April 21, 2026 | CLIMBING
TRAD CLIMBING: WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO GET STARTED
In this article we explain what trad (classic) climbing actually is, why more and more climbers are drawn to it, and how you can get started safely with SouthClimb.
In this article we explain what trad (classic) climbing actually is, why more and more climbers are drawn to it, and how you can get started safely with SouthClimb.
Trad (traditional) climbing means ascending rock faces without permanent fixed gear, using removable protection such as cams (Friends) and nuts. These devices are placed in cracks or irregularities in the rock and removed once the route is finished, making this style more ethical, sustainable, and technical. It's the predominant style in rock areas like the Alps, the Pyrenees, Yosemite, or Patagonia.
Unlike sport climbing, where routes are protected with fixed bolts, trad climbing requires you to place your own protection as you go. This means constant decision-making on the wall — you're not just climbing, you're also managing risk and choosing your own line of protection.
Trad climbing offers a more complete experience than other disciplines:
- Full autonomy on the wall.
- Advanced technical skills.
- Better rock-reading and risk management.
- A deeper connection with the natural environment.
- A real sense of adventure.
Sport climbers often move into trad when they're looking for more mental and technical challenge.
Personal equipment: harness, helmet, climbing shoes, belay device (Reverso or similar), and a daisy chain/lanyard.
Trad-specific gear: a set of nuts, cams (Friends), quickdraws and slings, locking carabiners, cordelette for anchors, and rope (single or double).
Important: having the gear isn't enough — you also need to know how to place it correctly.
The best way to start is with proper training. At SouthClimb we recommend: learning with a professional guide to avoid critical mistakes and speed up your progress; starting on easy routes where you can focus on placing protection; practicing in a controlled setting — placing gear from above before leading; and progressing toward multi-pitch routes once you've mastered the basics, in areas like the Pyrenees or Cavallers.
La Mussara offers short routes ideal for practice, the Pyrenees offer alpine adventure, and Cavallers has perfect granite for crack climbing. At SouthClimb we organize courses and guided trips in all of these areas.
If you want to learn safely and progressively, we offer introductory trad climbing courses, self-rescue courses, guided multi-pitch routes in Montserrat, personalized training adapted to your level, and custom trad climbing trips — all with gear included, small groups, and guides with over 20 years of experience.
Is trad climbing dangerous? It carries more risk than sport climbing, but with proper training it's a safe and controlled activity.
Do I need previous experience? Yes, it's recommended to have a sport climbing base before starting trad.
How long does it take to learn? It depends on frequency, but you can build a solid foundation in just a few days with a course.
What's the difference between trad and multi-pitch? Multi-pitch routes can be sport or trad. Trad specifically means self-protection.
Trad climbing is much more than a discipline — it's a way of understanding the mountain. It requires commitment, technique, and the right mindset, but in exchange it offers one of the most authentic experiences on rock. If you want to make the leap from the gym or sport climbing to a more complete style, trad climbing is the logical next step.
Margalef is one of Europe’s premier sport climbing destinations. Its pocketed conglomerate rock creates a very specific climbing style requiring finger strength, body positioning, and tactical pacing.
LEARN MOREIn this guide we cover the top climbing areas in Tarragona: Siurana, Margalef, Arboli, La Mussara, and La Riba.
LEARN MOREYou can contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone to (+34) 645 432 307, or by filling up the contact form in the following link.
(Translated by Google) A great professional and very nice
(Original) Un gran profesional i molt simpatic
I had a great day climbing in Montserrat with Santiago. He picked a great route that was fun and challenging without being overwhelming. I improved my multipitch skills and got to see some beautiful scenery and interesting rock. Santiago was very knowledgeable and helpful, and most importantly is a fun person to spend a day with. I'd highly recommend booking a climb if you're in the area!
(Translated by Google) Great climbing course! Santi knows how to transmit all his experience, he also explains very well and makes the most of each one by transmitting confidence. Great experience!! A great group!
