It's something everyone has admired from afar but now the weather is getting nicer, and you want to take the dive: Rock climbing. So how hard is it to get started, really? That depends on a climber's level of dedication, determination, and commitment.
It's a sport that can be done indoors or out but, let's be honest, nothing beats the views from the top of a summit. The thrill of that next pullup, the feeling of dry chalk under your fingers, and the last effort push in your leg muscles all create the drive that is rock climbing. It's no easy feat, but if you've got the time and patience, rock climbing is an abundantly rewarding experience for adrenaline-loving junkies in need of excitement.
There are some things to be aware of before kickstarting your climbing career: Everything from the correct gear, first steps to take, and even locations across the country that are perfect for outdoor beginners... And we're answering all of it.
Ready? Let's climb.
16 For Starters, Climbing (At Least A Few Times!) With An Experienced Climber Is Helpful
There's no better way to learn an in-depth and skill-heavy sport such as this one than by taking tips from a pro. Professionals are experts for a reason and even if it seems easy enough, there's always something to learn from someone who has been around the rock once or twice - especially when you're suspended at 35-feet in the air.
15 Knowing How Dangerous It Can Be Is Half The Battle To Safety: Immediate Dangers
Rocks are an unstable territory. Humans were built to walk upright, not necessarily crawl across rock walls, and mountains can feel like they defy gravity at times. The immediate dangers on a climb include anything from loose rocks that can tumble underneath a heavy foot, slippery crevices that can be impossible to grip onto, and sharp edges that provide more pain that proper leverage. Be aware before you climb; more on this further down.
14 Your Body Will Take A Beating: This Will Help
The fact is that your hands will get bloodied and beaten, that's what happens when you ascending a hard rock. Salves and balms will be your salvation, and it's easy enough to keep them on-hand (no pun intended) on your first few climbing trips. They can soothe rough, dry skin and soften calluses, which will inevitably grow with each climb.
13 A Climber's Environment Is Important, Too: Know Ascents, Steep Approaches, And Even Weather Patterns
Anyone who has been hiking in Alpine environments knows that the weather conditions at the top of a summit can be nothing like those at the bottom. Rock climbing can follow the same logic, in the sense that the higher you climb, the more likely it is to be colder and unpredictable at the top. Depending on where you are, a climb might take longer to complete and in that span, a thunderstorm could roll in in minutes.
12 Ready To Rock? Bouldering And Top Rope Climbing Both Require Different Gear
Bouldering is arguably the easier of the two. This type of climbing is done far lower to the ground and requires no harness or climbing gear, aside from proper footwear, comfortable clothing, a helmet, and maybe gloves, chalk, and a crash pad - this is a great starting point. Top-rope climbing is basically the indoor rock-climbing experience, outdoors. An anchor is drilled into the top of the rock wall, but except for manmade cliff holds, you'll be finding divets and footholds organically - this requires gear.
11 Advanced Climbing Should Probably Be Off The Table Until Easy Climbs Are Perfected
Then there's sport climbing. This is an experienced method of rock climbing, During this, bolts are drilled into the rock fact and it's up to the climber to clip in with a quickdraw. More experienced climbers will likely forgo a top rope (tied to the top of the rock), meaning a fall will consist of a longer distance. "Mock lead climbing" is the compromise - you're still using quickdraws to holster yourself in, but will also be attached to a lead, which is attached to the top - thus making a fall, lesser.
10 Practice Falling... It Sounds Counterintuitive But Could Boost Your Confidence
Speaking of falling, it's not always a bad thing. If you're clipped in, then falling is more of a jarring experience than anything. Don't underestimate a sheer rockface, though - people can, and do, get hurt during falls. That's why practicing doing so can come in handy and you'll know both what to expect and how your body naturally reacts to a slip. Pro tip: Have spotters at the bottom, don't fall too far up, and choose a place with flat ground at the bottom.
9 Let's Talk Clothing: This Isn't About Looking Cute, It's About Remaining Sleek And Slimline
Whether it's underarmour or a breathable shirt, rock climbing is not about hitting the outdoor-excursion runway afterward. Loose clothing can potentially get caught on sharp edges and becomes more of a hindrance than a help so no matter what you wear, it should be comfortable, flexible, and also sit close to your person.
8 Additional Gear, Like A Helmet And Climbing Shoes, Are Where Money Should Be Spent
This is also not the time to purchase cheap gear. While previously-owned gear could be an option, it's also a risk if you don't know how to properly check it. Rock climbing takes commitment and money, just like any other outdoor sport, and it's worth doing your research to find the best equipment for your climb.
7 Chalk, Carabiners, Belays, And Climbing Ropes: What To Look For
Chalk helps to keep moisture off your hands (as you can imagine, unnecessary wetness = no grip) and can be carried in your belt. Carabiners are literal lifelines and allow the climber to hook into bolts and lines, and also hold gear onto your belt - they come in a locking form which is the most secure. Belays control the climbing ropes and can pull up, lower, or even catch a falling climber - it's essentially a braking system.
6 A Climbing Harness Has Many Moving Parts, But It'll Become Second-Nature
When you become an experienced climber (and you will) there might be a lot of moving parts attached to your harness, and that's okay. A harness consists of leg loops and a waist belt, with two front-tie-in points and a buckle. This is also where you'll thread your climbing ropes, one of the pieces of gear mentioned in the previous section.
5 Newcomers To Rock Climbing, Especially Outdoors, Should Consider Crash Pads
Crash pads are not the equivalent to training wheels on a bike. Even experienced climbers use them and there's no shame in having a little bit of extra protection beneath you. Climbing can be unpredictable at times, especially if you're bouldering - and a crash pad does exactly what it sounds like it does: Cushions a crash.
4 Baby Steps Are Always Best: Practice Hikes With Grade Four Rock Scrambles For Balance And Agility
Rock scrambling and bouldering sound like the same thing but aren't quite identical. Rock scrambling is what's often done on a moderate to hard hike, and involves minor climbs over large rocks, boulders, and uneven terrain. This can increase your agility and balance, two things which are crucial when you eventually climb. This will also build leg muscle and boost coordination between your arms and legs.
3 The Great Outdoors Does Have Beginner Routes, Try These On The West Coast
There's no law stating that beginners need to start out with "beginner-level" climbs, but easy climbs are never a bad idea. It's good to try all of your options and levels but whatever you choose, be sure to do each climb more than once. On the west coast, places such as Joshua Tree and Tuolumne Meadows in California, and Smith Rock in Oregon, are great and well-known.
2 For Midwesterners, These Routes Will Allow For Learning In An Easier Environment
Climbing in the midwest is definitely an experience with views that are unlike any other. Boulder, Colorado, Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma, and Arches National Park offer well-used routes and a decent variation in their climbs, so you'll get a feel for what you like.
1 On The East Coast, These Routes Are Popular With Beginners
While the East coast isn't wholly known for rock climbing like the western half of the country is, that doesn't mean there aren't some great climbing spots. Shawangunks, known as "the gunks" by regulars is in upstate New York (New Paltz, to be exact) and the Seneca Rocks in Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia, is another great beginner area.