If you’ve ever found yourself totally overwhelmed at a climbing gym, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Getting started with rock climbing is a great way to get fit and have fun, but it’s important to learn how to do it safely. No one is born a rock climber, but with knowledge and practice, you’ll be progressing in no time. Don’t worry if you’ve never climbed before! Here are some tips and tricks that will make a beginner climber feel like they can conquer anything.
- Take a class – If you’re a beginning climber, it may be a good idea to enroll in a class before you start climbing on your own. Climbing classes are usually held at gyms and are usually free of charge. Gyms often offer beginner classes for those who want to learn how to climb safely and feel comfortable on the wall before getting into real climbing competitions. If you take these classes, which can last from one hour to several weeks depending on what is required by the gym where they’re held (and whether or not they have special training programs), it can also help you meet other climbers and make connections with others who share your passion for this sport!
- Invest in good quality equipment – It’s a good idea to invest in good equipment if you’re going to climb on the regular. Using a harness that fits properly is important, as well as using a climbing rope that’s the right length, climbing shoes that fit properly, and using a helmet. You can also avoid using chalk on your hands before climbing by wearing gloves instead. You don’t require everything when you’re just starting off, though. The following items are most important:
- Climbing shoes
- Chalk and chalk bag
- Harness
- Belay device
- Carabiner
- Helmet
- Find a climbing partner – Finding a climbing partner is the best way to get started in climbing. Having someone else there with you will make things easier, and it’s much more fun if you can share your passion with someone! If you know someone who climbs, ask them to go with you! If they are new to climbing as well, it can be a great experience for both of you. You can also use Meetup or Facebook groups as starting points to find people interested in going out on weekend climbing trips together.
- Strength training is your friend – Strength training is key to improving your climbing. You can do it on your own, but it’s best done with a trainer or with a partner who understands the importance of maintaining a healthy body. You want to be able to pull yourself up onto that ledge or lift yourself onto that boulder. It’s also important to remember that while you may be strong enough physically, you’ll also need mental strength as well. Climbing requires focus and determination – there are no shortcuts!
- Leave your ego at the door – Leaving your ego at the door is an oft-cited piece of advice, but it’s important to remember that this is not just a trick for newcomers. When we’re climbing, it can be easy to get caught up in what other people think of our abilities – and whether or not those thoughts are positive. But remember that you don’t need to be great at climbing; you just need to enjoy yourself and have fun! If one route isn’t your thing, don’t worry about trying again or looking silly if it takes you a few tries before getting through it.
- Get familiar with the “silent feet” method – Your footwork will be poor when you first start climbing. Everyone’s footwork is bad at first, so don’t be hard on yourself about it. This is because, initially, most individuals make the error of only looking upwards while climbing, paying no attention to their feet. One of the easiest methods to start to improve your technique is to practice the “silent feet” technique. When you put your feet on the footholds while climbing, strive to create as little noise as you can; preferably, it should be silent. Even while it seems straightforward, doing so will force you to pay much closer attention to your footwork, which is one of the most important pieces of rock climbing advice for newbies.
- Find a trainer – Learning from the greatest is one of the most crucial pieces of advice for new rock climbers. There are so many new strategies to learn while getting started. Meeting someone in person who is an expert in their field is the only way to ensure that you are understanding everything. A climbing gym is an excellent location to start if you live close by or can get there easily. If you can hire a professional rock climbing trainer to train with, the better.
- Make sure you’re having fun and being safe – One of the best reasons to get into climbing is that it’s fun! Climbing is a great way to spend time with your friends, get in some exercise, or simply enjoy the outdoors. This is easy when you’re just starting out – just make sure everyone stays safe by setting up anchors properly and paying attention to each other at all times. Climb with others who have been around longer – they can help teach skills while they’re also having fun themselves!
Keep in mind your initial motivation at all times as you are learning. Start off by treating climbing like a game, and if you feel yourself becoming discouraged, just take a break and rest. You don’t need to be a pro to get started in climbing. With the right attitude and some fundamental skills, you can have fun on the wall with just about anyone!
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