From Adam Beck: Hey guys, I know that The Red is a bit of a drive, but I also know that there are some climbers here who have never climbed at Red River Gorge, or ate a slice of Miguel's pizza, or tasted the smooth goodness of an Ale 8 after a hard day of climbing. October/November is the best time to climb in the South and Red River Gorge is one of the best places. You won't be disappointed.

This course is for individuals with some climbing background that now wish to get out by themselves and learn to lead climb! This course will focus on effective techniques for leading ‘traditional’ (placing gear) and ‘sport’ (bolted) climbs in a single pitch setting confidently and efficiently. The course will look at climbing efficiently, gear placements and anchor building with lots of climbing and one on one coaching throughout from your instructor.

We start with an in-depth review of gear placements and climbing equipment, then move on to ‘mock leading’, (leading with a top rope) with the instructor alongside to coach. By the end of this intensive course you will have lead traditional climbs while the instructor ascends alongside looking at each placement you make. This course is the perfect next step for the top rope climber who wants to start leading sport and trad climbs by themselves!

“I started doing courses and private guiding with you guys one year ago. I had never climbed anything outside in my life. Now, I lead multipitch rock and ice, and I take my friends climbing too” -John Wallis

Topics Covered:

* Lead climbing strategies and techniques for climbing confidently
* Equipment selection, racking and considerations
* Ropework; clean, efficient systems
* Detailed look at gear placements including: SLCD's (cams) Stoppers, Tricams, "Big Bros" and Hexentrics
* Advanced anchors using natural (trees/boulders/threads) and artificial (gear/bolts) components and single pitch anchor creation and considerations
* Evaluating fixed gear; bolts, pitons, sling material and stoppers
* Review of understanding guidebooks, reading topos and choosing appropriate climbs
* Common myths and truths about climbing equipment

Course Prerequisites:

Applicants must have taken our Foundation Level courses or can top rope 5.6 climbs, rappel and have experience placing artificial gear and building anchors.

Number on course: Maximum of 6:1 client to instructor ratio
Course length: Two days
Course date: October 30-31
Place: Meet at Miguel's at 9:00 a.m. EST.
Cost*:
4+: $250 per person (four+ to one instructor, two days)
3: $300 per person (three to one instructor, two days)
2: $370 per person (two to one instructor, two days)
1: $520 per person (one to one instructor, two days)

*The costs are based on the actual amount of participants on the course. courses normally run at 4+ people but in the event the courses run with less people the costs will be as shown above. Participants that do not wish to take the course with low numbers (because of the cost) can change their course to another date. The upside to lower numbers is of course a more personal course.

Please note that RSVPs displayed on this website may not be an accurate reflection of course participation. Reserve your slot early with a deposit!

Click here to read about this course on FoxMountainGuides.com.

Call Fox Mountain Guides at 1-[masked] with questions about this course.

Click here to register for this course.