(Original) Gran curso de escalada! Santi sabe transmitir toda su experiencia, además explica muy bien y hace sacar el máximo de cada uno transmitiendo confianza. Gran experiencia!! Un grupo genial!
Santi is an amazing teacher. It is very clear that he has a lot of experience and you can ask him anything about climbing amongst other things. Santi is also super friendly and easy to get along with. I would absolutely recommend the lead-climbing course I did here. It felt very professional and complete and I think it is one of the best ones you can get. Another note; Santi made awesome pictures of us :-), thank you so much for everything!
(Translated by Google) A very good experience! The truth is that climbing with Santi I learned many things and had even more fun. The explanations were very practical and useful. I wanted to repeat the experience and continue learning. Thank you!
(Original) ¡Una experiència muy buena! La verdad es que escalando con Santi aprendí muchas cosas y me divertí aún más. Las explicaciones fueron muy prácticas e útiles. Me quedé con ganas de repetir la experiencia y seguir aprendiendo. ¡Gracias!
I can’t say enough good things about my experience with SouthClimb. Let’s begin with how gorgeous Siurana was! Our guide Santi found an area and climbing routes that were fun and perfectly suited for the grades that myself and the other girl in our group climb. There were specific skills I wanted to work on (cleaning the anchor) and Santi climbed up the route next to one I climbed so that we could work through the process together in a way that was simple, clear, and made me feel safe. I HIGHLY recommend a tour with SouthClimb whether you’re very experienced and want a challenge or it’s your first day on the rock. Don’t hesitate to let your guide know if you have specific goals in mind, because they’re very kind and enthusiastic about helping you learn and grow in the sport. It was a gorgeous day and I am eager to spend more time with SouthClimb! A massive thanks to Santi!
(Translated by Google) A great moment. Santi is always attentive, but with that relaxed energy... the day flows, you learn, the dynamics do not decline and you become happy. What else?
(Original) Un momento buenisimo. Santi siempre atento,pero con esa energia tan relajada...fluye el dia,se aprende,la dinamica no decae y te vuelves contento. Que mas?
(Translated by Google) I decided to give my 8 and 10 year old children a climbing baptism for the whole family and it has been a brutal experience!! We got to know Arbolí, one of the most important climbing areas in the Serra de Prades where we enjoyed nature and adrenaline in equal parts. The monitor Sara de 10, a great professional who made us feel safe at all times. 100% recommendable!!!
(Original) Decidí regalarle a mis hijos de 8 y 10 años un bautismo de escalada para toda la familia y ha sido una experiencia brutal!! Conocimos Arbolí, una de las zonas más importantes de escalada de la Serra de Prades donde disfrutamos de la naturaleza y de la adrenalina por partes iguales. La monitora Sara de 10, una gran profesional que nos hizo sentir seguros en todo momento. 100% recomendable!!!
(Translated by Google) 100% recommendable. I signed up for the climbing fear management course and the experience has been entirely positive. In addition to the psychological part, we also work on more technical and practical aspects that I am sure will help me progress as a climber. Santi is an attentive and kind teacher who transmits experience in each of his actions. A luxury to learn from him.
(Original) 100% recomendable. Me apunté al curso de gestión del miedo en la escalada y la experiencia ha sido del todo positiva. Además de la parte psicológica, también trabajamos aspectos más técnicos y prácticos que estoy seguro me ayudarán a progresar como escalador. Santi es un profesor atento y amable que transmite experiencia en cada una de sus acciones. Un lujo aprender de él.
I had an incredible experience climbing Naranjo de Bulnes/Picu Urriellu with Santi. From the very first emails, communication was quick, clear, professional, and helpful - he gave us detailed advice on routes, logistics, and even transport and accommodation options.
On the mountain, Santi was outstanding you could see his love for the mountains and watched him come alive! He explained everything very clearly. His knowledge of the area and his patience with us made the whole day very enjoyable.
We can't recommend him enough - if you're thinking of climbing in Picos de Europa or anywhere else, book with Santi. Thank you for helping us make this such a memorable trip!
