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Lead Climbing at Climb Fit available at St leonards and Kirrawee

What is lead climbing? 

Lead climbing is a style of climbing where the climber ascends a route while clipping their rope into quickdraws attached to bolts on the wall. Unlike top-rope climbing, the rope isn’t pre-anchored at the top, so the climber takes on more responsibility for their safety. If you're keen to climb outside one day, this is a great skill to learn.

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We are making the switch to Assisted Braking Devices for Lead Climbing. Policy updates starting August 18th 2025

Read the FAQ's below for full details.

We will have a roll out period from 18th August - 31st October 2025, so you have plenty of time to make the switch.

Assisted Braking Devices (ABD) can provide a reliable backup to any belayer. We are making the change to minimise risk. We are not alone in making this change in our region, in fact, other gyms in Australia and around the world are making the switch too. 

We believe as a community of climbing gyms it will be safer for our customers. 

Check our calendar HERE (coming soon) to book your FREE lead assessment

Here are the approved devices:

New lead passes will be issued from 18th August - get yours at reception.

learn_to_lead_asm_kirrawee

Lead Climbing FAQs

Why are we making the change to Assisted Breaking Devices (ABD)?

We are making the change to minimise risk. Assisted Braking Devices (ABD) can provide a reliable backup to any belayer. Examples include:

Human error reduction
Weight differences
Minimises distractions
Emergency situations

We are not alone in making this change in our region. Other gyms in Australia and around the world are making the switch too. We believe as a community of climbing gyms it will be safer for our customers.

Do I have to be reassessed?

Only if you have been previously assessed on a ATC, tubular device.

When do I have to be re-assessed by?

You will need to be reassessed by the 31st Oct 2025, after this date we will only allow lead climbing using the approved ABD devices at our locations.

I already have a lead pass - What does that mean for me right now?

From August 18th 2025 we will start re-assessing people. You will have 3 months before we officially swap over to ABD only in mid November. That means you can keep lead climbing as usual (with your lead pass on your harness). But think about getting re-assessed on one of the new devices soon so it's not a mad rush in November. Afterall, that is peak send season outdoors!

What are the approved ABDs?

Edelrid MegaJul
Black Diamond Pilot
Petzl Gri Gri
Petzl Gri Gri +
Edilrid pinch

Will I need to retake my test if I have already been assessed on an ABD (assisted breaking device)?

No, but you will need to be issued with one of our new lead climbing passes. These can be issued at reception by one of our staff. That said there is nothing wrong with asking to be retested or simply asking our lead assessors to watch you belay and get some tips or reassurance that you are using the device properly. You can book a free assessment online or at reception.

What if I have never done any lead climbing at Climb Fit before?

No problem at all. From August 18th we will only be doing assessments on our 5 approved ABDs. If you have all your gear and you're already familiar with lead climbing, then you can come and get assessed and we will issue you with one of our new lead tags. We suggest booking as only some of our staff are authorised to tick people off.

What if I have been assessed before but my assisted breaking device is not on the new approved list? For example the wild country revo or the beal birdie.

You will be granted “grandfather rights” which entitles you to continue using those ABD devices.You will however need to be issued with a new lead climbing pass which can be issued at the reception by one of our staff.

Will you have assisted braking belay devices for use if I don’t own one?

No, you will need to BYO or buy one. We do not provide ropes or belay devices for customers to use for leading at our gyms, you will need to bring your own. Climb Fit will be offering discounts on the approved ABDs during the 3 month roll over period. Come check them out at our St Leonards and Kirrawee locations.

Do I still need to keep my brake hand on the rope when using an ABD?

Yes, Always. The brake hand must remain on the rope even with an ABD. the ABD assists the belayer as a back up, it is not a replacement.

Aren’t ABDs expensive?

There are many devices to choose from and not all will break the bank. Plus we have arranged a 10% discount for you too.

Here are the cost comparisons with our current 10% off sale (sale ends: 31st Oct 2025)
• Edelrid Pinch sale: $197 reg: $219
• Edelrid Jul 2 sale: $89 reg: $99
• Black Diamond Pilot sale: $80 reg: $89
• Petzl Gri Gri+ sale: $246 reg: $274
• Petzl GriGri sale: $197 reg: $219

What equipment do I need to bring for lead climbing at Climb Fit?

You will need at least a 40 metre rope, a harness, approved Climb Fit belay device and climbing shoes.

Do I need to come with a partner?

Yes, you will need to come with a partner to complete a lead test.

Is there an age limit for lead climbing at Climb Fit?

Yes, the age limit is 12 to lead climb and 16 to Lead belay.

What do the different coloured lead passes mean?

Black: Climb & Belay approved
Green: Belay only
Red: Climb only

What should I expect in a Lead Climbing Assessment?

You can expect to be assessed on your rope management skills as a climber and belayer on the lead assessment.

What happens if I fail my lead assessment?

You will be informed by your assessor as to why you were not yet competent. You can then go away and practice your lead skills further. You can then return at a later date to redo your assessment.

How can I practice my skills, prior to an assessment?

You can safely practice lead climbing (clipping draws etc) and lead belaying with an auto belay as a safety back up. You will need to bring your own personal rope (40metres) and clip into the preset draws. If you are unsure how the auto belay works, ask a friendly staff member for assistance. You could also book a private lesson with one of our coaches, or jump on a Learn to Lead course.

How can I book in for my lead assessment?

Our staff can do your lead assessment at our Kirrawee or St Leonards location. It takes about 30mins. This is FREE but must be booked in - not all our staff can do a lead assessment, so it's best that you book a time slot to avoid disappointment on the day. We might be able to arrange a booking outside of the dates on the calendar. Please email info@climbfit.com.au with your special time request.
Book at Kirrawee
Book at St Leonards

PRIVATE COACHING

Want to learn how to lead? Book a session with one of our experienced coaches today
private coaching

Upskill with the Australian School of Mountaineering

Want to learn how to lead climb or fine tune your skills? 

Then sign up to our popular Learn 2 Lead course facilitated by the ASM (Australian School of Mountaineering)!

Their qualified and experienced staff will instruct on what you need to know to get your lead climbing adventures off the ground. This course is scheduled over two nights with each evening session being 3 hours in duration.

Courses run at our Kirrawee and St Leonards locations

Learn more...

Learn some basics with these videos

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