Learn to Lead Course
Smith Rock State Park, OR
March 20, 2021
1 day
$195
Looking to take your skills from the gym to the crag, or been top-roping for a while and ready and start leading? This one-day course will cover everything you need to know to take the sharp end of the rope and lead sport climbs safely.
No matter if you climb 5.5 or 5.10, this course will help you learn the skills to tie in and lead sport climbs in style. We’ll discuss everything from bolts and anchors to equipment, lead belays, rope techniques and mental strategies for success. With thousands of sport climbs at every grade, Smith is the perfect place to learn everything you need to know for climbing and leading bolt-protected routes.
We’ll start by dialing in your lead skills with the safety of an additional top rope, working on rope techniques, clipping and body positioning. Finally we’ll put it all together and get you out front on your first leads in a safe, approachable environment with personalized coaching to help you feel confident in going out on your own.
While everyone knows Smith is a world-class sport climbing destination, with a wide range routes at every grade, it’s also the perfect place to learn too.
Skills we’ll cover include:
Lead climbing to accommodate a wide range of climbing skills from 5.easy to 5.hard
Gear selection including ropes, belay devices, quickdraws and slings, and we’ll discuss other equipment like fixed anchors and bolts.
Lead climbing technique and safety considerations
Lead belays and methodology
Setting up and cleaning anchors
Lowering and rappelling
This course is limited to four people in order to give you the care and attention you need.
This course will be instructed by long-time Smith local and climbing obsessive Chris Wright. Chris has sport climbed from Oregon to Africa and all over the world, has been an AMGA Certified Rock Guide for more than ten years, and is an IFMGA Mountain Guide and instructor for the American Mountain Guides Association. All of that to say you’ll be receiving the highest quality instruction on the most up-to-date equipment and techniques. Come join me in our beautiful backyard and let’s climb!
