Learn to Lead Sport Climbs

Sport climbing—where climbers ascend routes with fixed bolts for protection—forms the foundation of this course. Our one-day Learn to Lead Sport Climbs course is designed for climbers who are comfortable on top-rope or leading indoors and want to gain the skills and confidence to lead outdoor sport routes. From mastering lead belaying to understanding route reading, lead climbing, and risk management, this course covers everything you need to climb safely and efficiently on lead.

About

Price: This one-day course costs £240 for two/three participants.

Private Bookings: See availability and booking form here

Open courses: Browse our selection of open courses available where you will be grouped with others booking.

What Does This Course Cover?

This one-day course will be tailored to your experience level and will typically include;

• How to lead belay: Learn proper techniques for belaying a lead climber safely.
• Understand sport climbing protection: Get familiar with using pre-placed bolts and how to clip quickdraws securely.
• Strip routes: Learn how to properly clean (strip) routes after climbing, including removing quickdraws and managing the rope.
• Fall safely: Understand fall dynamics and practice techniques to minimize the impact of a fall.
• Enhance climbing techniques: Improve your footwork, body positioning, and movement on the wall.
• Learn lead climbing safety: Focus on risk management, preventing falls, and practicing effective communication between climber and belayer.
• Climb real routes: Put your skills to the test with hands-on experience on a variety of sport climbs.
• Problem Solving: Overcome common issues, such as getting your quickdraws back what you can’t get to the top of the climb.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for indoor lead climbers looking to progress outdoor sport climbs. If you’re not yet leading indoors, we suggest including an evening session covering the basics of leading indoors as part of the booking. This additional session is 2:30hrs and is an extra £60 + climbing wall entry fee.

A minimum of two participants are required for this course so you can both belay each other and climb in turn. It is possible to run with 3 participants, but there will be less time for consolidation of skills.

Under 18s are welcome, but must be accompanied by a parent throughout. The parent does not need to take part, but they can if they want to!

What Kit Do I Need?

• Climbing Harness* – If you have your own, bring it along
• Climbing Shoes*
• Chalk Bag & Chalk – Not essential but aids friction.
• Belay Device* – If you have one, bring it along
• Quickdraws* – If you have your own, bring them along
• Helmet* – If you have your own, bring it along
• Clothing – Lots of warm layers to climb in and spares to keep warm whilst belaying. Gloves for belaying if it’s a cold day.
• Water & Lunch/Snacks – Stay hydrated and energized throughout the day.

* Cove climbing can provide all the items with an asterisk but if you have your own please bring them along too!

Why Choose Cove Climbing?

Liam has been climbing for over ten years and has been qualified and teaching climbing for over eight years. He has worked with a wide range of clients and is experienced in helping develop confident, safe, independent climbers.
Liam is a very experienced climber and has extensive local knowledge having climbed sport grade 8A, bouldered 8A and trad climbed E7 all on local sea cliffs.

Booking

If you have any general enquiries about our Learn to Lead Sport Climbs course then get in touch with Liam@coveclimbing.co.uk. If you have already decided this is the course for you then great! 

Most of our bookings are private bookings. Please see the booking form and our availability below. We also have open courses available, where you will be on a course with others making a booking.

Private “Learn to Lead Sport Climbs” Booking Form

Booking form for a Learn to Lead Sport Climbs course. This course costs £240 for 2 participants. If you require an evening session learning the basics of leading indoors, it is an extra £60 + climbing wall entry fee.