Trad first-timer

One of the great aspects about rock climbing is the ability to advance, not only in strength, but ability. I usually find myself attracted to hobbies or sports that can be pushed further, I really have a lot of fun climbing and knowing that I am slowly improving. Part of what drives me is that natural progression. Last weekend I had an epic opportunity to try a whole new ball game, it is called "trad", short for traditional and essentially it means climbing from the ground up and placing your protection as you go, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_climbing. I find it to be the most pure form of climbing I have engaged in yet (-:

It is important to note that the protection devices placed by the leader (climber) are not permanent, they merely engage when placed in a crack, thereby being removable upon descent, or ascent if the belayer decides to follow the climb of the leader- multi pitch climbs. There is an amazing large amount of thought that goes into this style of climbing, in fact I would venture to say that my brain was tired upon finishing a climb! This is because placing protection is very precise, atleast for me learning as beginner. The "lobes" of the cams must sit in a certain way and I have to physically see this in action, perhaps later I can go by feel (-:

There I am placing my protection, trying to keep relaxed!

Sometimes it is important to add a sling to keep the rope drag down. I know I certainly have a lot more to learn about trad, I will keep you posted on my progress!