Tips to Start Climbing Outdoors this Summer
-
Loading... - Bosman Thomas
- 07 Apr 2023
- 71 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
If you’ve learned to climb in a gym, you are probably curious about how to start climbing outside on real rock. This article will tell you what you need to know and the gear you’ll need to make your outdoor climbing experiences safe, fun and in harmony with the ethics and traditions of our great sport. The next article in this two-part series will put you in the know about crag etiquette and climbing traditions of leave no-trace ethics
How to be Safe on the Rocks
Rock climbing started outside and there’s nothing like the feel of real rock and the challenge of a climb on natural rock. You’ll be able to use the strength you developed in the gym, some of your footwork and movement and even some of your safety and ropework skills in the outdoors. But there are quite a few new skills to learn.
There are three main ways of learning how to climb outside:
Mentorship
Mentorship is one of the oldest and most popular ways to learn how to rock climb. If you know someone who is experienced at outdoor climbing, ask them to take you. Learning one-to-one in this casual setting can be the best way to learn to climb.
Introduce yourself to people at the gym. The best climber in the gym may not be an experienced outdoor climber at all. Find out who really knows how to climb outside and introduce yourself. Take note that the best way to get your plans cancelled is to also invite six of your other gym climbing friends. Mentors may welcome the opportunity to help out a fellow climber like they were helped once, but will feel taken advantage of if you treat them like unpaid climbing guides or instructors. Read More…
