Curriculum Outline — Sport Climbing Class
Curriculum Outline for Sport Climbing Clinic
Self-introductions: instructor and participants
Gear overview: quickdraws, locking vs. non-locking carabiners, belay devices, third hands, PAS/alternatives, cordelettes, ropes, rope mats — storage and care best practices
Route finding and daily planning
Flaking a rope and closing the system
Lead belay technique: how to belay a lead, lead climbing basics, avoiding back-clipping, and avoiding z clipping
Building sport anchors: opposing/“opposed” carabiners, quad setups
Mock leads and mock lead belays (rotating turns)
Ground school: cleaning sport anchors and setting up extended rappels with a closed system
Student practice: clean and rappel from a sport anchor with instructor assistance
Wrap-up: discussion, Q&A, and extra practice on request
Intro to Sport Climbing
Designed for climbers ready to start leading sport routes, the intro to sport course gives you the skills, practice, and confidence to climb real rock. This hands-on program emphasizes actual climbing time—more than most introductory courses—so you learn by doing.
Who this course is for
Indoor gym climbers who want to start outdoor sport leading
Climbers who want hands on guided practice ensuring confidence in what it takes to get to the top AND back down on a sport climbing route.
Ages 12–103 (we also work with younger climbers) looking for safe, fun progression from plastic to stone.
What you’ll learn
Sport climbing and lead belaying: safe belay techniques, command protocols, and real-rope practice on outdoor anchors.
Anchor overview: basic outdoor anchor concepts so you know how anchors differ from gym set-ups.
Outdoor climbing techniques: footwork, route reading, clipping strategies, and efficient movement on rock.
Route finding: reading natural lines, identifying bolts, and planning your ascent.
Outdoor ethics & Leave No Trace: responsible practices for preserving crags and the St. Croix River corridor.
What to expect - Sport Climbing
Expect an action-packed, hands-on sport climbing course with Forged Guides in Interstate Park MN/WI that teaches safe lead climbing, clipping techniques, fall management, anchor building, and route reading for climbers of all levels—from beginners to advanced athletes. Your day on the scenic St. Croix River, or at Sandstone includes expert instruction from locally owned guides, personalized coaching, modern equipment, and real-world practice on bolted routes to build confidence and technical skill. We emphasize safety protocols, rope management, belay device mastery, and efficient clipping to prepare you for crag trips or gym-to-outdoor transitions. Ideal for adults and youth, our sport climbing classes blend fun, with professional certification-level teaching, making Forged Guides the top choice for sport climbing courses near Stillwater, MN and across the Twin Cities area.
Logistics
Location: Interstate Park, MN/WI along the scenic St. Croix River (mock sport), or Sandstone (Robinson) for actual sport routes.
Duration: Half-day and full-day options available.
Group sizes: Small groups for personalized coaching and safety.
Gear: We provide helmets, harnesses, ropes, and technical equipment; participants should bring, weather-appropriate clothing, water, snacks. and sunscreen/bug spray.
Schedule your Forged Guides Trip here!
"The only good reason to climb is to improve yourself." - Yvon Chouinard.
Feel free to reach out with any questions. Our Forged Guides team looks forward to climbing with you!
Know Before you Go - Interstate Park
Interstate State Park, straddling the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, boasts a captivating natural history. Shaped by glacial forces, the park showcases dramatic basalt cliffs, beautiful river views, and unique geological formations like the renowned glacial potholes. This ancient landscape supports diverse ecosystems, including old-growth forests, vibrant wetlands, and the scenic St. Croix River, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and exploring the region's rich geological past.