BELAY LESSONS
*We do not recommend any kind of climbing or belay lessons for first time or newer climbers*
The best way to figure out if you like climbing (or just have a fun day at the gym) is to simply come in and climb things. Our OPEN CLIMB Package is structured to provide everything the newer climber needs to have a great day at N3C.
The LEARN TO BELAY Package is, as the name suggests, centered around learning how to belay. While this is a key skill for those who want to become more independent climbers it is unnecessary for more casual guests, and will take approximately an hour of your time before you get to do any climbing. The OPEN CLIMB Package on the other hand will have you climbing within approximately 10 minutes of your arrival! Click here to sign up for the Open Climb Package.
Learn to Belay
What: Learn the basics of top-rope climbing, including:
- Tying into a climbing rope using a retraced figure eight knot
- How a belay device functions
- Proper set up of the belay system
- How to belay and lower a climber
- Effective communications between climber and belayer using standard commands and responses
- Partner safety checks
- Basics of climbing movement
- Plenty of practice with all of your new skills!
When: Schedule a time that works for you. Sign up online or call 603.838.5300 or contact us to schedule a lesson.
How Long: Lesson usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on how quickly students pick up the concepts.
Who: This lesson is perfect for:
- People who want to become independent indoor climbers
- People who have not climbed in a very long time
- Parents who want to learn to belay their children
*The Learn to Belay package may not be ideal for first time climbers; we recommend checking out our Open Climb package instead!
Introduction to Lead Climbing
What: Learn how to lead climb and lead belay at N3C, including:
- Proper lead belay technique:
- Spotting the leader to the first clip
- Taking in and paying out rope for the leader as needed without introducing excessive slack in the rope or interfering with climber progress
- Positioning relative to the climber and the pull of the rope
- Catching lead falls
- Proper lead climbing technique:
- Smoothly and efficiently clipping the rope through quick draws
- Choosing the best holds from which to clip quick draws
- Clipping the best quick draws for a particular route
- Recognizing and avoiding z-clipping and back clipping
- Positioning feet safely relative to the rope
- Taking lead falls
- Plenty of practice with all of your new skills!
When: Call 603.838.5300 or contact us to schedule a lead climbing lesson.
How Long: Two sessions, a week apart. Lessons usually take 2 to 3 hours depending on how quickly students pick up the concepts.
Who: This lesson is experienced climbers who have mastered top rope belaying and are looking for a new challenge.