TCS Aid Climbing with Keiko

This is an intro-intermediate course

1 - day (9 hours)

This clinic is for experienced trad climbers to get hands-on experience and instruction in the fundamentals of aid climbing. This course will cover basic aid gear, understanding aid placements, ascending ropes, lead strategy, cleaning gear, and setting up haul systems.

Intro to Aid and Big Wall Climbing Curriculum (Single Day)

• Introduction to big wall equipment.
• Understanding Aid Placements.
• Ascension techniques on fixed ropes.
• Lead Strategy.
• Cleaning roofs and traverses.
• Setting up hauling systems (basic 1:1).
• Rope Management.
• Lower outs

Prerequisites for this clinic;

Traditional lead climbing. students must be competent and comfortable leading up to 5.8/5.9 on gear. Competent in building traditional anchors and rappelling.

• Required Personal Equipment
• Helmet
• Climbing Harness
• Daisys (2)
• Ladders/etries (2)
• GriGri
• ATC & Prussic or hollowblock
• Jumars(2)
• PAS or tether
• 5 Locking carabiners
• 3 non locking carabiners
• Cordellette
• Single rack of trad gear
• A pair of approach shoes
• A pair of belay gloves (Full or Fingerless)
• Jacket & Spare Clothes
• Headlamp
• Sun Protection
• Snacks

Information about the instructors:

Keiko Tanaka

"Keiko is a climber, teacher, and student. She has been climbing for almost two decades. Her first big wall was a solo ascent of El Capitan in 2015. Since then, she has climbed 10 big walls and established a number of first ascents across the West. She continues to expand on her skills in all forms of climbing, including traditional, ice, mixed, and aid. In her spare time, Keiko volunteers with local climbing organizations, teaches clinics, and mentors young climbers in her community. She is extremely passionate about empowering climbers and creating a safe environment for people of all backgrounds to learn and feel welcome. Keiko’s goals include establishing new routes on big mountains in remote areas and teaching practical skills to empower climbers to reach their full potential. Dream BIG!”

Maxamillian Barlerin 

“Max grew up all over the world in countries like Norway, Madagascar, Japan and France. From an early age, he developed a deep respect for different cultures and a passion for adventue in nature. Over the last twenty years, he has developed a broad resume in climbing including bigwall first ascents in Patagonia, Zion National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park and the Wind River Range. He has climbed up to 5.14 on sport, 5.13d multi-pitch, and 5.13 trad. Max has nearly a decade of experience working in search and rescue as a climbing ranger and wilderness EMT, leading countless rescues in Rocky Mountain Nation Park. Now a new father, Max is passionate about conservationism and adventure in the mountains more than ever. He hopes to never stop learning, and wants to help others develop and safely maintain a life long career in climbing mountains.”