The transition from being a confident second or indoor climber to becoming an independent lead climber is one of the most crucial and defining stages of a climbers progression.
While some climbers learn from their friends or in a club, that type of learning can be unstructured, incomplete or incorrect.
If you would like to learn to lead climb in a structured and comprehensive way, with instruction provided by a qualified and professional Mountaineering Instructor, please see below what I can offer to you.
What do I cover on the course?
The course will be tailored specifically to suit each participant’s previous climbing experience, but the main skills covered or reinforced are:
- Gear placement – how to rate it and when to trust it
- Anchors – build bomb-proof in reach and out of reach anchors
- Belays – efficiently and safely belay your leader/second
- Movement skills – how to climb better and smarter
- Rest/efficiency – finding restful positions whilst placing gear
- communication- climbing calls and etiquette
- use of the guide book
- Abseiling
- where to go from here?
What more is taught on the 5 day Learn to Lead?
As well as getting more time to practice and consolidate all of the skills mentioned above, the 5 day learn to lead will cover two areas not looked at on the 2 day course:
- double ropes – how to and when to use them
- multi-pitch rock-climbing – building multi-pitch anchors and multi-pitch abseils
- sea cliff climbing – accessing tidal routes from above
- simple problem solving
All of the above will take place outdoors on real rock, while getting plenty of lead climbs in, at a variety of different crags.
What do you need to bring?
You can bring your own climbing gear if you wish, or I can provide all equipment on the day. You should bring your own food, snacks and water as required.
Where does the course run?
I am based in The Burren, Co Clare and the courses mostly run at crags like Ballyryan, Oughtdara and Ailladie.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of this further, please do not hesitate to get in contact with me here.
Duration: The duration of course depends on your previous experience. For those with no previous leading experience I recommend a 5 day course. For those who are already leading and looking to tidy up their technique and skills I recommend a minimum of 2 days .
Location: I am based in The Burren, Co Clare, but sometimes run courses in Dublin, Wicklow and Kerry.
Cost:
2 day course:
Private 1:1 €500
2:1 €300 per person
Upcoming Dates:
enquire on climbit.ie@gmail.com
5 day course:
Private 1:1 €950
2:1 €600 per person
Contact Brian at climbit.ie@gmail.com for dates
Pre-requisites: previous climbing experience essential, please contact me to discuss if you are unsure whether you are ready or not.
Ratio: No minimum, but please call if you have a larger group and we can discuss options.
