leadclimbing has got to be one of the most exciting sports i have ever done. that being said, the anticipation you build up, because u know u have to fall, makes you even more nervous because u are the one who needs to let go of the edge of the "rocks". best gift ever!!! to say the least. and the chemistry between the two climbers make it even more exciting coz all we do is egg each other on!! i am soooo competitive, its not even good sometimes. but when it came to teamwork, it ain't too shabby. essentially, the first class was about theory, and the second one was a practical. so when The Dude and i got to the gym, we had to get our brand new rope ready (who wouldve guessed getting a rope would be this exciting).. and my little friend pia, who is 10 told me when u fall "you get butterflies in your stomach.. but GOOD butterflies." she is a phenomenal climber btw. so i was the first to climb, and drop. my hands were sweaty, and no matter how much chalk i put on there, it didnt soak up. i had to get to the 2nd last quickdraws and just let go. i fell about 5 feet, which really wasnt much. but HOLY, it was thrilling.. not as thrilling as some other things that ive done.. but it is also very different. shorter, and a lot more anticipation. cort, my instructor goes. "OK AGAIN!" i was quite surprised that he said it so soon. so in the end, we had to fall over and over again to get used to the feeling, as well as learn how to belay. as for catching, u need to treat the climber like s/he is going to fall for the whole duration of the climb. u had to be quick and keep your eye on the climber NO MATTER what. everything u learn in top-rope is the complete opposite in leadclimbing. i learned a lot, and in our finale, we had to climb a 5'8" roof. it really opened up new doors for us as climbers, and the edge is even greater now. so i thank the experience and the conviction to do this course asap, because i feel like ive hit another plain with rockclimbing. have a wonderful evening guys!!! and thanks again Dude. | 
