San Antonio natives Nick Fuentes and Emilie Hernandez will be teaching an immersive Intro to Trad Clinic at the iconic Enchanted Rock State Natural Area on March 5, 2023.
Both instructors are active members of the American Mountain Guides Association and work for Outpost Wilderness Adventure. Lead guide, Nick Fuentes is an Apprentice Rock Guide and Emilie Hernandez is working as an Assistant Guide as she pursues her Single Pitch Instructor certification. Both instructors have been integral parts of the Central Texas climbing community since 2015 and continue to pursue their passion in educating up-and-coming rock climbers.
Who is this clinic for?
If you are curious about traditional “trad” climbing and don't know where to begin, this intro course would be a fantastic place to start. Learning about trad anchors, gear placement and equipment provides a great opportunity to expand your climbing skills and leadership abilities. There will be a lot of hands-on experience and opportunities to ask questions throughout our time together.
Please note this clinic is open to all individuals 18 years old and up (cis men, included), and will be taught by both a cis-man and cis-woman.
Below are the requirements of all attendees:
Minimum 1 year climbing experience (indoors or outdoors)
Must be able to proficiently top-rope belay
Can climb a minimum of 5.8 sport
Be willing and able to handle outdoor elements and hike to our destination (around 15 minutes) with at least 20lb of weight.
Responsible for bringing your own personal provisions (transportation, food, water, clothing, sun protection, etc.) and following Leave No Trace ethics
What will be taught?
This ground school intro course will have a heavy emphasis on terrain assessment and rock quality analysis. You will learn how to use passive protection as well as spring loaded camming devices. We will discuss and learn how to build a standard three-piece traditional anchor system, how to place active and passive protection, and rig natural and monolithic anchors.