Fundamentals of Sport Climbing
Learn to Lead Outside
The Fundamentals of Sport Climbing trip takes place in Hidden Valley, VA. The course focuses lead belaying, clipping, and safety considerations for the leader and belayer. The course is designed for beginner and intermediate climbers who are looking to further their climbing experience through lead climbing. Students will meet at a discussed location outdoors to learn about lead climbing, how to lead climb, how to lead belay, and safety considerations for the leader and belayer. The course builds on the prior Intro to Outdoor Climbing course and the Cleaning + Building Sport Anchors course.
The course objectives include discussing the added risk factors of lead climbing compared to top roping and indoor lead climbing, demonstrating and discussing lead belaying, discussing proper body positioning and stances for lead belaying, and giving feedback to each individual on leading principles and technique.
The goal of the course is to promote safety and risk management in lead climbing, belaying the leader, and mock leading.
Please be sure to bring a pair of hiking shoes. This can be boots or sneakers but please NO open toed sandals. You will want to bring plenty of water, about 2+ liters per person, food and snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, a rain jacket, and any other personal items you may want as we do not typically provide the aforementioned items. It is highly recommended to bring layers with you. You may also want to bring a change of clothes to leave in the vehicle, just in case. Bring a camera! We will take some photos and share them with you, at no additional cost, but sometimes we aren’t offered much opportunity to snap photos (as we are working hard to take care of you) and so you may want to bring a camera of your own.
