Crack the Code: Long Term Projecting Tactics

About Shara Zaia: 

Shara is a SCARPA athlete, educator, and community organizer based in Denver, Colorado. With roots in advocacy and storytelling, she’s passionate about helping climbers break through mental and physical barriers on and off the wall. Her writing has been featured in industry-leading publications including Alpinist Magazine and The Climbing Zine and she has been featured on podcasts including Dirtbag Diaries and Dirtbag State of Mind. Shara is President of Cruxing in Color, a 501(c)3 that serves climbers of color in Colorado through educational clinics, community events, and scholarships. Connect with Shara at @sharazaia or sharazaia.com.

About Crack the Code: Long Term Projecting Tactics:

Projecting isn’t just for the pros. If you’re ready to try harder but feel held back by doubt or unclear strategy, this clinic will give you the tools to approach your next big project with confidence. Whether you’re breaking into 5.11 or chasing your first 5.12, we’ll cover tactics like chunking routes, stick clipping, mental rehearsal, and redpoint strategies to help you make progress that lasts. Projects aren’t done in a day—so let go of the pressure to send and get curious about the process. You’ll reframe what success looks like and learn how to work routes outside your comfort zone with intention and joy.

This clinic is grounded in lived experience. Shara climbed her first 5.12 just a year into climbing. The next year, she one-hung her first 5.13. The secret wasn’t raw power or absence of fear—it was problem-solving, tactics, and trusting the process. Now a SCARPA athlete and President of Cruxing in Color, Shara brings an empathetic approach to helping climbers show up fully on the wall and as themselves.

Thank you to SCARPA for sponsoring this clinic!

Prerequisites:

This clinic is designed for intermediate sport climbers who are comfortable lead climbing and are projecting routes in the 5.11 range or breaking into 5.12. Participants should have a solid foundation of lead climbing experience and an understanding of safe belay practices. We will be lead climbing during the clinic (with options to toprope sections when helpful), so comfort taking and catching lead falls is required.

Gear Requirements: 

• Personal Climbing Gear (harness, shoes, helmet) 

• Water, snacks

• Sun protection 

• Rope + quickdraws if you have them (not required)