Black Diamond Equipment Tradathon - A festival of trad climbing, 18 May 2013

Magaliesberg – 18th May 2013. Trad climbing is arguably the most rewarding form of rock climbing but also attracts the smallest group of participants. The beauty of trad. is the amazing depth and breadth of experience that it offers – there is no limit to the number of routes you can climb, the grade you have to climb in order to do something “worthwhile”, the opportunity for new routing or the level of adventure that you choose to engage in.

 

And yet, trad doesn’t have a large following. This is due, in part, to the cost of the additional gear, but probably more due to the perceived risk that is involved and the lack of opportunities for adequate coaching when starting out. Before the arrival of sport climbing, all climbers did an “apprenticeship” during which they learnt the ropes under the practiced eye of a more experienced climber. Bolting has made climbing much more accessible and caused the climbing community to grow at a much faster rate than this traditional apprenticeship model can cope. So – trad. often remains inaccessible.
So this is your opportunity – a gathering of all levels of climbers to share their skills, to learn from each other and to enjoy a day on the crag.

 

What:
A gathering of all levels and ages of climbers to enjoy the best that the Magaliesberg has to offer(Tonquani & neighbouring kloofs) , followed by a Spit Braai, cash bar and slide show from Paul Fatti – Magaliesburg climbing pioneer extraordinaire - in the evening at the Lapa in the Mountain Sanctuary Park.

 

Who:
• Experienced trad. climbers: pull in and do some classic routes; climb with your own partner or find a new climbing partner on the day. Climb at your own grade, or share your favourite route with a beginner
• Competent sport climbers: sign up for the “intro. to trad. leading” workshop run by qualified SAMDT instructors or team up with some experienced “tradders” and follow some routes
• Beginner climbers : never climbed before ? Sign up for the “learn the basics” morning workshop and climb with an experienced person in the afternoon

 

When:
18th May 2013 from 8h30am – late

 

Costs:
Registration is free but we need to know if you’re coming - Click here. The venue is owned by the Mountain Club of South Africa. They are generously making the venue available free of charge to all involved.

 

Spit braai: R105 per person - book here; there will be a CASH bar.

 

Climbing workshops: gratuity to the instructors – compulsory waiver will be required – book here
• Intro to trad. following: this workshop is aimed at novices who have never climbed trad. and would like to learn something about the procedures when following a leader, before embarking on a proper route. It will cover twin rope management, tying on at a stance, gear removal etc. Half day of instruction - gratuity to the instructor R100
• Intro. to trad leading: this is a “taster” workshop. There is too much to learn to cover in one day; so this work shop will focus on safely placing and removing trad. gear while on lead. This workshop is suitable for climbers who already lead competently on sport at grade 18. Full day of instruction - gratuity to the instructor R200

 

Equipment: All participants are expected to be self sufficient bar the workshop participants who must provide the minimum of harness, screw gates, twin rope belay device, helmet, and rock shoes. All participants must provide their own refreshments on the mountain. Due to the fact that participation in this event is entirely voluntary, we cannot force anyone to wear a helmet. However the as in all trad. climbing areas, there is loose rock and there will be many climbers in the area.

 

The use of a helmet is highly recommended

 

T-shirt: We have Black Diamond and Beal T- Shirts available to participants at a discount. Both in men and ladies.These T’s usually retail for R179 – but will be available to buy for registered climbers at R100. CASH ONLY!

 

Need accommodation:
There is camping and chalet accommodation available in Mountain Sanctuary Park, accommodation must be booked for 2 nights over a weekend.– book here (directly with Mountain Sanctuary Park)

 

Win:
We are raffling a Black Diamond trad rack worth R14500.00 – comprising the following :
- Black Diamond Camalots C4’s - sizes 0.3 – 4
- Black Diamond Camalot X 4’s – sizes x 2
- Black Diamond Neutrino rack pack x 2
- Black Diamond Stopper set 4- 13 with ‘biner
- Black Diamond Micro Stopper set 1- 6 with ‘biner
- Black Diamond Posiwire quick draws : 8 x 12cm + 4 x 18cm
- Black Diamond Nut tool
- Black Diamond bandolier racking sling

 

The raffle costs R100 per ticket, 100 tickets only; maximum of 10 tickets per one person – enter here
Winning number will be drawn at the Spit Braai.

 

Spot prizes: There will be numerous spot prizes given out at the braai in the evening for the best dressed couple; the most impressive send of the day; the most encouraging spirit of the day – and anything else that the organisers deem fit!