Learn to Sport Lead Rock with ACMG Rock Guide, Tom Herbert.
Our Learn to Sport Lead Rock Climbing course is designed for those who are looking to progress to lead climbing in an outdoor setting. Participants enrolling in this program have taken our Outdoor Rock Intro Program or are active gym climbers, familiar with top-rope belays systems and who have passed a belay test at their local gym. This class focuses on the skills needed to become a confident sport climbing leader.
Using the local crags around Tumbler Ridge, we will develop the technical skills required to belay, lead and clean single pitch sport climbs. We will also help you develop your climbing skills to be able to efficiently move across the rock while leading. Many rock climbers have completed their first lead in this outdoor climbing class. Outdoor lead climbing requires an entirely different focus than seconding or top roping and this course will cover the curriculum to develop your lead climbing skills.
Course Agenda
9:00 am at the Classroom and Local Climbing Area
Welcome, introduction, goals, agenda, and issue gear
Review of hazard evaluation and risk management at the crag
Review climbing equipment fit and strengths/weaknesses
Introduction to the ‘Lead Climbing’ system
Instruction and practice with quickdraw use (clipping bolts, direction, efficient clipping)
Simulated leads to practice the lead climbing system
Introduce anchor cleaning (‘switchovers’) and practice in a controlled setting
Leading techniques for sport climbs
Managing high first bolts (stick clipping)
Simulated or real leads (dependent on both you and your guides comfort level)
Anchor cleaning and anchor threading (‘switchovers’) practice at height
Rappelling
Debrief and instruction for further progressions for rock climbing