Learn how to start Traditional Lead Climbing on Koh Tao

Rock 5: Traditional Lead Climbing

Take your climbing skills to the next level with our Rock 5 course focused on traditional lead climbing. Learn how to place gear, build anchors, and gain the confidence to become a fully independent climber. Perfect for those wanting to learn how to start trad climbing and advance to level 5 climbing.

Level

Advanced

Course

Duration

2

Days

Cost

฿6,400

Thai Baht

The Learning Experience

On this traditional lead climbing course, you’ll spend plenty of time on the rocks, gaining practical experience with real-world climbing scenarios. You’ll learn how to start trad climbing by leading climbs, placing your gear, and building anchors. With a hands-on approach, you’ll gain confidence in trad climbing, and learn to handle gear placement, safety, and communication. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the skills to independently tackle trad climbs and move forward with your level 5 climbing journey.

Ready to start your adventure?

What’s included

What to bring

Prerequisites

Itinerary

Morning (09:00-12:00)

  • Ground School: Introduction to traditional lead climbing, equipment overview, and gear placement basics. Discussion on protection types, run-outs, and climbing areas.

Lunch Break (12:30-13:00)

Afternoon (13:00-17:00)

 

  • On the Rocks: Practice gear placement, building anchors, and discussing first-piece placement. Lead climb and clean a route, followed by anchor building and top belaying practice.

Morning (09:00-12:00)

  • On the Rocks: Trad climbing and anchor building on Meks wall. You will lead climbs with top belays and practice creating anchors.

Lunch Break (12:00-13:00)

Afternoon (13:00-17:00)

  • On the Rocks: Multi pitch trad climbing at Lang Khai Bay, setting mid-route anchors and practising descent without leaving equipment behind.

Rock 5: Traditional Lead Climbing

A very practical course with lots of time on the rocks building your confidence and techniques. Heavy emphasis is on gear placement, anchors and coordination. Trad climbing leads on to mountaineering and is the only way to be fully independent when climbing.

All activities start the day after arrival on the island.

฿6,400

Reviews

Lena Baumwolle
23 March 2025

Did my open water w good times & loved it! Thx to Sita & Zane for being great instructors <3 and thx to Lea, Tabs and Bar for a fun dive trip at white rock too!!!

Martin Skec
20 March 2025

I rock climbed for the first time and it was an amazing experience. Felix was a great belayer and instructor with whom I felt confident to reach my first tops. Thank you Felix and Charlie for a unforgettable experience

Paul Crenson
23 February 2025

I lucked out with Goodtime Adventures. I did two dives on a Sunday morning, and was one of two divers with another one finishing up her OW so it was me and the DM. Seeing other boats with +30 plus divers seemed like chaos. Be aware coming back we had to climb through a few other boats to get the pier with a few crossings were a bit sketchy nothing against Goodtime as that's how it goes there. Vicky at the main office was awesome answering all my questions and with communication, also helped me book a ferry ticket.

Rozanne Verhoeven
9 February 2025

A late review, but definitely worth writing because it was an amazing experience exploring the crags of Koh Tao with Charly. I climbed there in October, and it was a fantastic time to enjoy the rocks. She shared some insights about their formation and the active climbing community on the island. Joining them was also one of her tips, and it was absolutely worth it—such a great group of people! I climbed a few awesome routes with Charly, and she gave really good advice. The granite felt amazing, but it took some time to get used to the temperature, especially for my feet. I highly recommend Charly and her climbing courses to anyone looking to improve their skills or simply enjoy a great climbing experience on Koh Tao!

יהונתן מורי
4 February 2025

We Had an awesome rock climbing session with Owen and Eli! They were professional and patient and made the experience very fun. Highly recommend them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Browse through our FAQs for quick answers to your most pressing rock climbing questions. You’ll find information about our courses, equipment, safety measures, and more. Whether you’re new to climbing or an experienced climber, you’ll find helpful information to guide you through your climbing journey.

Starting with a rock climbing adventure is easier than you might think! Begin with a beginner-friendly course, such as the beginner top rope course or abseiling on Koh Tao, where instructors teach the basics in a safe environment. Many first-timers find that outdoor rock climbing on Koh Tao is a great way to experience the sport for the first time.

For outdoor rock climbing, essential gear includes climbing shoes, a harness, a helmet, and chalk for grip. Depending on the type of climbing (sport, traditional, or top roping), additional gear like ropes, belay devices, quickdraws, and cams may be necessary. We provide all the equipment needed during our rock climbing courses (we love Petzl brand) and we have gear for rent when you’re going out for a guided outdoor rock climbing session.

A sport climbing course focuses on climbing routes that are equipped with fixed anchors, making it ideal for those who want to advance their climbing with more security. By contrast, a traditional lead climbing course teaches you how to place your own protection as you climb, which is essential for climbing on routes without any fixed anchors.

Absolutely! Our guided outdoor rock climbing sessions are tailored for all skill levels, including beginners. Our guides will assess your experience and choose routes that match your ability, ensuring a fun and rewarding climbing experience on Koh Tao. If you’re travelling without your climbing gear, don’t worry. We have gear for rent, and if you hire one of our guides we’ll rent you the gear at 50% off.

Rock climbing is an excellent full-body workout that builds strength, improves flexibility, and enhances cardiovascular endurance. It’s also a great mental exercise, improving problem-solving skills, reducing stress, and boosting confidence through achieving goals. To top it all of you also get access to the best views of Koh Tao – what’s not to love?

Here on Koh Tao we use the French grading system. Our beautiful granite rocks on Koh Tao have climbs ranging from 4 to 7c perfect for every climbing adventure from beginner to advanced!

Further Adventures

Dive deeper into Rock Climbing

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