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.

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 7/25, 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! Foothills branch members, please email the leaders starting 6/30 to get added to the roster.

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)

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

• Safe lead belay technique
• Safe lead of a sport route outdoors (of any grade) and building an anchor for top roping the route
• Safe anchor cleaning

Please note that participation in all lectures and field trips is required to graduate the course and it is not possible to participate in just a part of each/some sessions. All activities are happening in-person in the Seattle area . Weekday sessions will happen in the evenings (6-9pm) while weekend field trip will be an all day outing to one of the local crags.