Rock climbing can be a fun and full body workout done by
people of all walks of life. All you need to get started
is yourself. Find a local gym that you would like to try and pick a day
when you have plenty of free time to spend there learning and exploring.
Your first time rock climbing can be a shock to muscles that you do not
commonly use day to day or in other workouts. Allow plenty of time
for breaks and rest in between climbs. Once you get to your local gym, you
can typically rent rock climbing shoes (highly recommended) and a
harness. Trained rock climbing professionals will go over how to properly
use all the the gear and how to safely use the gym equipment. Always ask
questions if you feel unsure or unsafe at all. Safety is a top priority in
climbing. At most gyms you will find bouldering, auto belays, top rope, and
lead climbing. Typically on your first visit to a gym you will just do
bouldering and use the auto belays. Top rope belay certifications require testing and are typically not recommended for someone just
wanting to experience rock climbing for the first time.
With bouldering you do not use ropes and have a very soft padding to
land on when you fall or drop down from a climb.
(Always try to climb down as much as you can before you drop
off).
Auto belays are a fantastic device because they allow the climber to
experience the height of rope climbing without having to have a belayer
holding the rope beneath them. Auto belays automatically catch you when
you fall and slowly lower you to the ground.
Top rope climbing uses a belayer and requires a certification to do. The
person climbing ties a figure eight into their harness and the person
below uses an ATC or other belay device to be ready to catch the climber
if they fall. Some times however, you can rent someone out to belay you for
the day.
Lead climbing is a type of climbing that is done by putting quick draws
up and putting the rope up through the draws in bolts that are already secured to the
wall. This is seen both inside and outside. This form of climbing takes
a lot of practice and requires a climber to do more rigorous testing
than that done in the top rope test. This test is done both as a climber
and as a belayer to make sure the person is proficient in both skills
and is safe doing it.
Many beginners start out by renting gear from the gym, however if you are interested in buying your own, you can find quality and safe gear
here.
Warning: Climbing is a dangerous sport. All risks are assumed by the
climber. Training and safety always take priority.
