Intro to Lead Climbing 102

Pre-requisites: Participants must have completed a CNS Intro to Climbing Outside course or possess equivalent experience/knowledge. They should be comfortable climbing 5.8 on a Top-Rope, belaying on a Top-Rope system, and building an anchor from fixed or natural gear.

Please read the Climb Nova Scotia COVID-19 protocols at the end of the course description and sign the online waiver before registering. Our goal is to keep participants safe and all those attending the course will be required to follow these guidelines.

The exciting world of outdoor lead climbing could be described with a variety of words, from commitment and focus, to fulfillment, dedication, and much more. Choosing to tie into the “sharp end” can be the next step along a journey of increased opportunity and adventure. Proper instruction and risk navigation is a must.

Our Intro to Outdoor Lead Climbing is a 2 day course designed to help students gain the skills and experience necessary to transition safely from the practice of outdoor Top-Rope climbing to the exciting and committing world of outdoor Sport/Lead climbing.  For graduates of our Intro 101 course or equivalent experience, this course can be thought of as the next step.

Throughout the course, students will work to develop confidence in both the technical aspects of lead climbing and the finer aspects of risk management, route selection, communication, and more. Using the practice of Sport climbing as a focal point, course concepts are designed to be fundamental, and a useful progression for all types of lead climbing.

Both days are packed with essential information, and will include a variety of hands-on exercises, group discussions, and real practice in the vertical environment. Under experienced supervision, participants will first work to develop their leading skills in a simulated or “mock” environment, then depending on student/instructor comfort level, they will have the opportunity to try real leading.

It is our goal for students to leave this course with the proper knowledge and skill to safely and confidently practice sport climbing at a variety of climbing areas.

Course topics include but are not limited to:

• General equipment/gear review
• Lead specific equipment/gear review
• General risk awareness/management
• Lead specific risk management
• Anchor construction (Natural & Fixed)
• Lead belaying
• Proper clipping techniques
• Refined techniques/gear management
• Anchor cleaning
• Rappelling
• Climbing on the Sharp End
• Route selection

Equipment Needed:

• Personal PPE (Masks or face coverings and hand sanitizer) for use if physical distancing is difficult during instructional settings;
• Harness, Helmet, Shoes, Chalkbag, Climbing shoes, Personal anchor device and Belay Device
• Top-Rope anchor materials are suggested for building anchors on both natural and fixed gear, such as locking carabiners, slings, lengths of 1” webbing or cord, etc.
• Quickdraws and/or alpine draws, Gri-gris, or other lead-specific gear is not required however it is always recommended to bring and use your own gear whenever possible.
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Water and Lunch
• Sunscreen
• Headlamp
• Small first aid kit
• Bug repellent

Disclaimer: Remember, climbing is dangerous and you could die or be seriously hurt. Taking this course only means that you will be more aware of the risks, not immune to them. All participants will have to sign a waiver. Please click the link. https://app.waiverforever.com/pending/v9pfISiwmF1458763759

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR PARTICIPANTS

• Participants are required to bring and use their own PPE’s ( Masks or face coverings, hand sanitizer) if physical distancing is difficult during instructional settings.
• All participants will be required to sign a declaration of health and possible exposure to COVID-19. We will limit participation to those who attest to being well, to not having been exposed to anyone who is sick, and to not having traveled outside Nova Scotia within 14 days prior to the course;.
• Participants should not share food or drinks
• Before each course CNS will ensure all CNS owned equipment to be used during the course (ropes, harnesses, slings, draws, carabiners, cams, ATC's etc.) has either been isolated for a minimum of three days or washed in warm, soapy water.

Instructor: Brendan Konowal

Brendan was first introduced to the sport of climbing at an early age and has been both a student and teacher of climbing for nearly 20 years. He caught the serious “climbing bug” around 2000’ with his first foray into traditional lead climbing in the hills of West Virginia’s Seneca Rocks, an experience he can recount to this day. Brendan believes that to be the best climber you can be, you must be well acquainted with all forms of climbing. Over the years he has taught in many climbing venues from indoor rock gyms to multi-pitch summits.  His professional teaching/guiding experience is focused around top-rope, sport, and multi-pitch traditional climbing up to grade III-IV. Brendan holds a B.S. degree in Parks and Resource Management, has held certifications from a variety of organizations including the AMGA, SOLO, and the American Red Cross, and has spent many years reinforcing his skills with real life experience.