Does anybody here do rockclimbing?

[melotaco]

I want to get into rock climbing :REAdvRockClimber: , but have no clue where to start. Should I start at a indoor gym? What kind of equipment will I need?

[Scott Brady]

Me :)

Rock Climbing
Mountaineering
High Points (highest points in US and Mexico states)

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2004/hackberry/images/1-30-04%20039_jpg.jpg

[melotaco]

That is a great picture! How did you start rock climbing? Should I start out by taking a class? Any suggestions.

[Jonathan Hanson]

An indoor gym is a perfect place to start. I never liked them because for me rock climbing is about being outdoors, but a gym offers a very controlled environment where you can practice technique under relaxed supervision. All you need to start is a pair of climbing shoes, and you can rent those.

For outdoor climbing, bouldering is a fun introduction. You never get so high that you can't jump off, but you're using the same techniques you would be if you were 200 feet off the ground. Again, all you need is a pair of shoes and someone to show you the, uh, ropes.

I virtually gave up climbing after my partner moved back east. We had the same philosophy - we never did named or rated climbs; we'd just head into an area that had lots of verticals and rope up. "Hey, let's see if we can get up that!" was our strategy. Comparisons with friends on named climbs showed we were rarely doing anything more difficult than 5.10, but we had a blast.

It's a wonderful sport that combines physical strength with dexterity and strategy. And, whatever gene it is, there are few feelings cooler than standing on top of a vertical cliff you just scaled.

[melotaco]

An indoor gym is a perfect place to start. I never liked them because for me rock climbing is about being outdoors, but a gym offers a very controlled environment where you can practice technique under relaxed supervision. All you need to start is a pair of climbing shoes, and you can rent those.

For outdoor climbing, bouldering is a fun introduction. You never get so high that you can't jump off, but you're using the same techniques you would be if you were 200 feet off the ground. Again, all you need is a pair of shoes and someone to show you the, uh, ropes.

I virtually gave up climbing after my partner moved back east. We had the same philosophy - we never did named or rated climbs; we'd just head into an area that had lots of verticals and rope up. "Hey, let's see if we can get up that!" was our strategy. Comparisons with friends on named climbs showed we were rarely doing anything more difficult than 5.10, but we had a blast.

It's a wonderful sport that combines physical strength with dexterity and strategy. And, whatever gene it is, there are few feelings cooler than standing on top of a vertical cliff you just scaled.


Thanks for the reply. I think I will first sign up at an indoor gym to get my body used to climbing. Also here in Oregon the weather is pretty crappy so rock climbing on wet rocks might not be the best thing.
You are right about rock climbing being a "wonderful sport" I did some climbing at a REI store (if you can call that rock climbing) and now I'm hooked. Hopefully I will see you guys on the rocks! :)

[Jonathan Hanson]

Good point: southern Arizona is blessed with about 360 days per year of perfect outdoor climbing weather, if you just pick your time. Getting on an east-facing pitch just as the sun hits it is sublime.

A tip that might help you get better faster: Whenever I taught new climbers I found that women picked it up faster than men because they paid attention to finesse and technique, rather than simply trying to Tarzan their way up the face. It's about using as little energy as possible.

I didn't mean to put down gyms. They really are a perfect place to learn. But someday you'll want the experience of having a canyon wren pop out of a crack to inspect you from a couple feet away when you're halfway up a difficult pitch.

[melotaco]

Good point: southern Arizona is blessed with about 360 days per year of perfect outdoor climbing weather, if you just pick your time. Getting on an east-facing pitch just as the sun hits it is sublime.

A tip that might help you get better faster: Whenever I taught new climbers I found that women picked it up faster than men because they paid attention to finesse and technique, rather than simply trying to Tarzan their way up the face. It's about using as little energy as possible.

I didn't mean to put down gyms. They really are a perfect place to learn. But someday you'll want the experience of having a canyon wren pop out of a crack to inspect you from a couple feet away when you're halfway up a difficult pitch.

