I learned to lead climb outdoors today. Brendan drove me up to the Rumney crags in NH and we set up on the Venus Wall. I lead 3 beginner routes; Mowgli Grape (5.4), Dertigo (5.3), Wimpy Gilman Ridge (5.3) and top roped Preppy's Crack (5.7+). Mowgli Grape was my first lead and I was scared! I didn't think I'd be so afraid, but I was! There I was, perfectly fine on the ground. Then it hit me. The moment I clipped into the first clip the realization hit me! Dang, I don't wanna fall right this minute now, do I?!
The only way to get past the fear was to focus. I had to force myself to continue and to climb at a slow, even pace. And this helped me to focus on clipping in the quickdraws and rope correctly. I was less nervous leading Dertigo and Wimpy Gilman.I enjoyed my lead climbing lesson and hope to try it again. Several weeks before Brendan gave me a lead climbing lesson indoors while on top rope. Lead climbing indoors was easier than learning outdoors, but lead climbing outdoors sure beats lead climbing indoors, any day! lol!
