Trip Report: Moore’s Trad Clinic

5/31/25 - Moore’s Wall Trad Climbing Clinic

We met in the gravel lot just after 8 a.m., the sun still low and the crag quiet. A few nervous smiles, some double-checking of gear, and we were off — winding up the trail to the south end of Moore’s Wall.

For most of the crew, it was their first day touching trad gear. We kept it grounded: gear placement, building anchors, learning to look at cracks instead of just grabbing them. By late morning, students were mock leading with a second rope trailing, placing cams and nuts as they moved — all backed up by a top rope for safety.

Nathan on a mock lead on Hopscotch at Moore’s Wall

The day wasn't about summits or sending. It was about understanding how gear actually works. About what “bomber” looks like in real life. About finding confidence in small decisions: extending a sling, equalizing an anchor, cleaning gear with a nut tool and a little grit.

We wrapped up with a few debriefs — What surprised you? What felt good? — and headed back down, tired but grinning.

I got the infamous question, “what is a standard rack?” Yes, always a question on every new climbers mind, what gear do I actually need? Emphasizing that bringing more (within reason) gives more flexibility, and more experience allows us to whittle down our rack to the bare essentials.

At Open Air Guides, we aim for the sweet spot: teaching hard skills with room for play, growth, and human connection.

We’ll be back out there soon. Come join us.