Are you ready to live life on the edge? Literally, the edge of a cliff? Then you might like to try rock climbing. This extreme sport is physically and mentally tough, requiring determination, strength and problem solving. It can also be a great form of exercise to help you stay health & fit.
What is rock climbing?
You can climb indoors at a climbing gym, or outdoors on actual rock faces. Most beginners start out indoors, as climbing centres have all the gear and training to help you start climbing safely and in a controlled environment.
At an indoor climbing gym, walls are rated (usually colour coded), so you can track your progress and get that awesome sense of satisfaction when you progress up the levels.
When climbing, you are virtually going straight up the wall. And you won't have any equipment to help you reach the top – the harness and ropes are simply there to stop you falling to your death!
What do I need to rock climb?
Here's what you need to get started in rock climbing:
- A place to climb: start off at an indoor climbing gym, or outdoors with an experienced buddy or team.
- Climbing shoes: your sneakers won't do. You'll need to rent or buy special shoes for climbing.
- Chalk: to stop sweaty hands as you climb.
When you progress to climbing outside, you'll also need some essential bouldering gear:
- Crash mat: to soften your fall.
- A climbing buddy: to support you and help you climb safely.
- Harness, climbing rope, belay, quick draws, top rope system.
- Helmet
- Clothes: those pictures of women climbing in bikinis might look hot, but you should really put on some pants and a top in breathable materials!
Since you're just starting out, all you need is a couple of bucks to climb at a local climbing centre and rent shoes. All other equipment including chalk will be provided. Another option is to skip the indoors and start your climbing career outdoors – just be sure to go with experienced climbing friends, or join a local climbing club.
Your rock climbing technique
The first thing to master is your feet – and where you place them. Practice on a low wall walking and balancing on the wall with just your feet. Nope, no hands. Using your legs builds strength and prevents your arms from tiring out.
And remember climbing isn't just about going straight up; look at ways to move sideways and down so you can progress safely and successfully to the top.
Rock climbing grades
Rock climbers use a grading system, you know how hard the climb will be – and can assess whether you should attempt it or not.
There's the V-scale, with the easiest climbs starting at V0, and the hardest around V16 or even higher.
And there's the number system, spanning from 5.5 to 5.15 and higher.
Now you know the basics for rock climbing, it's time to gear up and get started!
Originally published on May 04, 2015
