SNCS Level 2

In this Singapore National Climbing Standards (SNCS) Level 2 course accredited by the Singapore Sport Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (SSCMF), aspiring lead climbers will be introduced to lead climbing techniques, lead belaying skills, knots and more!

SNCS Level 2 course summary:

1. Introduction to Lead Climbing

• Top-rope Climbing vs Lead Climbing

• Placement of protection points

• Understanding fall factor and impact force

• Understanding the anchor system on artificial wall

2.  Equipment required for lead climbing (usage, care, limitation)

• Dynamic rope vs static rope

• Harness with gear loops

• Quickdraws or runners

• Slings / Tapes (Personal Anchor System)

• Friction devices (Figure 8, Tubular)

• Helmet

3.    Knots (usage, limitation, dressing)

• Double Figure of 8 knot

• Tape knot

4.  Belaying a lead climber using friction devices

• Giving slack and taking in

• Belaying stance

• Arresting a climber’s fall

• Dynamic Belaying

• Rope handling & management

5.    Lead climbing techniques

• Pre-climb checks

• Clipping in techniques / prevention & undo “Z” clips

• Quickdraw placement / direction

• Climbing on overhangs and roofs

• Safe falling position

• Climbing commands

• Safety considerations – hand & foot placement to avoid nasty rope burns, skipping runners, falling on lead, buddy check

6. Topping out technique (Setting up top rope/Cleaning anchor)

Participants must demonstrate the following course requirements:

1.  Confident with lead climbing an easy route

2.  Correct placement of protection points on a lead climb

3.  Correct belaying of a lead climber using a friction device

4.  Correct top-out technique on fixed anchor

5.  Conduct proper pre-climb checks

6.  Correct use of climbing calls

7.  Safe equipment handling