How to Rock Climb - Indoors is a Great Place to Start

As with any sport or activity we need a startingthe everybody's safety.
point. The same applies when one would like toAt this point, you may be thinking, what is
learn how to rock climb. Old wisdom would saybelaying?
that, if you wanted to learn a particular skill, seekTo belay your climbing partner, means as the
the community that is engaging in that skill, and gobelayer, you are the anchoring point, and are in
join them.control of the rope feed, and the "locking-off" of
So taking some "old wisdom" advice, the optionsthe rope, in a smooth and succinct fashion. The
are, find the nearest outdoor rock climbing clubidea is to provide the climber with just enough
and join up, or find the nearest indoor rockslack for them to climb freely, and continually
climbing gym and pay it a visit."locking-off" the rope, so in the event of a fall by
I find the latter option, visiting an indoor rockthe climber, the rope is locked, free fall distance is
climbing gym, to be a more subtle and smoothminimal.
introduction when learning how to rock climb. ItAfter displaying your understanding and proper
has the added benefit of meeting and socialisingperformance of the safety skills, you are then
with others whom share the same enthusiasm asleft to your own devices, and those of your
you, for this wonderful sport.belaying partner, to start scaling the various
What to expect on your first visit to the indoorclimbing walls, the indoor climbing gym has to
rock climbing gym?offer.
The well trained, experienced and friendly staff willAt first glance, all walls looks the same. However,
go through with you the most important aspectfrom wall to wall, the rock climbing holds, there
of learning how to rock climb... SAFETY. Theplacement, and configuration, are purposely
introduction to safety covers, each piece of thedesigned for different difficulty level, also know as
equipment, its purpose, how to use thethe climbing grades. This allows a novice climber to
equipment, and how to belay your climbingmove from an easier grade to a more difficult
partner.grade as their skills improve.
The key pieces of equipment covered for indoorAlthough rock climbing is not regarded a team
climbing are, the harness, the belay device, thesport, it is typically not an individual sport either,
carabiner, and rock climbing shoes.but rather a communal sport that is done in pairs
The skills taught during this introduction are, howor with a few people.
to setup to belay a rock climber, tieing a figure-8Its time to have some fun, so grab a friend, or
knot to attach to the harness, how to use ago solo to your nearest indoor rock climbing gym,
carabiner, and how to feed and "lock-off" thefind a partner, and start scaling the walls.
rope correctly. These basic skills are essential for