LeadKlettern

LeadKlettern, also known as lead climbing, is a discipline of rock climbing in which the climber ascends a route while the rope is clipped into protection placed along the line of ascent. The rope is controlled by a belayer below, and the climber must advance with protection clipped after every movement. If the climber falls, the rope catches on the protection, and the ascent continues or ends at a safe top anchor.

Types: In sport lead climbing, protection consists of pre-fixed bolts; the climber clips the rope into quickdraws attached to these bolts as they ascend. In traditional or trad lead climbing, removable protection such as nuts and cams is placed by the climber to create protection and anchors.

Equipment and technique: Core equipment includes a rope, harness, belay device, climbing shoes and a helmet. For trad, additional gear like nuts and cams is carried. The climber clips the rope through a quickdraw for each bolt or protection piece, and maintains rope management, body position, and route reading to minimize falls and maximize efficiency. The belayer controls the rope to catch falls and to lower the climber when finished.

Safety and training: Lead climbing presents higher risk of longer falls and rope stretch. Safety relies on proper belaying, correct gear use, sound anchor-building, and progression through skill development such as technique, endurance, and risk assessment.

History and scope: Lead climbing emerged with the development of sport climbing and traditional climbing, becoming a standard discipline in climbing gyms and outdoor routes. It remains a central element of competitive sport climbing and is commonly practiced worldwide.