full days of cragging. Although the town of Seneca is tiny, Harper's Old Country Store and Yokum's General Store do sell some food, and Yokum's has a small restaurant menu.

Camping Gear

Registration includes a tent site at a group campsite near Seneca Rocks. Please bring what you need for two nights camping including:

• Tent
• Sleeping bag/pad
• Camp stove & camp food

Questions

Feel free to contact us @ washingtondc@americanalpineclub.org

FYI…Climbing is a dangerous sport and serious injury may occur.