Here we highlight the idea of falling and/or fall potential, which is a key difference between top rope climbing and lead climbing.

Top Rope Climbing - The climber's fall is usually short, if at all.

Lead Climbing - There is potential for a greater fall, depending on how high above the cli...

Proper technique for how to clip into a quickdraw while gym lead climbing:

1. Know which way the carabiner gate is facing (left or right) on the quickdraw you’re approaching. In this instance assume the gate faces right.

2. Reach down with your right hand to the knot (where you’re tied in) ...

This video shows considerations for when to clip the lead rope into fixed protection, such as a pre-hung quickdraw.

Below are the three main considerations of determining when to clip, while on lead:

1. Where you are clipping in relation to your body.

2. Clipping above your head, versus ...

In this gym lead climbing video, we review the importance of avoiding “back-clipping”.

As part of proper rope clipping technique, the lead climber’s end of the rope is always clipped away from the wall, while the belayer’s end of the rope is on the inside of the wall. This offers the leader a ...

It is important to avoid “skipping clips”. Some leaders climbers might consider skipping clips because they are brash or overconfident. Other lead climbers might mistakenly skip a clip because they have tunnel vision, or were not paying attention to the route direction. Either way, skipping clips...

Avoid “Z-Clipping”!

“Z-clipping” can occur when clips are positioned close to one another.

The mistake happens when a climber has clipped into a quickdraw, and while reaching down to grab the rope for their next clip, they mistakenly grab the belay side of the rope already clipped and clip ...

Tips to consider when climbing overhangs:

1. Identify the sequences - Climbs are broken out into parts, each with their own unique sequences. Try to identify the crux sections before you start climbing. This helps you to be prepared for each one.

2. Find rest spots - This allows you to slo...

“Danger Zones” a lead climber should consider when climbing:

1. The first three quickdraw clips are often the most dangerous section of the climb because of ground fall potential.

2. Identify crux moves as early as possible, so you are clipping from a better position or safer stance.

3. ...

Falling while on lead happens, and it’s okay! It means you are pushing yourself, and learning.

Here are a few considerations when falling while on lead:

1. Be aware of your last draw. This determines direction of swing, and how far your fall will take you.

2. Know where the rope is, in c...

Lead belaying is an advanced skill, requiring the belayer on the ground to be very in tune with the climber as they lead up the wall.

Proper lead belaying considerations:

1. The lead belayer is typically responsible for rope management. This means flaking the rope into a proper stack, in th...

In our other Lead Belaying videos, we mentioned that an ideal belay stance helps position the belayer as close to underneath the first draw as possible (while trying to minimize potential of the lead climber crashing into the belayer, if the leader were to fall).

There are two main safety reas...

The “soft catch”, also know as a dynamic belay, is considered an advanced technique. In theory, this reduces the impact of a climber when they fall a distance.

The first way to give a soft catch is by carefully letting out a very short amount of rope as the belayer engages the belay device, t...

As the lead climber prepares for the climb, the lead belayer should prepare by “flaking” the rope. This is also known as “stacking the rope”.

Flaking (i.e. to flake) the rope involves starting with one end of the rope and forming a coil on the ground, threading the rope through your hands to f...