Rock Climbing: Need Recommendations for Gear and More Knowledge?

Question

Looking to become more serious and invest in some climbing gear:

1. I'd like to try trad, but do I necessarily have to build a rack first? I don't have the $ for that right now. I have a harness, shoes, ATC, biner. I'm hesitant to do sport climbing because I'm not too keen about bolts, but is that the quickest and easiest way to get experience for trad?

2. Can someone also explain to me how to tie a 'magic X'? I knew how to a few months ago but have forgotten since.

3. Read some workout tips online and in magazines, but what do you do personally to become a better climber other than actually climbing? I know pullups are helpful, but what else? (No access to a finger board).

4. People like bouldering better because of no ropes. What is its appeal to you other than that?

Answer 1

1) Yes, you need a rack to climb trad, or access to a partner with a rack. There is no way around it other than taking lessons and using their equipment. Sport climbing is WAY safer than trad climbing and is the best way to get experience. Trad climbers are typically very advanced climbers.

2) never heard of a magic x. sorry.

3) The best way to become a better climber is simply to climb. That can be at a climbing gym, on actual rock or bouldering. Flexibility, balance, and upper body strength are important, but good climbers use their legs just as much as their arms. Buy a cheap hand-strengthening tool.

4) some people are absolutely hooked on bouldering and that is all they want to do. Bouldering typically attempts "problems" that are very difficult and very short in comparison to sport climbing. It is the extreme difficulty that often interests people and some people become obsessed with climbing a particular problem. It may take hours to months to climb whatever problem that is being attempted.

Answer 2

There is a book, Conditioning for Outdoor Fitness that has a lot of exercises and tips for getting better at lots of things... hiking/climbing/bouldering, etc. Check it out.

You'll probably gain some valuable experience by finding a climbing group or local club that has the same interest. If there is an REI store close,they will have info.