aid climbing program

BOOKINGS

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Have you built up the resume needed to scale large granite monoliths like El Cap and Half Dome, or maybe the giant, sandstone buttresses of Zion and Red Rock but can’t quite free the entire route? Understanding the fundamentals and systems of aid climbing is an essential part of any climbers toolbox if freeing 5.12 isn’t exactly in your deck of cards! In our customized aid climbing programs we’ll tailor a course to fit your desires and goals, making those big wall fantasies become reality. Depending on your desires we’ll customize a 2-3 day program focusing on the below topics, ensuring you’re comfortable with these applications and systems by the end of your course.

Direct aid with active and passive gear (cams and stoppers), utilizing the "french free" technique

Traditional aid with aiders and a daisy chain

Aid gear vs. traditional gear for protection

Hooking/ cam hook techniques and applications

Jumaring a free hanging rope

Jumaring to clean traditional/ aid gear

How to pendulum

How to haul and rig a haul bag

Logistics (food, camping gear, prep)

Aid Climbing Program

California

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This customized program is for experienced climbers preparing for big-wall routes or objectives where sections may require direct aid, traditional aid, rope ascending, hauling, and complex logistics.

  • Participants should have a strong foundation in outdoor climbing, multipitch systems, traditional protection, anchors, belaying, and rope management. Golden State Guiding will review your experience before designing the program.

  • Depending on your goals, instruction may cover direct aid, French-free techniques, aiders and daisy chains, active and passive protection, hooks and cam hooks, rope ascending, cleaning gear, pendulums, and hauling.

  • Yes. The course is tailored to your experience and objectives. Your guide will prioritize the systems most relevant to your intended routes while building an appropriate progression over the available days.

  • Most customized programs run for two or three days. The final duration depends on your current skills, desired curriculum, climbing venue, and whether you want to practice integrated big-wall systems.

  • The program can address hauling systems, rigging a haul bag, food, water, camping equipment, preparation, and other logistics needed for larger objectives. Exact topics are confirmed during planning.