Learn to Lead

Ready to move beyond top rope and get on the sharp end? Our Lead Climbing Clinic is designed to give you the skills and confidence to lead climb safely indoors. This two-part series includes 4 hours of expert instruction split over two sessions, with time in between to practice and refine what you've learned.

Session 1: Foundations & Mock Leading
We’ll cover all the essentials through detailed instruction and discussion, including:

• Proper clipping techniques

• Rope management strategies

• How to safely catch a fall

Then, you'll put those skills to the test by mock leading on auto belays, focusing on correct clipping and rope handling.

Practice Week: Between sessions, we highly encourage you to practice your new skills—especially mock leading—right here at the gym to build confidence and muscle memory.

Session 2: Application & Catching Falls
Time to put it all together. This session is hands-on and practical, with a focus on:

• Dynamic belaying and soft catches

• Practicing real lead falls at different wall heights

• Reinforcing safe communication and trust between climber and belayer

Lead Certification Test: 24 Hours after the second session, you have the opportunity to test out for full lead certification. Don’t worry—if you're not quite ready yet, you can test anytime afterward at no extra charge.

Class Requirements:

• Must be top rope belay certified for 3 full months at our facility prior to taking course

• Ages 14+

• Must bring your own climbing harness

• Climbers should feel comfortable climbing 5.7-5.8 on Top-Rope without taking

This is a free course for active members. Nonmembers will need to purchase a day pass to participate in this course.