Rock Climbing Basics: The Gears and the Techniques to Get Started

rockclimb - Rock Climbing Basics: The Gears and the Techniques to Get Started

Looking to have fun while getting fit?

There are a lot of exercises that offer fun while getting fit. For instance, at the gym or while jogging, you can invite friends to join you—the more, the merrier. Alternatively, there have been various exercises integrated into programs that let you dance at the same time you lose weight. Of course, there’s always the popular rock climbing—an activity that gives you double the fulfilled feeling.

If you’re one of those people who want to get into rock climbing for whatever purpose, there are basics that you have to master, as with all activities.

First, Find a Guide

It’s not that hard to find a guide; finding one that’s right for you depends on what kind of climber you are. If you’re a beginner, you have to find a guide that’s certified so you get the best learning experience possible. If you’re an advanced climber, you still need a good guide to act like your spotter.

Second, decide on a type of climb

There are many types of climbing you can do. You can go indoors and get the hang of climbing—indoor climbs are good for beginners as well as safe for those who want to practice. If you’re advanced and itching to conquer a mountain or a specific rockface, then you better pack your bags and go outdoors.

Third, know which gadget is called what

You’re going to hear a lot of these terms when you’re climbing, so you should study up. A rock shoe is a smooth-soled footwear that is used to grip the rockface with its sticky rubber. You have your harness—a belt looped around a climber’s belt that attaches to a rope. A belay is something your spotter uses to keep you secure while climbing.

Fourth, always get some practice

You can always do indoor climbing so you get the hang of the basics of climbing a rockface. If you don’t have the money to climb indoors, you can always save by building your own improvised climbing wall. This allows you to study the techniques you see when climbing a rockface or indoors.

Fifth, know the ropes

Buying a rope for rock climbing isn’t always as simple as it seems. You should know that there is a different rope for when you’re doing recreational climbing. Use dynamic ropes to climb with a bit of elasticity; if you’re working on an emergency like rescues and some rappelling, you should use static rope.

Sixth, get to know your route

Each climbing route has a scaled difficulty and most beginners should climb starting at the 5.0 scale. Once the numbers go up to 5.5 and beyond, that’s the time you know you’re getting serious. Beginners should always start at the 5.1 range and gradually work their way up to get to 5.5 and beyond.

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Infographic by: behance.net/maceymackubin

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