Learn to Lead

Get on the ``sharp end`` and take your climbing to the next level!
adirondack-climbing
rock_climbing_guide_new_york_adirondacks-min
learn-to-climb-vermont
previous arrow
next arrow
adirondack-climbing
rock_climbing_guide_new_york_adirondacks-min
learn-to-climb-vermont
previous arrow
next arrow
Learn to Lead
Get on the ``sharp end`` and take your climbing to the next level!

Toproping is fun, but you’ve squeezed just about as much out of it as you can.  You’re ready to take the next step by getting on the “sharp end.”

 

No more walking around to the top to set up a rope.  In this Introduction to Sport Climbing class, you will learn everything you need to know in order to safely select, assess and lead bolted sport climbs from the ground up.

 

From the fundamentals of lead belaying and communication, to understanding the gear, clipping bolts, assessing the safety of fall zones, the integrity of bolts, how to properly fall, and how to set up and clean sport anchors.

 

By learning to lead, you’ll open up whole new areas of the crag that were inaccessible to you before.  Plus, you’ll experience the real thrill of climbing the way climbing was meant to be done:  on the sharp end!

Cost per Climber*
$199
One on One
By Arrangement. Please Inquire.

*this price reflects a minimum enrollment of two participants.

This program runs 7 days a week.  Click “Schedule Your Adventure” to schedule your preferred date.

This is a full day intensive program.  The day starts at 8am and typically runs until 5pm, but may continue until dark.

 

Please block out your entire day.

The emphasis of this course is on education and learning rather than a day of hard climbing.  As such, it is open to a wide variety of fitness levels.

 

You should be prepared to hike over uneven terrain continuously for up to 30 minutes, climb multiple routes through throughout the day at a 5.6 level or above, and spend a long day outdoors.

 

We remain flexible throughout the day to respond to energy levels and ability on a moment-by-moment basis.  You’re in great hands with our guides.

This program is open to climbers with prior outdoor or indoor toprope climbing experience.

  

While we design the day around your level, abilities and experience, being confident climbing at a 5.9 level or above on toprope is helpful as we transition you to being a confident lead climber.

More Details

Location
Throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.
Skill Level
Prior top rope climbing experience. Confident on top rope at 5.9 or above helpful.
Duration
Full Day
Ages
18+, under 18 with parent/guardian consent and guide approval.
What's Covered?
Curriculum

This Introduction to Sport Climbing course will provide you with everything you need to know in order to safely evaluate, choose and climb bolted sport routes on lead, from the ground up.

In this course you will learn:

  • Essential Knots & Hitches

  • Commands & Communication for Sport Leading

  • Lead Belay Technique & How to Catch a Fall

  • Top Belaying

  • Quickdraws & How to Use Them

  • Proper & Efficient Clipping Technique

  • Rappelling, Prusiks & Backups

  • Evaluating Fall Zones & How to Fall Safely

  • Building & Cleaning Sport Anchors (multiple methods)

  • How to Evaluate Bolt Safety

  • Basic Self-Recue Scenarios

  • Movement Skills

  • Essential Gear Considerations

  • Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

  • Rope Drag Strategies

  • The Mental Game of Leading

You’ll have an opportunity to practice all skills in a hands-on environment, will mock-lead routes and, if you’re feeling confident, show competence with the skills and have the desire, you’ll climb your first sport route entirely on lead by the end of the day.

Not much compares to tying in and setting out on your own on lead.  Being a competent sport climber will give you access to areas of the cliff that you never had on toprope.

Additional

This program is open to climbers with prior outdoor or indoor toprope climbing experience.

  

While we design the day around your level, abilities and experience, being confident climbing at a 5.9 level or above on toprope is helpful as we transition you to being a confident lead climber.

A full list of suggested gear will be provided in your pre-trip planning packet that you receive after booking your adventure with us.  But in general, most trips require a similar setup, as follows:

 

You should be prepared with clothing appropriate to the weather that allows good freedom of movement.

 

If you have your own personal rock climbing gear (shoes, harness, helmet, chalk bag) you’ll probably want to use that.  But if you do not have that gear, we’re happy to provide it for you.  Simply let us know during the trip planning process.

