Handy Rock Climbing Tips For Beginners

7 Rock Climbing Tips for Beginners

Rock climbing is a fantastic way to strengthen your entire body and it is a powerful cardio exercise too. Rock climbing has its challenges but if you start slowly and learn the basics first, it could end up being your sport of choice. To make this easier for you, I have put together this list of 7 great rock climbing tips for beginners, so powder up and read on.

Start Slowly

Rock climbing is very different to climbing indoors but joining a climbing gym is a great way to ease you into the sport without the pressures involved with outdoor climbing. The indoor rock climbing holds are always sturdy so provide a great platform for learning how to climb. Outdoor holds are not always clearly visible and even when they are they all tend to look the same so it’s not easy to identify them. The second challenge with outdoor holds is that they aren’t always 100% steady, which you will learn with time.

Use The Right Equipment

It is essential for you to have the proper climbing gear in order for you to be safe whilst having fun. Climbing equipment includes a range of slings, runners, harnesses, anchor extensions and more. The best material for this kind of climbing gear is made from quality tubular webbing, to get the best results and to stay as safe as possible. It is better if you get new equipment, that way you know the history of it and what it has been through. Rock climbing gear is not a place where you should skimp on spending.

Take A Course

Chances are your local climbing gym will offer an introductory course in rock climbing. Don’t feel shy; we all had to start somewhere! These courses are great for going over the safety basics with you – safety must always come first. You will inevitably take a fall when you are out climbing and you need to know that its normal and you shouldn’t panic, but there are important safety steps you need to take to ensure you stay as safe as possible. You can also find yourself a climbing mentor, someone who has experience with climbing and has become an expert – that person will guide you through everything you need to know.

Climbing Shoes

Your rock climbing shoes need to be an extension of your own body. Whether you are going on a full on climbing adventure in the Himalayas or just down to your local climbing gym, you will need a great pair of climbing shoes. Your shoes will be the interface between you and the rocks and if you don’t have the right type of shoe for the climbing you intend to do, you will be held back. You can choose between neutral, moderate or aggressive shoes – it is all up to the type of climbing you are interested in.

Learn How To Use Your Feet

Your feet are the foundation of your climbing. You need to learn proper foot placement and climbing techniques if you are going to do well at this sport. People have been rock climbing since the 19th century and every generation learns new ways to climb better. Once you learn good foot technique, your moves will start to get easier and you will find yourself building a smooth momentum between your holds.

Static Versus Dynamic Climbing

Static climbing is slow and controlled and almost every move is reversible. Static climbing requires careful movements and locking yourself into place between moves. Dynamic climbing, on the other hand, is a much more fluid climbing style that often involves a lot more swing in your body’s movement and often the moves aren’t reversible. Both techniques are useful but it is important that you know the difference between the two styles.

Mental Focus

Rock climbing is almost as much of a mental exercise as it is a physical one. You need to make sure that both your body and your mind are prepared for the challenges you will encounter on a climb. Make sure you are well rested before you climb and it is advisable to master the art of focusing and concentrating before attempting a big climb. You will need to face a lot of your own fears if you decide to climb outdoors permanently, make sure your mental game is strong and you are able to handle failure. Don’t expect each climb to be perfect because it likely won’t be – the important part is to not give up.