Learn to Lead

You've seen people leading in the gym. Your friends have been encouraging you to learn. You feel ready and are PSYCHED to "get on the sharp end" as we call it! Then the Learn to Lead course is the next step! Taught to the highest standard set forth by the American Mountain Guide Association, the LTL at DYNO Detroit is our most comprehensive course where you'll learn everything you need to know to lead climb and belay confidently in the gym!

What's Included

• Two Class Options: Choose between two formats amounting to 5 hours total of guided practice and specialized attention with a 2-climber class size:

  • 2-Session Weekday: Wednesday (5–8 PM) + Thursday (5–7 PM).

  • 1-Session Accelerated: Friday (12–5 PM) with a 30-minute break.

• Risk Management: A comprehensive overview of how to assess and manage risk when lead climbing and belaying in an indoor climbing setting.

• Guided Practice: Hands-on training (with and without a top rope back-up).

  • As the Belayer: We'll intently focus on belay device handling, slack management, proper communication, and appropriately catching the climber.

  • As the Climber: We'll highlight how to correctly clip into quickdraws, proper body positioning, and added risks when leading.

• Equipment: A rope and belay device to use within the class.

Requirements

• Certification: Must be Top Rope Certified at DYNO Detroit.

• Experience: Minimum 3 months of climbing experience.

• Proficiency: Must be confident climbing at 5.9 grade in succession. It's not about strength, more about the endurance and ability to think about something besides just climbing.

• Age: Must be at least 16 years of age.

• Personal Gear: Climbing shoes and harness are required.

• Registration: Advanced registration with another climber is required. We unfortunately cannot register solo climbers.

Pricing 

• Members: $100 | Non-Members: $120

This is a highly technical class that requires advanced scheduling of instructors and booking of participants. Please take this into consideration when scheduling your class and ensure you will be able to attend. Should you need to cancel or reschedule, our policy is as follows:

• If you are unable to attend the class you have previously booked and paid for, please call our front desk as soon as possible to free up your spot at 313.262.6208.

• We can offer a full refund up to 48 hours before your class start time.

• If you cancel within 48 hours of your scheduled class time, unfortunately we will be unable to offer a refund. But a re-booking can be scheduled at 50% off.