Lead Climbing

Turkey Rock, CO

Lead climbing occurs when the climber (and the Rope) start at the base of the climb. Protection is placed periodically throughout the climb to reduce the distance that the climber can fall. Protection can be Metal Bolts or Trad Gear.

Protection is normally placed every five to ten feet. The climber can fall approximately two times their distance above the last piece of protection (if the climber is 3 feet above the last piece they can fall 6 feet).

The second climbers (often called the 'second') removes the protection when he or she climbs.

Lead climbing does not require access to the top of the climb.

Lead climbing includes Sport Climbing, Trad Climbing and Aid Climbing.

Related Pages

• Answers to Rock Climbing Questions
• Climbing Anchor
• Climbing Rope
• Dynamic Belay
• Gym Climbing Definition
• Lead Climbing Tips
• Leader
• Multipitch
• Quickdraw
• Second
• Sport Climbing
• Trad Climbing
• Whipper