I definitley want to get outside to climb and will when I get some :sunny: and experience. Climbing with women, hmmm I think I could handle that. I went to the gym yesterday and felt like tarzan just trying to force my way up the wall, let say I was not at the wall very long. I need to learn some finesse and technique for sure so I will go to a bookstore to read up on it :coffee: . I have been on rockclimbing.com reading the forums and checking the pictures seeing people do some amazing climbs.

[Jonathan Hanson]

The male/female thing is even more apparent when teaching eskimo rolling. Women sometimes complete a roll five minutes into their first session; men thrash and flail for hours before settling down and listening to how to do it.

[Scott Brady]

Smith Rock, near Bend is insane! Eastern Oregon has some world class rock.

I have never climbed in a gym, but would recommend it to gain strength and technique.

I have about routes within view of my house, from bouldering to two pitches... :REAdvRockClimber:

[melotaco]

The male/female thing is even more apparent when teaching eskimo rolling. Women sometimes complete a roll five minutes into their first session; men thrash and flail for hours before settling down and listening to how to do it.


Hmmm going to have to google eskimo role.

[melotaco]

Smith Rock, near Bend is insane! Eastern Oregon has some world class rock.

I have never climbed in a gym, but would recommend it to gain strength and technique.

I have about routes within view of my house, from bouldering to two pitches... :REAdvRockClimber:

I will have check those places out. When I go to Bend or Eastern Oregon I usually do some dual sport riding and don't think about anything else except twisting the throttle open.

[devinsixtyseven]

great thread...i'm really digging this forum section.

i learned during the winter in a gym, then took it outside when the weather was better. gyms are a great place to learn, but they'll never beat the real thing.

it's cheap to get started. grab a punch card at a local gym, borrow a harness from a buddy, rent shoes, or rent everything...wrangle a buddy so you can get some altitude without having to bug everyone else in the gym for a belay, and make sure you stretch everything before and after. like anything else, ya really gotta go a good half dozen times before you'll know if you like it or not.

it's a lot of fun to just put on the shoes and join everyone working the low altitude problems at the gym, great for practicing technique, building strength, and trying new moves without the work or risk of having to climb 20' to get there.

I got my shoes really cheap...thirty bucks I think...for shoes that are good enough but were discontinued so they were on sale. Don't skimp on the harness...find something comfortable that fits perfect, has some adjustability and pay what you have to in order to get it...you'll thank yourself ten years later when you're still using the same trusty harness. Eventually I got a chalk bag, but I climbed all through high school and college without it...it helps, but it's messy and it's a must to learn without it.

The best part is, once you've learned how and have invested in a pair of shoes, you can toss them in the bag and boulder anywhere you go. I'm planning on taking them to Canyonlands this spring to mess around in camp...total investment, thirty bucks :D.

-Sean

[melotaco]

great thread...i'm really digging this forum section.

i learned during the winter in a gym, then took it outside when the weather was better. gyms are a great place to learn, but they'll never beat the real thing.

it's cheap to get started. grab a punch card at a local gym, borrow a harness from a buddy, rent shoes, or rent everything...wrangle a buddy so you can get some altitude without having to bug everyone else in the gym for a belay, and make sure you stretch everything before and after. like anything else, ya really gotta go a good half dozen times before you'll know if you like it or not.

it's a lot of fun to just put on the shoes and join everyone working the low altitude problems at the gym, great for practicing technique, building strength, and trying new moves without the work or risk of having to climb 20' to get there.

I got my shoes really cheap...thirty bucks I think...for shoes that are good enough but were discontinued so they were on sale. Don't skimp on the harness...find something comfortable that fits perfect, has some adjustability and pay what you have to in order to get it...you'll thank yourself ten years later when you're still using the same trusty harness. Eventually I got a chalk bag, but I climbed all through high school and college without it...it helps, but it's messy and it's a must to learn without it.

The best part is, once you've learned how and have invested in a pair of shoes, you can toss them in the bag and boulder anywhere you go. I'm planning on taking them to Canyonlands this spring to mess around in camp...total investment, thirty bucks :D.

