Sport Climbing

This course introduces the skills necessary to lead climb single pitch routes protected by bolts. It is open to climbers of all ability levels, but you should already be comfortable with the mechanics of top-rope belaying and have either a Mountaineers Top Rope Belay badge or hold a Top Rope Belay card at a climbing gym (if you don't have Mountaineers badge, you will be asked to show us your belay card from the gym). In addition, you stand to gain the most from this course if you are already  comfortable with at least 5.8 in the gym on top rope (as in, able to climb without falling or struggling any route of that grade).

If you have any questions about whether this course is a good fit for your experience or about the course in general, please e-mail course leaders.

The registration will initially be limited to first-come, first-serve FOOTHILLS BRANCH MEMBERS ONLY. On 7/26, registration will be open to everyone. If you are from a different branch and you register before this date, your registration will be canceled and refunded. Thank you!

All sessions (4 evening classes and both days of the field trip) are mandatory and we don't plan any makeups unless true emergency comes up.

The following skills will be covered during the course:

• Lead climb essentials, clipping, rope management
• Lead belay technique, dynamic belay
• Climber / Belayer communication
• Sport Anchor systems and top-rope rigging
• Route cleaning (clean to lower and rappel)

In order to graduate from the course, students will have to demonstrate

• Safe lead belay technique
• Safe, clean lead of a sport route outdoors (of any grade)
• Safe anchor cleaning (both clean to lower and clean to rappel techniques)