SLCA Fear of Falling

$99 plus tax

Fifty years ago the rule was: the leader must never fall. These days, controlled falling has become standard practice and every lead climber should practice active falling and belaying. This clinic will focus on both psychological and technical aspects of lead falling, and participants will practice intentional lead falls and dynamic belaying. UMA Guides will cover topics such as risks, yes & no fall zones, taking rests, consequences and factors you can control, as well as forces/dynamics, equipment and body control. Take the fall and move on with your climbing progression!

Course Dates

  • Aug 22, 2026 (Saturday) For SLCA Climbing Festival Attendees Only - See Details on Event Calendar

Fear of falling is what holds most climbers back. This class will show you that it’s okay to let go when the fall is a clean one, and that when you climb without a fear of falling, you will climb far better.

Fear of Falling Course Objectives
  • Learn how to vary your belay given the situation
  • Practice leader-falls and catching lead falls in a safe environment
  • Build confidence leading sport climbs
  • Advance your sport climbing ability and push to the next grade in lead climbing
  • Gain best practices for lowering and rappelling using a friction hitch
Max Student : Instructor Ratio

4 : 1

NEXT STEPS IN OUTDOOR ROCK CLIMBING PROGRESSION

Once you have completed this course and would like to continue your progression to become an independent climber, consider our Trad Climbing Series.

Trad Series: Multi-pitch Rock Climbing
Trad Series: Leading Trad
Trad Series: Crack Climbing
Course dates don’t fit your schedule?

Any of our pre-scheduled courses can be run as custom outings. If you’re interested in a course but the dates don’t fit your schedule, please check out our private guiding options.

Course Prerequisites
Fitness & Skill Level
  • You must be able to easily hike 1 mile on variable, uneven terrain (at 7,000′-10,000′ elevation) from the trailhead to access rock climbing crags.
  • This course is for intermediate and advanced climbers with sport climbing and some leading experience..

This full-day course takes place in Upper Little Cottonwood Canyon. Guests are expected to bring their own snacks, lunch and water (1-2 liters). UMA does not provide transportation. We encourage carpooling to help mitigate traffic in the canyons and crowded parking areas.

SCHEDULE & MEETING LOCATION

Exact meeting times and locations will be provided to registered guests before the course date.

GUIDE/INSTRUCTOR

You will receive a reminder with the contact information for your guide/instructor. They will contact you directly by email to confirm meeting time and location, as well as weather considerations and equipment needs.

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING

Transportation will not be provided. Most canyon parking lots require a parking fee.

How To Register

UMA reserves the right to cancel or shorten the course if fewer than 3 participants register.

FEAR OF FALLING EQUIPMENT LIST
  • Comfortable and flexible pants or shorts, and a shirt
  • Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket
  • Light puffy overcoat and or other insulation layer (fleece, synthetic or down)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • 1 to 2 liters of water (water bag recommended for multi-pitch)
  • Lunch and quick energy snacks
  • Approach shoes (no sandals)
  • Day pack (~25-45 liters)
  • Harness
  • Belay device
  • Helmet
  • Rock climbing shoes
  • Personal climbing equipment (optional)

Please see our Rock Climbing Gear List & Rentals page for information on the items UMA provides and local shops where you can rent or purchase gear.

Recommended Guidebooks

Rock Climbing the Wasatch Range by Stuart and Bret Ruckman
A Granite Guide: Ferguson to Lone Peak by Nikki Smith, Andrew Burr and Tyler Philips
Maple Canyon by Darren Knezek and Christian Knight

Please see our main FAQ page for general questions or for anything not covered below. 

Will I be able to lead?

Yes, but a backup top rope is always included for safety.

How tight should my rock shoes fit?

For Fear of Falling, a well-fitting sport climbing shoe is appropriate.

Should I wear pants or shorts?

Shorts are nicer for warm days, but long pants will protect your legs from abrasive rock. If shorts are preferred, they should be long enough to go under the leg loops of the harness.

How old do I need to be to join Fear of Falling?

Students must be at least 14 years old to join one of our group courses, which are catered to adults. We offer Youth Camps for youth 17 and under, which are split into 3 age groups: Kids Camps (ages 6-8), Tween Camps (ages 9-12) and Teen Camps (ages 13-17).

Where do I meet my guide?

The guide will arrange a specific meeting location and time with you. Most commonly, this location is the Big Cottonwood Canyon Park & Ride lot.

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