Curious about Trad

[austinconrad]

I'm relatively new to climbing and just started to lead on sports climbs. I generally climb routes in the 5.7 - 5.9 range. I enjoy sport climbing alot but I find myself wanting to place my own gear. I realise the costs involved with buying gear for trad climbing are pretty high but I'm okay with that ( just like the rest of my gear it's something I can accumulate over time). I don't plan on climbing trad anytime soon but I was just curious if anyone could tell me how you go about learning how to place gear? I've borrowed some gear a few times and went around the bottom of the crag placing gear and found it fun and helpful but what I need is actual instruction. If I'm gonna move into trad I want to do so slowly and safely. There aren't really any courses around here so I was wondering how most people get into trad climbing?

Any help would be great

[theriault]

Start by seconding an experience trad leader, analyse every placement before you take it out, this is a small first step

[austinconrad]

Start by seconding an experience trad leader, analyse every placement before you take it out, this is a small first step

Thanks! Sounds like good advice. On that note anyone need a second ?

[Matt Peck]

I might have a day or two next week open if you're interested?

[Matt Peck]

Ahh Scratch that. Thought I was headed up to freddy next week but things changed. Good luck! You could try looking up Jen Barth in Westfield, she's usually keen for climbing midweek.