Sport Lead Climbing
Learn how to lead climb on sport routes in 1 day while under the watchful guidance of our highly experienced instructors.
If you have been climbing for a while and want to progress to lead climbing on outdoor sport routes, or use this as a stepping stone before learning to trad climb on leader placed protection then this is the course for you.
Information
Season
April to October
Duration
6.5hrs
Group Size
3-6
Restrictions
Minimum age: 18 Max weight: 18 stone (115kg).
Aim
To become a self sufficient sport climber.
Who is it for?
Anyone wishing to learn outdoor sport climbing in the UK.
Prerequisites
You must be able to tie into the rope and belay other climbers. We recommend a personal climbing ability of grade 6a (French) indoor, on ‘bottom rope’ to benefit the most from this course.
Accepting Risk
By its very nature lead climbing increases the risk of serious personal injury in the event of a fall. By booking this course you accept this risk.
YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO LEAD ROCK CLIMBS USING LEADER PLACED PROTECTION AND SECOND OTHERS. This is, potentially, a dangerous activity with the risk of serious injury or death. You may take falls onto equipment placed by you but not checked by us. It is impossible for us to guarantee your safety at all times, as sometimes you may be out of our direct control. If you feel unhappy about any of this, please DO NOT join the course. More information is available if you require it. Hatt Adventures will not accept liability for accidents/injuries in such cases unless CLEARLY due to their negligence.
For more info. please see our Terms & Conditions.
Groups
Group bookings can be arranged:
£102pp (Group Size 4)
£99pp (Group Size 5)
£96pp (Group Size 6)
Please note that all group bookings will be available for others to book, unless booking for a minimum of 6 people.
Itinerary
The course starts with an introduction and safety briefing from our climbing instructors. We then head to the rocks for some warm up climbs and to check belaying etc. We then progress onto learning to belay a lead climber.
Next, we cover the various methods of safely finishing a sport climb and being lowered to the floor with special attention on communication with your belayer and how not to drop the rope!
As the day progresses, you'll start to develops confidence in your new skills and push yourself on a range of climbs.
Skills Covered
- Using guide books and route selection
- Equipment selection
- Sport leading techniques
- Sport climbing safety
- Equipment safety and maintenance
Locations
Currently run in Portland and the Peak District
Equipment
Equipment supplied
All rock climbing and safety equipment is supplied including:
- Ropes
- Helmet
- Belaying device and karabiners
- Sport lead rack
Equipment needed
You will need your own personal climbing kit including harness and climbing shoes (these can be provided on request although personal kit will benefit you more).
For all outdoor climbing courses you must have extra warm clothes and waterproofs, we will provide you with a full kit list upon booking.
- Comfortable clothing, suitable for the time of year*
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Approach shoes / trainers**
- Climbing shoes
- Harness
- Rucksack (approx. 25-30ltr)
- Packed lunch and plenty of water
- Medication / Tablets / Inhaler etc.
The above list is just a guide and appropriate clothing for the time of year should be worn.
*Clothing should comprise of several layers to trap the warmth. Please do not wear denim as it restricts movement, is cold when wet and is slow to dry.
**For the walk-ins we’d recommend sturdy approach shoes or trainers with a substantial tread should be worn. Walking boots can be a good option but if we’re attempting long routes and climbing with kit they’ll be very heavy to carry.
Please remember the crags can be a fair walk or scramble from the car park, so it important to put all of your kit in a suitable size rucksack leaving space for climbing equipment.
Equipment shop
Take a look at our online shop for any equipment you might want for your outdoor adventures. We stock a variety of equipment and can give expert advice if you have any queries. Choose to collect your order on a course (free of charge) and your instructor will have it ready and waiting for you when you arrive.
Transport
To reduce the environmental impact, we actively encourage people to lift share where possible. Our instructors may be able to share transport from Brighton, London and the South East, or we will meet at the venue.
