How to Begin Rock Climbing as a Beginner
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Rock climbing is an exciting and challenging sport that can offer physical and mental benefits for climbers of all levels. Whether you are looking to find a new hobby or simply trying to spice things up in order to get over a creative slump, climbing can help you feel energized and motivated. If you're interested in getting started, this guide will help you get started with the basics, including gear, techniques, and safety.
What Is Rock Climbing?
Rock climbing is a sport or activity that allows participants to actively climb indoor or outdoor areas with the help of ropes, shoes, and other special equipment. Rock climbing can be indoors or outdoors depending on the climber and the types of routes they enjoy climbing. A few types of climbing types include bouldering, top roping, sport/lead, traditional aka trad, and speed climbing.
Types of Climbing
Bouldering
Bouldering is a type of climbing style that focuses on shorter routes but requires more technical movements. There are no ropes or harnesses required and can be done indoors or outdoors. There are cushioned mats to help with falling from the walls if you lose your grip or finish a route. This can be done by yourself or with a partner but is a great way to start practicing your skills when you are first starting off with climbing.
Top Rope
Top rope is another common climbing style that requires a harness, rope, and a partner to belay (secure your ascent) you in order to climb. The rope is connected to the top of the wall, and your partner is at the bottom to ensure that you are caught in case you fall. This is also beginner-friendly, but it will require you or your partner to be belay certified before you start climbing on the wall. Another option would be to use auto-belay machines, which can be found in some local gyms if you want to try this climbing method alone.
Sport/Lead Climbing
Sport or lead climbing will likely require much more practice as you are doing a sort of combination between tope rope and bouldering. This can be done indoors or outdoors but the biggest aspect is that you will need to have clip yourself into the bolts to secure the rope. This will also require a belayer, rope, and a harness, but is typically for more experienced climbers who want to take their climbing to the next level. This style of climbing comes with added risks like wipes which is where you miss a clip or generally fall and continue falling for multiple feet. It is best to also use a helmet when doing these climbing methods in order to stay as safe as possible.
Traditional (Trad) Climbing
Traditional is where climbing began. There is nothing bolted in the rocks, it’s just you and the wall. This is usually done outside and requires your own gear. The point is to climb while using a rock’s natural features like cracks and crevasses. This type of climbing requires greater skill than the others because it takes other climbing styles and turns on hard mode.
Speed Climbing
Speed climbing is a form of indoor climbing that is focused on climbing routes as fast as possible. This can be tough to do because it requires strength and good climbing knowledge because you are launching your body up the wall. Some people can complete speed runs in under 10 seconds!
How to Start Rock Climbing
While there are multiple ways to start rock climbing, below are a few steps for you to consider when beginning to climb.
1. Gather Your Gear
Before you start rock climbing, you'll need to gather some gear. The climbing essentials include the items listed below, but you can also check out our full guide if you want to find the essentials.
Climbing shoes: These specialized shoes offer increased grip and support on the rock. Local gyms may have rental shoes for you to use, but eventually, it can be beneficial to buy your own since rentals typically aren’t the most effective shoes. When you’re just starting out, though, the rentals should be more than enough. When you’re ready, you can consider moving into the higher grade climbing shoes. My personal favorite are the Scarpa VS Instinct since they are great for toe hooks and heel hooks.
Harness: A harness secures you to the rope while climbing. If you are bouldering, you may not need a harness.
Chalk: Chalk helps keep your hands dry and provides extra grip on the rock. While most chalk will work, shop around and see which works best for you. My personal favorite is the Friction Labs Premium chalk.
Carabiners: Carabiners are metal connectors used to attach the rope to the harness and anchor points. Carabiners should be climbing grade to ensure safety. You may not need carabiners, though, depending on the type of climbing (bouldering).
Rope: A rope provides a safety line for you while climbing. Depending on the climbing style you are trying, you may not require ropes.
2. Learn Basic Climbing Techniques
Knowing about the various basic climbing techniques can help you stay safe and prepared for a climbing session. Below are a few climbing areas to focus on.
Foot placement: Proper foot placement is key to maintaining balance and stability while climbing.
Hand holds: You'll need to learn how to identify and use hand holds to make your way up the rock face.
Belaying: Belaying is the technique used to control the rope for a climber, ensuring their safety while climbing. For bouldering, you will not need to learn how to belay. Belaying is used for rope-style climbing.
Lingo: Belay on, on belay, flag, open door, crimps, slabs, and various others that are well-known or specific to your local gym.
3. Find a Local Climbing Gym or Outdoor Location
There are two main types of rock climbing, indoor gym climbing and outdoor rock climbing. Gym climbing is a great place to start as it offers a controlled environment and a range of difficulties to help you progress. Outdoor climbing provides a more natural experience, but also presents more risks and requires additional safety measures. It may be best to go to a local gym when first starting out because then you can see others and learn the techniques they use when climbing. Plus, the climbing community is usually really inviting, so it can be a good place to make some new friends in the sport.
4. Take a Climbing Course, Make Climbing Friends, or Hire a Guide
If you're new to rock climbing, it's a good idea to take a climbing course, learn from fellow climbing friends (only if they are reliable and know what they are doing), or hire a guide to ensure that you're climbing safely and correctly. A climbing course will cover the basics of rock climbing and help you get started on the right foot. Regardless of which method you choose, it is always best to ensure your safety by getting assistance. Climbing is both fun and dangerous, so it’s best to stay safe.
5. Put In the Reps
Like any physical sport, the key to becoming a successful rock climber is to practice regularly. Start with easier routes like a VB (Beginner) or V0 and gradually progress to more difficult ones as your skills and confidence improve. As you learn new techniques, the way your body shifts affects the climbing, and invest in more equipment, the more you will be able to see the progression. In the beginning, there is a rush because for many it will seem tough, but someday you’ll be able to look back and see how far your climbing skills have grown.
6. Stay Safe and Know Your Limits
Rock climbing can definitely be dangerous, so it's important to always try and climb with a partner and follow safety guidelines. Make sure you're physically fit and always know your limits. If you're not comfortable with a particular climb, don't attempt it. Injuries may happen at some point as well so always be sure to take it slow and ease yourself back into climbing gradually so your body can heal properly.
Enjoy Your New Hobby
Rock climbing is a fun and challenging sport that offers a range of physical and mental benefits since it trains you in a different way compared to traditional workouts. With the right gear, techniques, and mindset, anyone can get started with rock climbing and experience the thrill of scaling new heights. Just remember to not be hard on yourself when you’re just starting out and to always be safe. You got this!