-Sean

Sean thanks for the advice. I have not yet looked at equipment for rock climbing since I have renting it, but once spring rolls in I will look for a good harness and some shoes. I have only gone a few times to the gym and so far and it is great. Once the holidays are over I will be trying to get in the gym more often. Thanks for the replies guys.

[upcruiser]

I've wanted to get into climbing since I was a kid but it wasn't untill a couple of years ago I really started doing it. We have some great local climbing here plus in the complex that my office is located is a great indoor wall. I haven't really enjoyed it much indoors personally and just do it outdoors when the weather is nice here in the spring, summer, and fall or when I'm travelling. For the most part I just boulder as it is simple, just my chalk bag and my shoes and I'm good to go. I've summitted alot of peaks over the years, nothing very technical, mostly hiking with some scrambling here and there in the summer months along with some minor alpine stuff, mostly with skis for the purpose of getting some turns in off piste. I read alot of books on alpineering and ice climbing, just haven't done much technical stuff.

I think all aspects of it are great and make for a lifelong adventure. I'm looking forward to meeting up with some of you guys/gals in the future and learning even more.

[upcruiser]

Hmmm going to have to google eskimo role.

Eskimo roll is a term in kayaking for when you right yourself using a certain paddle, body, hip motion without getting out of the boat. There's some different twists to it (western roll, C to C, etc) but in general it is referring to getting right side up!:snorkel:

[dieck]

I want to get into rock climbing :REAdvRockClimber: , but have no clue where to start. Should I start at a indoor gym? What kind of equipment will I need?


I've done a little but I'm going to have to get a lot more proficient. The best way is usually to find some local guys that already have a passion for it and tag along with them. Most indoor gyms give lessons (the good ones require it before they let you rent gear, which is a sure sign you are new to it)

[Icewalker]

Suppose I should subscribe - done a little but I'm more of a ham and egger. Gym seems to be no probs - but I haven't climed a rock in anger for a good few years now :( maybe after I can get this cold weather stuff out of my system ;)

[Hltoppr]

Indoor gyms are an excellent way to get started. Many have beginner classes and packages for the top roping sport climber.

You'll meet people at the gym who will be happy to show you the local routes once you move outside.

And add one very, very, friggin' VERY important piece of gear....A climb helmet. Just get it and wear it. Very often a helmet is the difference between a rescue and a recovery for us SAR folks when things go wrong! :bigbossHL:

-H-

[melotaco]

Hey guys thanks for the replies. I'm sorry I have not been on here much becuase of the holidays. I will sign up for a class soon as they recommended it to get comfortable with climbing and also to ask questions if I had any. A helmet is something I did not think about but will have to keep it in mind.

[melotaco]

I've wanted to get into climbing since I was a kid but it wasn't untill a couple of years ago I really started doing it. We have some great local climbing here plus in the complex that my office is located is a great indoor wall. I haven't really enjoyed it much indoors personally and just do it outdoors when the weather is nice here in the spring, summer, and fall or when I'm travelling. For the most part I just boulder as it is simple, just my chalk bag and my shoes and I'm good to go. I've summitted alot of peaks over the years, nothing very technical, mostly hiking with some scrambling here and there in the summer months along with some minor alpine stuff, mostly with skis for the purpose of getting some turns in off piste. I read alot of books on alpineering and ice climbing, just haven't done much technical stuff.

I think all aspects of it are great and make for a lifelong adventure. I'm looking forward to meeting up with some of you guys/gals in the future and learning even more.

Hey just wondering if you have any recommendations on alpineering expedition/adventure books?

[cinemakatie]

Hey just wondering if you have any recommendations on alpineering expedition/adventure books?

Since you live In Oregon, check this book out: Selected Climbs in the Cascades by Jim Nelson and Peter Potterfield. I read about it in a magazine that I get that was reviewing adventure books. The magazine gave it a great review, and I actually saw it at Barnes and Noble and couple of weeks ago. I've been to the gym a couple of times, and am looking foreword to climbing on some real rocks this spring!

