Mental Training for Trad Climbing

What will we cover?

Practical Skills Foundation:

Practicing with trad gear (ensuring correct placement techniques)
Understanding gear limitations and testing placements
Aid climbing practice to build placement confidence
How to choose routes suitable for your current level
Creating detailed route maps (rest points, crux zones, gear placements)
Mental Skills Development:
Fear management techniques specific to trad climbing
Decision-making frameworks for route selection
Visualisation techniques for route planning
Building confidence through progressive challenges
Techniques for maintaining focus during long routes
Creating Security:
How to make a “nest” or secure point before crux sections
Managing the relationship between mental and physical aspects
Building resilience through controlled exposure
Partner communication and trust building
Developing personal risk assessment skills

Prerequisites

Lead climbing experience (sport or trad)
Basic understanding of trad gear placement
Willingness to engage in self-reflection and mental training exercises

Location

This course is held at an outdoor location chosen to provide appropriate scenarios for trad climbing.

Duration

Two full days (12 hours total):

Day 1: Foundation skills and mental training introduction
Day 2: Practical application and advanced concepts

What do we need to bring?

Climbing Equipment:

Harness suitable for trad climbing
Helmet
Rock shoes
Any trad gear you own (additional gear will be provided)
Belay device and locking carabiners
Personal Items:
Notebook for mental training exercises
Comfortable clothing suitable for climbing
Water and food for full days
The Climbing Company will provide:
All necessary additional trad gear
Training materials
Safety equipment

Expected Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will have improved your ability to manage fear and anxiety while climbing. We aim to leave you with practical tools for continuing your own mental training development.

5 Over 107 Reviews

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Cameron Scates 7 months ago

Had Aaron teach me and three others over two days. Very informative and answers any questions you have with climbing with confidence. Over all great person and teacher

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Lachlan Noom 19 hours ago

Great experience with The Climbing Company! The team was professional, friendly, and clearly prioritised safety while making the whole process relaxed and enjoyable. Everything was well organised and easy to follow, and I walked away feeling more confident in my skills.

Highly recommend to anyone looking to get into climbing or build on their experie

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Ingrid Hopper 1 month ago

We had a day in Mount Macedon with Karl as our guide, family of six, with kids 13-18. We had a fantastic day. Karl was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, read the room well on when to intervene and push, and when to hold back, and made us all feel like we had achieved something significant over the day. Great day. Highly recommend.

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Sudal Sonagara 2 months ago

Amazing experience with The Climbing Company. I completed their indoor Learn to Lead course and loved it. Great instructors and well-structured training. I’ll definitely be back for more courses.

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B T 2 months ago

Professional, informative, well paced. I did the Indoor Learn to Lead course run by Aaron. The sessions delivered more than expected, building confidence in lead climbing techniques. Aaron is incredibly experienced and passionate, and guided the class expertly with safety at the forefront. Thank you again for a great experience!

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Alex Tometzki 2 months ago

Had the most amazing day at Mt Macedon. Carl was a phenomenal guide. He absolutely made the experience. My first time climbing outside of the gym. Felt totally safe at all times while encouraged to push through to do things I didn’t think I could. I’ll remember it forever. Cheers Carl!

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Remigius Wieczkiewicz 2 months ago

I recently completed a two-day trad climbing single-pitch course with Aaron from Climbing Company, and it was an incredible experience. Aaron was able to answer every question I had and clearly knows his craft — his knowledge and calm teaching style made everything easy to understand. The course has opened the door to a whole new level in my climbing adventure, and I feel far more confident and inspired moving forward. Highly recommend!

Remi

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Andrew 2 months ago

I had an awesome time on the 4-day single- and multi-pitch trad course. Aaron was a fantastic instructor — super patient, helpful, and always in control no matter what weird situation the rock threw at us. I felt like I was progressing every hour; honestly, it was the biggest jump in climbing experience I’ve ever had in such a short time.

He kept everything clear, safe and genuinely fun. We took turns leading throughout the trip, and being up on those routes and towers with Aaron backing us up was unreal — I didn’t have a single “oh no” moment with him around.

Just a heads-up: it’s a solid four days of climbing and learning. You’ll finish each day tired in a good way, but it’s absolutely worth it. And honestly, if you’re still reading reviews at this point, you’ve definitely got what it takes.

If you want to learn heaps, have a cracking time and walk away with great memories, The Climbing Company is your go-to.

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