Many are afraid to go into the sport of rock climbing because they have an impression that it is a dangerous and difficult sport. While it is true that rock climbing is riskier than most sports, it is something that anyone can learn, especially if you have a good mentor or teacher.
Beginner Tips When Starting Rock Climbing
Before you start climbing walls, there are some things that you need to keep in mind if you want to be safe and have a good time while rock climbing. What follows are some rock climbing tips for beginners.
Buy the Right Gear
If you want to take rock climbing seriously, then you need to invest on good gear. Reliable gear can actually save your life, especially during risky and difficult climbs. According to long-time rock climbers, the most important gear that you need to invest in are shoes.
Rock climbing requires a special kind of footwear. They are specially designed to provide climbers a better feel and grip on the rocks. When it comes to shoes, the softer the better. Socks are not necessary in rock climbing unless you are planning to rent shoes.
You also need a chalk bag if you are bouldering. If you are top-roping, then you also need to get a harness, chalk bag, carabiner, lead rope, and belay device.
Of course, you can always borrow or rent, but if you feel that rock climbing is something you will be doing for a long time, then better get your own gear. Don’t scrimp. Buy high quality gear. Your safety relies on how good your gear are, so you really need to get good ones.
Find A Good Teacher
If you want to learn a new skill, you need to find a good teacher. To be good at rock climbing it is necessary that you find an expert who will be willing to teach you. Rock climbing may look simple and natural but the truth is, it involves plenty of technicalities.
Those who are planning to learn the sport on their own will really have a hard time. So you are probably wondering where you can look for a climbing teacher. With a simple online search, you will most likely find a rock climbing teacher or even a school in your area.
If you have been doing some casual rock climbing then chances are you’ve seen good climbers in action. What you can do is be friendly with one and simply ask if he/she can teach you.
When you do find the right teacher, you need to make sure that you pay close attention to everything he/she says and do during your sessions.
The best teachers are those who put emphasis on safety and make sure that their students know how to handle basic gear before teaching them how to climb.
Start In A Gym
So you already have all the necessary gear. And now you are planning a trip where you can go rock climbing. Before you climb outside though, it is advisable that you start indoors first. Find a gym with a wall climbing facility and start practicing there.
Then when you do feel that you are ready to go outside, there are a few things that you need to remember. First, try to find a location that is nearby. Next, you need to get yourself a guidebook of ideal locations for rock climbing.
Take A Rock Climbing Supplement
You need to be in tip-top shape if you want to perform well in rock climbing. Apart from regular exercise and a good diet, you should also consider buying a food supplement that is specially-formulated to help rock climbers.
A good example of this kind of food supplement is OPTML Rock Climbing. It contains Di-Caffeine Malate and B Vitamins. Combined, these ingredients can help both amateur and experienced rock climbers meet the demands of the sport. It also contains CDP Choline that supports both physical and mental energy, which are both needed in rock climbing.
Rock climbing can be a very rewarding and fun activity. It is also a good workout and if you do it outside, you also get the benefit of being close to nature.
References:
https://www.backcountry.com/explore/intro-to-climbing-rock-climbing
https://frictionlabs.com/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-sport-climbing
https://adrenalineromance.com/2013/02/04/rock-climbing-basic-gear/
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/getting-started-rock-climbing.html