leadkiipeily

Leadkiipeily, or lead climbing, is a discipline within sport climbing where the climber ascends a rock face while clipping the rope into protection bolts placed along the route. The climber is secured by a rope that runs through quickdraws to fixed hardware as they ascend, while a belayer on the ground manages the rope and arrests falls. Unlike top-roping, the rope is not fixed from the top; progress depends on placing protection and maintaining secure clipping throughout the ascent.

Equipment and setup include a climbing harness, dynamic rope, belay device, carabiners, quickdraws, and sport bolts or other protection along bolted routes. Chalk, proper climbing shoes, and a helmet (optional but common in certain environments) are also used. The belayer feeds rope to the climber, absorbing fall energy and keeping tension controlled. Safety relies on correct belay technique, proper clipping, and reliable protection placement.

Techniques central to lead kiipeily include route reading, efficient clipping, rope management to minimize drag, and precise footwork. Climbers aim to clip the rope before committing to difficult moves, maintain balance, and conserve energy for challenging sections. A fall while clipping or under tension can be more severe than in top-roping, which makes experience and proper technique important.

Routes are graded using international systems such as the French sport grades (for example 7a, 8b, etc.), and may be single-pitch or multi-pitch. Lead kiipeily is a core component of sport climbing and features prominently in competitions, including events governed by the IFSC and, since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, as part of the Olympic climbing program.