Learn to Lead Program

For Women & Genderqueer Folks

Saturday, August 26th & Sunday, August 27th

Welcome to the Two-Day Learn to Lead Climbing Program for women and genderqueer folks.

We invite you to join a supportive community of climbers as you enhance your skills and confidence on the sharp end.

Learning Objectives for this Program:

  • Learn about gear and its essentiality – what’s necessary, how to use it, and how to care for it.
  • Learn how to place gear while leading, including the dos and don’ts of lead climbing to ensure proper risk management for you and your belayer.
  • Gain understanding of essential single-pitch anchor basics so that you are prepared when you arrive at the top of your climb. 
  • Gain knowledge about the fundamentals of lead falling (and how to give a good catch!) to have a balanced understanding of the ups and downs of climbing.

Program Details:

  • Climb with, and learn from a professional AMGA Certified Rock Guide (The program will be led by Krystina Maixner, one of the few female Certified Rock Guides in New England!).
  • Don’t have your own gear, don’t worry! CMG can provide essential group gear with available shoe, helmet, and harness rentals (included in the course cost).
  • Participant requirements:  Top-rope belay skills and the ability to climb 5.9, indoors; 5.6, outdoors.
  • Food is not provided, so be sure to pack yourself a well-rounded lunch that allows you to keep going for the whole day.

To Book:

Cost: $295/person (accommodations and transportation not included, these are the responsibility of each participant).

Registration: Payment in full is required for enrollment and can be submitted through out Payment Form.  In the message field, please write “Three-Day Learn to Lead Program”.

Questions/Thoughts:  Please feel free to reach out to info@cathedralmountainguides.com if you would like to ask questions or learn more!

This program is for individuals who are looking to break into trad leading outside or are wanting to expand upon their current lead climbing knowledge.

Prerequisites:

  • Top-rope belaying skills (an understanding of lead belaying skills is helpful, but not crucial)
  • Movement Skills: 5.9 indoors.
  • Previous outdoor climbing experience is preferred.

Gear Needs & Wants:

The Normal Kit

  • Comfortable, athletic clothing for a full day outside.
  • A medium-sized backpack to carry your food and water for the day, as well as your climbing gear.
  • Plenty of food and water for the day (2L of fluids)
  • Basic Gear: Shoes, harness, helmet, chalk bag
  • Belay device and locking carabiner (a guide-style belay device, such as an ATC Guide or Petzl Reverso, is preferred)

The Leader Kit*

  • 3 – 4 locking carabiners (2 should be HMS or pear-shaped carabiners)
  • Anchor Building Material (18′-20′ cordellette and/or a 240cm dyneema sling)
  • Double length (120cm) nylon or Edelrid Aramid Sling
  • Prussik Loop (e.g. 13.5″” Sterling Hollowblock)
  • Slings and quickdraws
  • Single rack of cams (Black Diamond sizes .3 – #3, or equivalent), plus nuts
  • Climbing Rope
  • Optional:  Personal Anchor System
  • Optional:  Petzl Grigri

*While we can totally provide this gear for you, if you have any of your own, please bring it.  It will be super helpful for you to use your own equipment and become familiar with its best applications.  And if not, no worries – we’ve got you covered!

What’s Not Included:

  • Guide Gratuity
  • Transportation 
  • Lodging
  • Meals 
  • Travel Insurance