Climbing

This two hour course introduces you to the climbing wall environment. By the end of the course you should be able to use the bouldering room and auto-belay routes independently and safely, with or without a climbing partner.

Bouldering is a form of climbing typically done at a lower height and without a rope. It is a natural first step on your indoor climbing journey. Bouldering is easily accessible, requiring just a pair of climbing shoes, but does still carry some risk despite the lower heights involved.

An auto-belay is a mechanical device used in indoor climbing walls to automatically take up slack in a rope and safely lower climbers to the ground if they fall or when they finish a climb, eliminating the need for a human belayer. It is essential that auto-belays are used properly for optimum safety and enjoyment.

In this course we cover equipment, climbing etiquette, safety awareness, and basic climbing techniques to put you on the path towards peak performance.

No prior climbing experience necessary. 

1x 2hr session

Ratio: 1:6

Cost: 35pp (excluding wall entry and equipment hire)

This course runs across two consecutive two-hour sessions, allowing time for you to learn new skills and then put them into practice. By the end of the course you should be able to climb on a top rope and belay a climbing partner comfortably and safely.

Top rope climbing is the next step in your indoor climbing journey once you have got to grips with bouldering and using the auto-belays. Belaying is a key skill to learn in climbing. It is the technique of managing the rope to protect a climber from falling, typically involving a belayer who controls the rope using a belay device to catch falls, lower the climber, or provide slack as needed.

In this course we cover fitting and using a harness, tying-in to a rope, and belaying. We also cover climbing etiquette and communication, safety awareness, and basic climbing techniques to put you on the path towards peak performance.

No prior climbing experience necessary, but experience of bouldering and/or using auto-belays is advantageous. 

2x 2hr sessions

Ratio: 1:6

Cost: 35pp (excluding wall entry and equipment hire)

This course runs across three consecutive two-hour sessions, allowing time for you to learn new skills and then put them into practice. By the end of the course you should be able to lead climb, lead belay, and take a fall comfortably and safely.

Learning to lead climb and belay is the final and often most daunting step in your indoor climbing journey. Lead climbing is a style of climbing where the climber ascends a route while carrying the rope and clips it into protection points (quickdraws or anchors) along the way, requiring skill and focus to prevent longer falls.

Learning to fall as a climber, and learning how to catch a fall as a belayer, are important parts of learning to lead climb safely. We provide a structured progression towards being comfortable taking and holding falls, breaking the process down into core components. Developing an understanding of both the theory and practice of falling will leave you well placed for peak performance in the future.

In this course we cover effective clipping techniques, belaying using a variety of devices, simulated leading, and falling. If you demonstrate secure technique and progression, you will be offered the chance to complete a first live lead climb in the final session. This is typically a key moment in any climber’s indoor climbing journey – our aim is to make it safe, enjoyable and memorable for all the right reasons.

Participants will need to be competent top rope climbers and belayers in order to get the most out of this course. It is recommended that you are comfortable climbing Font 5+ or higher on top rope prior to attending this course. No refunds will be given if you do not meet the basic requirements for the course. 

3x 2hr session

Ratio: 1:4

Cost: £80pp (excluding wall entry and equipment hire)

We offer Climbing Masterclass sessions where we apply peak performance thinking to turbo-charge your physical and technical skills. Across bouldering, top rope and lead climbing, we tailor a session to suit your specific requirements.

Falling is a daunting part of indoor lead climbing. Refining core skills so that you can climb efficiently and safely is the first step in getting more comfortable with the idea of falling. Being happy to fall off is a big step, and helping you fall safely can make this a more comfortable experience. The belayer is the key person in the safety system, and being able to belay effectively and catch falls softly but safely will give your climbing partner the confidence to climb knowing you have their back.

Falling is a big deal, and an inherent part of lead climbing. Peak Performance Thinking can help you take your climbing to the next level, giving you the technical skills and positive mindset required to achieve your climbing goals.

Peak Performance Thinking are able to organise outdoor climbing experiences for couples and small groups. We offer single pitch top rope climbing and abseil experiences at locations such as Almscliff Crag, the Ilkley Cow & Calf and Brimham Rocks.