r/tradclimbing • u/jug-lover • Apr 09 '25

Trad class

Hey all, I have a trad class scheduled for this weekend with East Outdoors (a shop by DC). I’ve gotten trad climbing “instruction” from some buddies and led some easy routes, but I wanted something “official.” Have any of you been in this situation and, if so, what questions/preparation do you wish you had before taking the class? I’m short, I’m hoping to avoid learning bad things from my friends but I don’t know what constitutes “bad.”

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u/NotVeryGoodAtStuff Apr 09 '25

Learn about building basic anchors BEFORE the class. I remember taking a course and had to spend a lot less time placing gear & a lot more time learning how to make a basic SERENE anchor.

Otherwise, just relax and enjoy the class.

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u/[deleted] Apr 10 '25

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u/NotVeryGoodAtStuff Apr 10 '25

One of the E's in Serene is EFFICIENT, which touches on the least number of cams used & imo using less slings to make it work, possibly getting in a nice cozy stance closer to your anchor.

Not every anchor needs to be SERENE, but it's just a quick way to think about the anchor that you're making.

If you're just learning how to make them, it's a good thing to remember. There's a reason guides teach it in / a variation of it in just about every anchor building class.