Posts tagged Lead Climbing
Beginning to Lead Clinic

In this clinic we’ll approach graduation from being a competent ice climber on top rope to taking the first steps into learning how to lead an ice climb. In a mock lead scenario, we’ll follow the natural progression to safely and efficiently lead an ice climb. You’ll have a chance to learn from our guides:

  • Reading the ice and understanding its behavior

  • Leader’s movement on ice

  • Ice screws: correct placement, mechanics and limitations

  • Protection spacing

  • Ice screw anchor building and V, A & 0-threads

  • Top anchor belay

  • Lead belay and back ties

Prerequisites:

  • You must be an avid climber with proven experience on waterfall ice.

  • Some leading experience on rock (even at the rock gym) is a must.

  • Clear understanding of what “leading” means to prove readiness to move into it.

  • This clinic is not a “learn how to ice climb” clinic, although some instruction to improve your movement as to guarantee efficiency and safety as a leader will be provided.