Womens Intro to Trad Climbing

This course is designed for for female climbers who are looking to learn the fundamentals of traditional (trad) climbing with protection. Trad Climbing involves placing removable protection, such as cams and nuts into cracks and crevices in the rock as you climb, requiring a solid understanding of gear placement and anchor building. Day one and two will be at Te Ahi-a-Tamatea (Rapaki Rock) on the Port Hills of Christchurch and Day three will be at Gibraltar Rock, on the Port Hills.

Instruction is at a ratio of 1:4 with experienced guides

Dates, Location and Timings:

24th, 25th and 31st January 2026
8am - 4pm daily
Location: Port Hills
Lead Instructor: Anna Scheirlinck

Pre-requisites:

NZAC Member (non members are welcome to apply but must join the NZAC in order to be accepted onto the course - there are no exceptions)
Under 18 must have parental/guardian permission and must be at least 16 to attend.
This is not a beginner’s course and at a minimum, you will need to have sport lead climbed confidently, lead belayed (with something other than a gri gri), and abseiled before. Grades are not relevant to this course as you will be trad leading at a level you are comfortable at.
Experienced female climbers.

What will be taught:

Trad equipment and its use
Leading on traditional equipment
Cleaning a climb
Rope management
Route finding
Anchor set ups
Knots
Trouble shooting and useful tips

Equipment Required (You must provide the below)

Harness
Rock shoes
Chalk bag (optional)
Climbing helmet
ATC type belay device and HMS/Pear shaped locking carabiner
Safety/Anchor chain and small locking biner
Short prussic (1.3m total untied length) and small locking carabiner

Equipment can be purchased at Aspiring Safety, Bivouac or Further Faster and all give NZAC members discounts.

Cost

$420 will cover three full day plus instruction, all traditional equipment, quick draws, ropes and anchor set-up.