Introductory Trad at Love Gap

OVERVIEW

This is an introductory trad climbing trip at a sweet local spot off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are several easier lines that generally protect pretty well. Mountain Project: https://www.mountainproject.com/area/109174273/main-crag

I will be taking 2-3 budding trad climbers out for an afternoon getting comfy with whatever they need to: ground placements, following, clean aided routes, multi-pitch, and perhaps leading trad, all depending on prior practice/experience. If anyone is already comfortable leading trad and wants to work on more wholistic trad topics (problem solving, risk management, escaping the system, hauling/lowering an unconscious partner, anchors, etc.), we can do some of that too, but priority goes to those who do not yet lead.

We’ll plan to leave Grounds around 10am (late start – you’re welcome. but I better see you at ODC Formal-ish), get to the crag around 11am, climb until 4pm or so, and be back in Charlottesville around 5pm.

You bring:
– harness
– helmet
– belay device + locking biner
– climbing shoes
– chalk bag + chalk
– personal climbing gear as desired
– lunch/snacks
– water
– layers appropriate for the weather

I bring:
– ropes
– trad rack
– anchor building materials