Some people get a lot of value from the AO course. Though it encourages some to lead when they’re not ready. Most people probably don’t go on courses but learn gradually. Do mixed routes. Climb with others, borrow a rack, do all the elevens, twelves, thirteens, etc etc. Seconding and cleaning natural routes is good experience. Some girls used to climb with us. They picked it up fairly quickly. Freaky experience for them (and for us). Not that many natural routes around Perth. Churchmans has some very vertical moderates. First Route is easy to protect except the upper section. The Bite, if you mess it up completely the tree will catch you. Protection on The Fang needs imagination. The Sting is good for big gear. The quarries, can only think of Playboy. Can’t think of hard naturals. Darlington – Slot Machine. Lots down South. Be careful of Wilyabrup. Everything flares.

Hi Matt,

I’ve had a chance to second experienced climbers on a few occasions and this works great as you get to examine their gear placements. I can also recommend ‘Climbing Anchors’ book. The course should be great too and you’ll get someone looking over your shoulder in a safe environment.

I just bought some cams and stoppers and am going to play around with them to get the hang of placing natural gear. Will probably head to Churchmans or Stathams on a weekend and try placing protection off a top rope first. Maybe climb some easy mixed routes. If you’d like to join in, let me know on 0408 955 177.

Hynek