My grandparents have a house in the Kentucky Mountains, and I've spent some time exploring Daniel Boone National Forest. There is some awesome rock climbing there, I was surprised, you wouldn't expect to find rock climbing like that in the south! We checked out Red River Gorge and saw climbers everywhere! I'm hoping to spend time there this summer, but if anyone climbs in the Ohio/KY region go check it out!

Katie

[melotaco]

Since you live In Oregon, check this book out: Selected Climbs in the Cascades by Jim Nelson and Peter Potterfield. I read about it in a magazine that I get that was reviewing adventure books. The magazine gave it a great review, and I actually saw it at Barnes and Noble and couple of weeks ago. I've been to the gym a couple of times, and am looking foreword to climbing on some real rocks this spring!

My grandparents have a house in the Kentucky Mountains, and I've spent some time exploring Daniel Boone National Forest. There is some awesome rock climbing there, I was surprised, you wouldn't expect to find rock climbing like that in the south! We checked out Red River Gorge and saw climbers everywhere! I'm hoping to spend time there this summer, but if anyone climbs in the Ohio/KY region go check it out!

Katie

Hey thanks for the suggestion I will be going to Powells tomorrow to check it out.

[JPFreek1]

I would say that I enjoy rock climbing more than any other outdoor activity. Not only does it provide excellent physical challenge, it also requires focus and that is what makes it so enjoyable for me. When I climb, I can let go of everything external (whether it's work, etc) and use skill and strategy that is unrivaled. Also, I've always been afraid of heights but when I climb, it's different. I probably feel more comfortable 100-200 feet up on a multi-pitch climb than I ever do when I stand on the edge of a balcony. It's weird but overall, climbing is a 'high' that I am passionate about.

[ZooJunkie]

I miss climbing. I need to pick up that habit locally here.

[theMec]

Heya, Like the others said, get into the gym scene. Then find a partner for the great outdoors. Good luck!
I've been climbing for >awhile<. Here's my latest report (posted on the family blog) on a first ascent in Utah.
http://smestdagh.blogspot.com/2007/11/first-ascent-jacks-knob.html

[Azrocks]

I have a little different take on how to learn the "ropes" so to speak. :D I started climbing by going out with an ex military guy who was absolutaly insane about safety. I really got into climbing for about five years. I started going to the gym to get stronger.

Some of the most dangerous things I saw was guys that started in the gym and then made the jump to the outdoors. It's a different world. Kind of like web wheeling vs. real wheeling. :D My suggestion for anybody looking to get into the sport is to go to your local REI, climbing gear supply shop, and try to hook up with some guys that climb outdoors. Most (not all) are more than willing to teach a new person. You will learn the important stuff like how to set your anchors, read a wall, knots, etc.

You really haven't lived until you lead a multi-pitch climb in perfect weather. There's nothing like it.

The gym has it's place. I was asked to do competitions but never did. I judged a lot of them in Tempe but never participated myself. It would have tainted it for me.

The nice thing about climbing is it can be age, gender, and ability independant. There's something for everybody.

[grahamfitter]

I have a little different take on how to learn the "ropes" so to speak. :D I started climbing by going out with an ex military guy who was absolutaly insane about safety. I really got into climbing for about five years. I started going to the gym to get stronger.

Some of the most dangerous things I saw was guys that started in the gym and then made the jump to the outdoors. It's a different world. Kind of like web wheeling vs. real wheeling. :D My suggestion for anybody looking to get into the sport is to go to your local REI, climbing gear supply shop, and try to hook up with some guys that climb outdoors. Most (not all) are more than willing to teach a new person. You will learn the important stuff like how to set your anchors, read a wall, knots, etc.

You really haven't lived until you lead a multi-pitch climb in perfect weather. There's nothing like it.

The gym has it's place. I was asked to do competitions but never did. I judged a lot of them in Tempe but never participated myself. It would have tainted it for me.

The nice thing about climbing is it can be age, gender, and ability independant. There's something for everybody.

