Lead Climbing Certification

The Nest: Lead Climb Proficiency Examination

Ready to take your climbing to the next level? To ensure the safety of our entire community, all members wishing to lead climb or lead belay in our gym must first pass our official Lead Climb Proficiency Examination.

The assessment is conducted by our qualified staff and covers all critical safety standards for lead climbing and belaying.

How it Works

  • Bookings are Essential: Sessions must be booked in advance, either at reception or online.

  • When: Sessions are held every Monday between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

  • What to Bring: Please bring your own harness, rope, and approved belay device.

Retake Policy

Safety and skill are our highest priorities. If you are unsuccessful in your attempt:

  • 1st Unsuccessful Attempt: A 24-hour waiting period is required before re-testing.

  • 2nd Unsuccessful Attempt: A 2-week waiting period is required before your next attempt.

Successful Completion

Upon passing the examination, you will earn your official The Nest Lead Pass, certifying you to lead climb and belay in our facility. This pass must be displayed on your harness at all times.

Lead Climbing Course

Learn to Lead Climb at The Nest!

Gain the essential skills and confidence to lead climb safely, both indoors and outdoors, with our comprehensive weekend course.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Fundamentals of lead climbing and belaying techniques

  • Adaptive skills for both indoor gym and outdoor rock climbing environments

  • Effective belaying techniques for partners of varying weights

  • All the crucial do’s and don’ts for safe lead climbing practices

  • Develop robust skills for confident and secure lead climbing

Course Details:

  • Duration: 2 days, Saturday & Sunday (back-to-back)

  • Time: 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM daily

  • Day 1: Focus on Indoor Lead Climbing Skills

  • Day 2: Apply & Refine Skills in an Outdoor Environment

  • Frequency: course runs once a month (dates announced soon!)

  • Cost: $100

  • Bookings: Essential - secure your spot!

Upon successful completion you’ll receive your official Lead Pass for The Nest Climbing Gym, certifying you to lead climb in our facility!

Lead Climbing Rules & Safety

The Nest Lead Climbing Rules & Safety

Lead climbing is a high-risk activity that requires skill, experience, and strict adherence to safety protocols. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, all lead climbers and belayers must adhere to the following rules. Failure to comply with any of the following rules will result in the immediate loss of your lead climbing privileges.

1. Lead Pass (Mandatory)

  • All lead climbers and belayers must have passed The Nest Lead Proficiency Examination for the specific belay device being used.

  • Your official Lead Pass must be visibly displayed on your harness at all times while leading or lead belaying.

2. Required Equipment

  • Harness: You must use a padded, commercially manufactured climbing harness appropriate for lead climbing. It must be less than 5 years old and fitted correctly. Body harnesses are not permitted.

  • Rope:

    • Minimum rope diameter is 9.2mm. Ropes should comply with your belay device manufacturer’s recommendations.

    • Minimum rope length is 30m.

    • A knot must be tied in the dead end of the rope at all times.

  • Belay Device: Only the following Assisted Braking Devices (ABDs) are permitted. All other devices and techniques (including munter hitch or body belay) are banned.

    • Petzl Grigri / Grigri+

    • Edelrid Eddy / Jul2 / MegaJul

    • Wild Country Revo

    • CAMP Matik

    • Mad Rock Lifeguard

    • Mammut Smart 2.0

    • Black Diamond ATC Pilot

  • All climbing equipment must be used strictly in accordance with manufacturers guidelines & instructions.

3. Pre-Climb Safety Checks

  • Tying In: You must tie in using a re-threaded figure-8 knot that passes through both the waist and leg loops of your harness. The tail must be at least 20cm long with a stopper knot. No other tie-in knots are allowed.

  • Partner Cross-Check: Before every climb, the climber and belayer must perform a full cross-check of each other’s harness, knot, and belay device setup.

  • Your Responsibility: You are personally responsible for inspecting your own equipment, including harnesses, ropes, and belay devices, for any signs of wear, tear or damage before and during use.

  • Right to Refuse: The Nest staff reserve the right to refuse the use of any personal equipment if it appears unsafe, damaged or unsuited for its intended purpose.

4. During the Climb

  • Spotting: The belayer must spot the climber until the first draw is clipped.

  • Clipping (Mandatory): You must clip every quickdraw on the route in sequence. Skipping draws is strictly prohibited.

  • First Draw Safety: We strongly recommend clipping the first draw from the ground. If unsure, you may also clip the second draw for added safety. Stick clips are available for your use. The Edelrid Ohm may also be used on the first draw.

5. The Belayer

Belayers must adhere to the following standards at all times:

  • Stay Attentive: Remain focused on the climber and free from all distractions. No phones while belaying.

  • Proper Positioning: Stand close to the wall (max 45-degree angle) and out of the direct fall zone of the climber.

  • Manage Slack: Avoid excessive slack in the rope while still providing a soft catch.

  • Brake Hand On: Maintain a closed hand on the brake strand of the rope at all times.

  • Weight Disparity: If there is a significant weight difference, the belayer should tie in to a designated ground anchor or use an appropriate device like the Edelrid Ohm.

  • Clear the Area: Keep the belay zone clear of all personal items like bags and water bottles.

6. Age Restrictions

  • The minimum age to lead climb is 12.

  • The minimum age to lead belay is 15.

  • Lead climbers under the age of 15 must be actively supervised by an adult at all times.