Intro to Sport Climbing & Leading

Our one day Sport Climbing & Leading course is specifically designed to enable climbers to safely progress in the discipline of Sport Climbing.

Your guide will use a customized lesson plan and systematic approach to introduce and refine the critical rock climbing lessons specific to sport climbing throughout the day.

With this course our goal is to ensure that all participants are able to independently begin sport climbing by building a strong foundation to allow for ultimate safety, excellent technique, and a rapid progression.

As you progress in the future, you may consider our excellent Intro to Multi-Pitch & Intro to Trad courses to enjoy the multi-pitch routes Squamish is famous for. The Squamish Chief is home to many of North America’s best multi-pitch trad routes. Consider also taking the Rock Rescue course to learn essential rope rescue systems.

8:00am: Meet your guide at Cheakamus Canyon Climbing site.

The guide will have everyone sign a waiver before having a safety discussion and performing a gear check. They will then discuss the day's objectives and lesson plan.

4:30pm: The day will end at approximately 4:30pm with a debrief, discussion of the course and next step recommendations.

Instructor provides group equipment:

• Ropes
• Anchor building equipment

Individual Equipment:

• Rock climbing shoes
• Harness
• Helmet
• Belay device (with 1 locking carabiner)
• Prusik 1.5-1.7m, 7mm
• Anchor building equipment (2 locking carabiners, 2 non-locking carabiners & 120cm or 240cm sling)
• Quick draws
• Chalk bag

Take advantage of our bundle pricing and purchase the necessary climbing gear for this course at checkout.

Any other gear not provided in our bundle pricing can be found at: MEC, Climb On (37873 Cleveland Ave, Squamish) or Escape Route (40222 Glenalder Pl, Squamish).

Clothing (Plan ahead, check the weather forecast, and dress accordingly):

• Climbing pants (light pants that allow maximum mobility)
• T-shirt
• Mid layer fleece or wool top
• Weatherproof shell jacket
• Down or synthetic insulating “puffy” jacket
• Warm hat
• Light gloves
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Approach shoes
• Daypack 25-35L

It is beneficial to practice using your own equipment under the supervision of a professional.

Topics Covered:

• Cleaning Review (lowering or rappelling)
• Anchor Construction Review
• Movement Techniques
• Route Selection
• Efficiency improvements
• Lead belaying
• Clipping the rope properly
• Rope management lead the climbers