The hardest part about learning to climb is learning who to trust. I've seen so many people do so many scary things over the years that I seriously recommend that anybody who wants to learn to climb should pay for instruction from a professional guiding service. That way you know you are learning safe techniques and you are also in good hands.

If you do learn from friends, you can learn a lot about how competent they are by paying close attention to what they do. How do they instruct you? Do they explain everything they're telling you to do and everything they're doing themselves? Do they treat the rope really carefully? Do they check each others gear? Do they communicate with each other and you clearly? Is all their gear new and shiny, suggesting it hasn't seen much use? Are knots cleanly tied so they look like a work of art rather than a piece of spaghetti? If they're lending you gear (like a harness) do they say how old it is and who's been using it?

Also, and this is just my rather eccentric opinion, anybody who doesn't have some old school gear is of questionable character, regardless of how safely they climb. So ask to see what a tri-cam or hex looks like. ;)

Cheers,
Graham

[Flounder]

I started climbing in 1991 when I lived in Colorado. By 1998 I was doing 2 and 3 day big wall climbs sleeping on portaledges and hauling big gear in places like Zion and Yosemite. I'm also a pretty solid ice climber and alpinist. I'm a certified American Mountain Guide Association guide/instructor, so I've been around a ton of newbies and old sage rope dawgs. My advice is to not just have some buddy teach you to climb unless they really...REALLY know what they're doing. I was lucky enough to have 3 guys who were AMGA guides teach me everything from where to place my feet to how to get climbing permits in the Alps.

There's two facets to climbing. One: Moving over stone. Two: Gear management and risk assessment. You can learn to move over stone in a gym or by bouldering. The gym is a safe environment to learn about belaying skills, basic knots, rope handling etc. Once you feel solid there, you can move to a top rope environment where you only build one anchor. This is were many, many people peak and do no more, which is fine. The next progression is to sport climbing where you clip bolts in the rock. Here again, many stop here. Next you can learn to "Trad" climb, which is to say you place your own protective gear (cams, nuts, hexes) in the rock. This is where it gets cool. Beyond that, you can look into Aid or Big Wall climbing where you might tackle walls in excess of 2,000ft over the course of a couple days. Then you can fold in ice, mixed routes.....big mountiains....sky is the limit. You will also never, ever, ever stop learning with regard to gear management.

Being a certified guide, I've climbed with hundreds of people. I'd wager that less than 20 made me feel like they knew what the heck they were doing. Climbing is full of bad habits and hordes of people that have a "pretty good" idea of what they're doing. Why there aren't more deaths in the sport is a real baffler to me. I followed my climbing parter on at least 200 pitches over the course of 2 years before he finally gave me the lead. Patience grasshopper. The last person I "taught" to climb was a 6 month project. You don't just show someone how to climb one weekend. You make a deal, set a goal and every crag day is a school day. The way I look at it, if I do a shoddy job of instructing someone, that in turn could invite the death or injury of that person plus the poor sucker on the other end of their rope.

A good place to start is the classic book: Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills by the Mountaineers. That is the hands down bible of all things climbing. Buy it. Read it. Read it one more time before you step into a harness. Next, take some classes. Lastly, go with someone you trust and not just with anyone headed out to the crags. Climbing used to have a real student/teacher aspect to it which got lost in the mid 90s. Now guys hit REI and the local crag in the same month.

Climbing is a fantastic sport. It can also be extremely dangerous. I became an AMGA guide in large part so I wouldn't kill the guys I was with. Later it was so I wouldn't kill the guys who paid to follow me. I've lost 2 friends to climbing and one more that probably won't ever walk "normally" ever again. I actually don't climb anymore for that reason. In fact, I doubt I'll ever tie in to a rope in my near future.

The best advice every given to me was by Pete Takeda (look that name up) when he and I climbed together in Colorado. He said, "If at a certain point you begin to wonder if you're in over you're head, chances are you have been in over your head for quite some time." He also said, "You'll do well to always push your physical limits and never, ever to tempt the limits of humility and good judgement."