Learning Trad on a Joshua Tree Classic | Sail Away (5.8-) Raw GoPro POV

This video is a raw GoPro POV of me trad climbing in Joshua Tree National Park, leading the classic route Sail Away (5.8-) on the northeast face of Hidden Tower. If you’re new to trad climbing or just starting to explore crack climbing in Joshua Tree, this climb (in my opinion) is one of the best introductions you can get. It’s a short, beautiful crack line that’s incredibly well-protected, with straightforward gear placements — perfect for me as beginner trad leader building confidence and learning. I’m still fairly new to placing trad gear and working my way up the grades, so leading Sail Away felt like a big win and a personal milestone. The crack eats gear, and I definitely sewed it up — placing cams, testing them, and adjusting as I went. If you’ve ever been through the early stages of learning trad, this will probably look familiar… especially when I take out and replace the same red cam about five times 😂. The route climbs a perfect hand and finger crack, finishing on a slightly airy top-out that makes you think just enough without being sketchy. For anyone wondering whether this climb is worth it — it’s a Joshua Tree ultra classic for a reason. This was such a confidence-building day and another step forward in my trad climbing journey! Excited to hop on some more routes soon. Something to note: I’m still learning! Please don’t use my technique as instruction — I’m sharing my experience as a beginner trad climber figuring things out along the way. Always seek proper training and mentorship before placing gear or leading trad climbs. Also - while this felt like a great beginner climb for me, everyone’s skill levels vary, and so pick climbs based on your personal comfort level :) Does anyone have any otherJoshua Tree classics they would recommend? #JoshuaTreeClimbing #SailAway #HiddenTower #TradClimbing #BeginnerTradClimbing #LearningTrad #CrackClimbing #TradClimber #GoProPOV #ClimbingPOV #JoshuaTree #ClimbingInJoshuaTree #DesertClimbing #RockClimbing #ClimbingLife #OutdoorAdventure #ClimbingBeta #ClimbingTraining #TradClimbingJourney #JoshuaTreeTrad