Top Rope

These climbs are graded on the 5. grading scale. Grades range from 5.5 through 5.14. The harder the second number the harder the climb.

When top rope climbing there is the comfort and support of the rope. When the climber falls, the harness catches the climber and they fall into a sitting position sitting back in the harness.

Lead

Unlike top rope, in lead climbing the climber is not attached to the top of the wall. The climber has to stop about every 5 feet to clip in. There is an average of 5 to 7 clips along a climb. This will make the grade of the climb seem harder, simply because you have to stop and hold on with one hand to clip all your clips.

One of the scariest parts of lead climbing is lead falling. When the climber falls when lead climbing the climber with free fall for an average of 10-15 feet. At first, this experience is terrifying, but once you get used to it, it might just become one of your favorite parts of climbing. The free fall is a very fun experience when you know you will be safe. It will take a while to feel that security, though.