Smith Rock Sport Lead Climbing
Smith Rock Sport Lead Climbing
Smith Rock Sport Lead Climbing

Smith Rock Sport Lead Climbing

This is an intermediate course designed as the first technical progression as an outdoor lead climber and what better place to take it than Smith Rock - the birthplace of modern sport climbing!

Learn how to lead sport routes, properly belay lead climbers, construct two bolt anchors, and safely clean and lower from anchors with out AMGA trained instructors. This course will teach you everything you need to know to be a safe sport climber. We will cover topics that include equipment, knots, communication, safety, clipping, cleaning, movement, and lead climbing strategies.

Leave the climbing gym and go confidently as a sport climber to explore your favorite bolted crags.

**If you're looking to start sport climbing, get a head start with our online Ultimate Sport Climbing Course!**

Duration

  • 1 day
  • 8 hours

Season

  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn

Client:Guide Ratio

4:1

Minimum Participants

3

Meet your climbing instructor at 8am and hike to the climbing site.

In the morning you will learn about the equipment and skills required for leading outdoor sport climbs.  You will learn about lead belaying, proper clipping technique, and lead climbing safety and then get to practice these skills on the rock.

After a lunch break, you will learn how to tie the knots required for sport climbing, how to build sport climbing anchors, and how to safely clean anchors.  Following this lesson, you will have the rest of the afternoon to practice your lead climbing technique and reinforce all the skills you have learned in this course.

You can expect to be back to the parking lot around 4pm.

  • Outdoor Beginner Rock Climbing or equivalent experience.
  • Some knowledge of basic climbing knots and ability to top rope belay.
  • Any additional climbing experience will enhance your ability to learn, but is not required.
  • Ability to be moderately active for a full day.
  • Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email full of important information - make sure to read it thoroughly!
  • 3-5 days before your course you will receive an email from your guide containing even more details, including the exact meetup location and time.
  • Leading up to your course, make sure to eat healthy, drink extra water, and get plenty of sleep.
  • Please arrive on time and ready to go at your pre-arranged meeting location. To get the most of our day, we'd like to begin right at the designated start time.
  • All along the way, our office team is available via email or phone to answer any questions you may have.

This course will leave you with knowledge and practical application of:

  • Lead belaying technique.
  • How to catch a lead fall.
  • Proper clipping technique.
  • Overhand knot series: knot, bight, follow-through, bend, and flat.
  • Figure-eight knot series: knot, bight, follow-through, and bend.
  • Hitches: girth and basket.
  • Other knots: fisherman series.
  • Simple, two-bolt EARNEST anchor construction.
  • Personal anchor strategies.
  • Proper technique for safely cleaning an anchor.

PLUS:

  • A fun experience you’ll remember forever! 
  • A sense of accomplishment in achieving your goals for the trip.
  • Confidence in your newfound skills and where to take them next.
  • Tips and tricks to add to your toolbox from our professional and knowledgeable guides.
Smith Rock Sport Lead Climbing