How To Start Rock Climbing
When thinking about how to start rock climbing, many people assume that you need a physique of Sylvester Stallone in "Cliffhanger". But if you take the right steps in preparing yourself for this mentally and physically stimulating work out, you will surprise yourself with how good you can be. This work out can be incredibly challenging both physically and mentally. However, the end reward makes it all very worth it.
To start rock climbing you will need the following items:
- climbing shoes
- climbing rope
- a harness
- a belay device
- chalk (optional; used by some climbers to help with their grip)
The number one lesson in beginning your adventure is that you can never stop learning.
- Take a professional lesson in belaying, harness and rope safety, and the terminologies of rock climbing. If you go to any indoor rock climbing facility they should have the staff to provide you with such a lesson, they should also have equipment that you can rent. Be sure to wear comfortable but tighter clothing that you can move around in easily. You need to feel very comfortable at an indoor facility before you should attempt to rock climb in the outdoors. Rocks are much less forgiving on beginners mistakes and so are the elements of nature.
- Learn how to do "top rope" climbing. This form of climbing is the safest form. The rope that is connected to you (the climber) goes up and through a hold at the very top of the wall and back down to your belayer (the person on the ground who holds the rope). Be sure to utilize the person you have belaying. They can instruct you on where to look for good holds and can be a great source of encouragement if you start to struggle. With this form of climbing it is very difficult for you to fall far and you can take breaks easier. Rock climbing, even in the elementary stages, is a very intense cardio work out as well as a mental challenge. But the more often you participate in rock climbing, the better you will be physically and at finding good holds for your hands and feet.
- Start to challenge yourself by following precise routes After practicing the basics that you've learned from your lesson, its time to make it real. The wall at the indoor facility will have these routes marked off by coloured tape. Trying to stay on these routes will give you a better concept of climbing outdoors as there aren't options or cheats on the side of a rock face. The routes are also rated on a scale. Try to master a few of the easiest routes and then push yourself to the next level of the scale. The higher the number the higher the difficulty of the route.
- Consider taking a course on "lead" climbing. Once you feel comfortable at the indoor facility on top rope, try this type of climbing. It requires you to hook the rope through caribbeaners as you, is a slightly more intense and much more skillful form of climbing. You need to absolutely feel secure in your abilities and the person you have handling your belay in order to participate in lead climbing.
- Consider going to an outdoor rock face. After mastering lead climbing, try this. Be sure to research the location you're going to so you know some hints before trying to go on your own. Red River Gorge in Kentucky is a great location for a plethora of different types of routes.
As with any new skill, practice makes perfect. You shouldn't expect to be Mr. Stallone within your first few attempts. Just continue trying and pushing yourself psychically and mentally at climbing. It's an incredibly rewarding activity in both sense.