Rock Climbing

Rock 5 - Placement Protection Lead Climbing

Empower yourself with the knowledge to begin safely lead climbing placement protection routes.

The ability to lead climb using placement protection opens up whole new realms of possibilities for adventure that lie beyond the restricted environment of sport lead climbing. This course is ideal for climbers with previous sport lead climbing experience and/or training. Although 3-4 clients on this course may be more affordable, having instructed this program for 30+ years, I've realized better learning outcomes occur during a semi-private/private training session. Participants receive more direct, personalized feedback while also having more hands-on practice using a lower Guide/client ratio. Depending on your current skills, you'll have the opportunity to learn about placement protection products, single and multi-pitch placement protection anchors, single and multi-pitch lead strategies, lead and top-down belays, retreat methods while using advanced rappel systems and basic rescue techniques. As you move in to more advanced multi-pitch placement protection route climbing, we recommend you consider our Rock Rescue course (Rock 6), allowing you to deal with any unforeseen circumstances that may occur.

Topics Include

  • History of climbing and ethics
  • Product knowledge
  • Proper use and care of equipment
  • Harnesses, Knots & Rope Management
  • Placement Protection & Anchors
  • Anchor systems
  • Natural Anchors
  • Ground anchors
  • Safety and hazard assessment
  • Rock climbing movement skills
  • Lead Climb & Multi-pitch Strategies
  • Route Finding
  • Communication
  • Lead & Top Belays
  • Dynamic lead belays
  • Belay stations and hanging belays
  • Seconding a Route
  • Retreating from a route
  • Anchor retreat skills
  • Fixed and natural rappel anchors
  • Advanced rappels w/ a back-up
  • Multi-pitch Rappels
  • Escaping a belay systems
  • Basic rescue skills

Rates

Cost: $235
Ratio: Min: 1 / Max: 4
# of Days: 1 Full Day
Duration: 8.5 hrs / 8:00am - 4:30pm
Prerequisite: Yes

Experienced top-rope, gym lead or sport lead climber, comfortable top-roping to a 5.9 standard.

Group Rates

$235 using a 2:1 Client:Guide Ratio*

1:1 Private = $355 per person

*2:1 Semi-Private = $235 per person

Group Rate Discount applies when 3 or 4 persons book together as a group. Please contact our office directly to register.

3:1 Group Rate = $195 per person

4:1 Group Rate = $175 per person

Prices do not include Gst.

* Custom course dates available on request.

Organize a training day with your friends and take advantage of our Group Rates.

* Contact Us to either upgrade to a Private course or choose a Custom course date.

2025 Course Dates
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