How do you get started?

vino · 10-26-2011, 08:08 PM

I have never rock climbed before, and I'm not sure that I could, but I've always been interested in how people have gotten started in it and what drew them to it in the first place? Are there classes you can take or instructors who will teach you? Do you need to get a certification (like you do in scuba diving)?

Pathfinder1 · 10-27-2011, 07:15 PM

I usually don't trek very far,
when all around me black bears are.

Hi...

First of all, I've never done any climbing that required ropes, okay? However, I have done some "minor" rock climbing...sans equipment...in various areas in SE Utah.

Climbing UP was the easiest...!!

Best of luck in your new venture.

Was that a hand grenade that just exploded? Ow! Ow! Ow!

charley · 11-11-2011, 01:59 PM

It depends on where you live as to what is available to learn to climb safely. There are climbing gyms that can teach you the basics in a controled environment. There are many outdoor clubs and college outdoor programs that teach beginners to climb. There are also guide services at most major climbing areas that will teach a person to climb. I would think the guide service with AMGA certified instructors would be the safest but many have started the other ways and lived.

Tubby · 11-11-2011, 05:45 PM

I don't climb. Gravity and I are allergic to each other. I will even fall if I walk, so I'm not going to do that far above the ground. Now, if I could fly, that would be a different matter.

OwenM · 11-16-2011, 01:32 PM

I had no interest in rock climbing, was just looking to brush up on rappelling last spring, because I wanted to get into places where I hike that I could easily climb up, but are unsafe to downclimb. Got hooked up with a former coworker who said he'd practice with me, but it would have to be after toproping with his buddies. Went along, and tried climbing for the heck of it, since his shoes fit me.
The next day I was buying my own climbing shoes...
I'm not great at it(5.9, some 5.10), but it's a good workout, and I love the challenge.
Taking a break right now, but I started solo toproping due to lack of climbing partners, and do that anywhere from 1-4 times per week when into it. Lots of fun!

I don't really have any interest in trad, as the only convenient place to climb here is ideal for toproping, and I can't do trad solo. It would be great if I had somewhere to go, and someone to do it with, though. That would be worth gearing up for. Can't toprope those big wall climbs!