Learn to Lead Sport Climbing Course

Learn to Lead Sport

In this full-day course, we elevate your climbing fundamentals to the next level: leading outdoors. You’ll learn LNT practices, select the right equipment, and practice risk mitigation. We’ll cover clipping strategies, rope techniques, anchor setup, and proper lowering methods.

You’ll also develop the mindset for climbing above bolts. With a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio, we ensure personalized attention to meet your learning goals. Ideal for climbers with experience or those who’ve completed our Intro to Rock Climbing course.

Booking Information:

A 50% deposit is required at booking, with the remaining balance due 30 days before your trip. For bookings within 30 days of the start date, full payment is required at the time of booking. After selecting your trip dates, click “Check Availability” to receive an email confirmation and payment link.

Location
Boulder, Colorado
Minimum Age
Under 18 will need written consent from parent/guardian
Duration
8 Hours
Minimum Eligible Critera
Previous gym or outdoor climbing experience, ability to climb 5.8 on top rope, understanding of belay techniques common to single pitch climbing, familiarity with lowering and being lowered
Skilled Covered
Included
Not Included
Equipment List

Clothing

Bottom

Cotton or synthetic climbing pants/capri’s
Shorts for hot weather

Top

Fleece or lightweight down sweater
Lightweight wind shell
Water proof rain jacket – lightweight gore-tex or similar
Short-sleeved shirt
(Optional) Sun hoody

Head

Baseball hat – for sun protection

Hands

1 pair of lightweight leather belay gloves – hardware store versions are great

Feet

Sticky rubber approach shoes or light hiking/trail running shoes (closed toe mandatory)
Cotton or Synthetic socks

Technical Equipment 

We assume you have your own harnass if if you’re taking Harness – UIAA/CE rated climbing harness with belay loop and gear loops.  Should be able to fit on the outside of your layers.
Helmet – UIAA/CE rated climbing helmet.
Belay/rappel device – plaquette, tube style device preferred
2 locking carabiners – large, round stock screw gate carabiners that are easily manipulated while wearing gloves
Sticky rubber rock climbing shoes

*All technical equipment will be provided by SAI, but if you have our own, it’s encouraged that you bring it.

Food

2L of water
800 -1200 calories of food – energy bars, sandwiches, fruits, etc

Personal

Backpack – 25-30L
2 Large mouth water bottles, 1L capacity each.
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Smartphone

Location

Scheduled Learn to Lead Course Dates

1 Day Course: 1 Class Per Month
Current Summer/Fall Dates:
August 12th
September 12th

Price Per Person
$249


Reviews
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John McGee profile picture
John McGee
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Easy to schedule and great communication. Max was my guide and he was excellent! He knew every inch of the crag and selected routes that were perfect.
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Hung Lieu profile picture
Hung Lieu
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Another awesome ice climbing trip in the books. Thanks, Dan and SAI Guides!
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Michael Schmitz profile picture
Michael Schmitz
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Completed the AiARE 1 course with Max Lure in Rocky Mountain National Park. A phenomenal experience. Would recommend to anyone who is interested in getting into the back country.
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Jenni Hanley profile picture
Jenni Hanley
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I loved my guided climb with Newt! He chose a great spot that was shaded and not too crowded. Loved the routes he chose for us, which got gradually more challenging. He had a really nice mix of providing some beta while also encouraging us to figure it out for ourselves. Would definitely book an excursion with him again!
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Connor Myers profile picture
Connor Myers
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Have not used their service, but one of their guides, Newt, got me out of a jam a few weeks ago. I took off from the Eldo park and ride without my bag, and when he saw the abandoned bag in the parking lot, he read the situation perfectly, took it with him, made a post online, and got the bag back to me day of. Newt's an honest dude with good situational awareness, great qualities for a guide (and person) to have.
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Jason Bryce profile picture
Jason Bryce
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Eric Whewell is professional and helpful, guided and taught my group well!
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Ben profile picture
Ben
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The SPI course offered by SAI is phenomenal. It exceeded my expectations and taught me numerous invaluable skills I will undoubtedly make repeated use of in the future in both recreational and professional climbing settings. Thank you to Eric Whewell for running such a great program!
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Christopher Hunnewell profile picture
Christopher Hunnewell
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Max led my AIARE 2 course and went way above and beyond what I have experienced in previous courses. Beyond just going through he curriculum Max took personal ownership of the learning of the group and made sure to give us opportunities to implement what we had gone over. Cannot recommend a trip with Max enough!
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Sig Newt profile picture
Sig Newt
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Excellent group of very professional guides. Would highly reccommend.
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Elliott Wright profile picture
Elliott Wright
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Phenomenal AIARE1 course! Max Lurie’s expertise is second to none and his comedic edge makes a serious, information packed topic fun for everyone. Thanks SAI and Dan Hunter for putting it on.