I’m going to share with you my personal experiences and give you 4 tips to get you rock climbing. With the right mindset and some basic knowledge, climbing is much easier than you think.
Before I begin, I want you to know that I did not instantly fall in love with climbing. But now I’m hooked. It was more of a gentle nudge over and over again as I kept coming back to the sport randomly. Was it something I wanted to be awesome at? Yes. Did I feel that I was capable when I first started? Not at all.
I learned that I am not only capable of accomplishing things that I often dismiss as hard but that I enjoy the personal challenge the sport continues to offer me.
Here are some of my insights to help get you started.
Tip #1 Start out climbing solo or learn with a friend
The first tip out of four to get you rock climbing is you have the option to do this sport by yourself or with a partner.
I started by climbing on top rope with my husband. Not only did this help me learn the basics, but it allowed me to work on a project without having to start over every time I fell. It is also beneficial for receiving helpful tips during a climb. This is something that might not always happen when you are climbing solo.
When my husband and I divorced, I did not climb for a long period of time. I had no partner for top rope and I was too intimidated by bouldering. (Bouldering is climbing shorter walls without ropes.) I did not believe in my capacity to succeed without the backup of someone holding the other end of the rope. But if I am being entirely honest, I just didn’t think I was strong enough.
Once I started on the bouldering walls by myself, I became more confident than I ever had been before. It was a slow progression but it was on my own terms. I remember the pride and excitement I felt as I achieved my first V0. Then came a V1. Sometimes it took me weeks to complete a climb start to finish.
Each new climb taught me something different – a new way to use my feet, how to grasp a harder hold, and finding new positions for my entire body. With each new teaching, I ultimately become a stronger climber.
Tip #2 Find a trusted source to teach you climbing
My second tip out of four is one of the most beneficial things you can do when you begin climbing. Take beginner classes at your local climbing gym.
I was taught the fundamentals of body positioning, handwork, and footwork. It made my first months of bouldering much more successful. Before these classes, I was frustrated with ‘easy’ climbs and I was amazed at my progress after taking the classes.
While it might be a good idea to read ahead about terminology for any sport you participate in, it is not always required. Find a gym that covers beginner’s or fundamentals classes and they will teach you all you need to know about the basics. It will make you safer, more confident, and understand climbing concepts all the better.
Tip #3 Buy the climbing gear
My third tip out of four to get you rock climbing is unlike many sports, it does not require a ton of initial gear to get started (especially bouldering). If you are bouldering, shoes and chalk are pretty much all you need.
Shoes can be a little pricey but many gyms offer rentals at a low cost. If you find you are ready to commit to shoes, your local gym will be able to guide you through your first purchase. Getting the correct fit is definitely an advantage on the wall, especially when you are first learning.
A basic chalk bag and a regular brand of chalk will keep your sweaty fingers and hands on the holds.
If you are top rope climbing, a harness is another item you want to consider purchasing. They tend to be more comfortable than a gym rental and depending on cost, will pay for themselves after about ten climbs.
Ultimately, purchasing gear makes climbing more comfortable which will help with your technique. It will lead to more confidence when you first start climbing and help you stick with your new hobby.
Tip #4 Know you are a stronger climber than you think you are
My final tip to get you rock climbing is don’t underestimate yourself. For me, this is the most important thing to keep in mind as a novice climber.
Your perception of what you can and cannot do is going to make a huge difference in the way you climb. There is sometimes a misconception for new climbers that you must have incredible upper body strength or that you must be thin or lean in order to be a good climber.
This is not true.
While overall physical fitness helps a great deal in climbing, it is not something that will stop you from getting started.
My initial reaction to watching people boulder for the first time was “I’ll never be strong enough to do that,” which is why I never tried. Trust me, you will only get stronger, both physically and mentally, the more you climb.
One of the best things about climbing is that your progress is entirely up to you. It is both a mental and physical challenge whose outcome relies solely on the climber. You will notice your progression quickly if you stick to it.
Just remember the 4 tips to get you rock climbing is easier than you think. Grab a friend, find a class, suit up with the gear, and you’ve got this. With these tips and some friendly encouragement (you can do it!), you’ll be scaling the walls in no time!
