Skills
Lead Climbing Basics
Read about the basics of lead climbing, including what lead climbing entails, how to learn to do it and what gear is required.
Intro to Trad Lead Climbing
Articles: 6
If you've climbed for a while and understand Trad Climbing Basics, the next logical step is learning how to lead climb. In this series, you'll learn what lead climbing is, how to belay a lead climber, how to place protection and build anchors, and the proper way to fall.
Skills
How to Belay a Lead Climber
Learn to belay a lead climber, including how it differs from top-rope belaying. We cover gear, setup, safety, communication and technique.
Skills
Gear Racking Basics
Get tips on what cams, nuts and other gear to take rock climbing and how to organize it all. Also see some examples of gear-racking options.
Skills
Lead Climbing: How to Place Trad Gear
Learning how to place trad gear is an essential skill as you progress as a climber. This article teaches you how to place stoppers and cams.
Skills
How to Build Anchors for Climbing
Knowing how to build a solid anchor is critical to staying secure. We’ll teach you the key principles of anchor building and a few common ways to build one.
Skills
How to Fall While Rock Climbing
As a lead climber, learn how to manage the rope, to communicate with your belayer and how to position yourself before and during a fall.