 

We also recommend:

 

  • Long Pants
  • Closed-Toe Shoes
  • Small Backpack
  • Lunck & Snacks
  • Water (1 liter minimum)
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Bug Spray

Transportation to and from the meeting location is not included, but carpools can often be arranged.

 

Depending upon location and plans for the day, guides will meet up with clients in a variety of locations to start the day, including a convenient local cafe that serves as a rendezvous point, the trailhead to the cliff, or at the crag itself.

 

All details, from carpooling options, meeting locations and start times will be covered in your pre-trip email provided by your guide.

For clients that are coming in from any distance and are making a significant investment in their guided or educational experience in the form of money, time and travel, we recommend acquiring trip insurance.

 

Trip insurance is by no means required, but when we ourselves travel we find peace of mind knowing that we have coverage should the worst happen.

 

A good travel insurance policy will cover trip cancellations, interruptions and delays, lost or damaged gear and luggage, evacuations and medical expenses.  While we don’t endorse any particular insurance company, nor do we have any relationship with any of the companies, we ourselves have used World Nomads and have had great experiences.  They are affordable, easy to deal with (and we’ve had to use our insurance before, so we speak from experience), and cover all of the adventure activities that we offer.

 

Regardless of which company you choose, many clients find that having travel insurance to cover their investment and well-being helps them sleep at night.

Once you’ve connected with us and we’ve locked in your dates and details, we will issue an invoice.

 

We require 100% payment at the time of your booking.

 

Payment can be made by a variety of methods, including PayPal (debit and credit cards), Venmo, check or cash (if you are local).  All details will be outlined in the invoice that will be issued.

 

Question:  Should I tip my guide / instructor?

Answer:  Guiding is a part of the service economy, and much like at a restaurant, offering a gratuity (or “tip”) for your guide’s services is customary, though certainly not mandatory.  If all you can afford is the purchase price of the adventure, our guides understand.  But we do work hard to make sure that you have the most enjoyable time outdoors with us, and always maintain the highest professional standards and certifications so that you are in the safest hands in the industry.  If you had a good day out, feel that the guide did a good job, and have the ability to do so, tipping your guide is always appreciated.  Much like other service industry jobs, a gratuity of 20% is a common benchmark for a job well done.

Cancellations and changes happen.  We get it.  If you need to cancel or change your trip for any reason, please be advised of our policies.  Cancellations of:​

 

  • 30 days or more prior to your trip will receive a full refund minus a 25% booking and administration fee.
  • No refunds will be given for cancellations of 15 – 30  days prior, but you will receive a 50% credit*.
  • Cancellations of 14 days or less will receive no refund and no credit.

Programs will not be cancelled due to weather conditions unless the weather has been deemed unsafe for the scheduled activity by Remarkably Human Adventures.  If this occurs and the trip is cancelled by Remarkably Human Adventures, the opportunity to reschedule will be offered or a full refund will be issued.

 

Refunds will be issued via the same method by which they were originally paid.

 

*credit valid for one year

Included
  • AMGA Certified Guide
  • All Technical Climbing Equipment (ropes, draws, slings, etc.)
  • Helmet (for those that don’t have one)
Not Included
  • Personal Climbing Gear, Including:
  • Harness, Shoes, Chalk Bag, Belay Device
  • Lunch / Snacks / Water
  • Transportation
  • Parking Permits (typically not required)
  • Guide Gratuity
Ready to Climb?

Or Have a Few More Questions? Click Below to Get Started!

Explore all of our programs and find your perfect adventure!

We are based in beautiful

Burlington, Vermont

delimiter image

While our programs take us all over the country, we are proud to call Vermont home.

Not only is Vermont a beautiful state, it provides us easy access to the best climbing in the Northeast, including the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Adirondacks in New York, and of course the Green Mountains right at our doorstep.

As climbers, we proudly support our local climbing organizations and are advocates for conscientious access to the outdoors, conservation of our land and resources and the protection of our wildlife.

How to Reach Us

Send Us a Message

delimiter image

*

*

*