im looking for a new hobby, somehting i can do to get away, take pics, and just relax and reflect on life for a while... what all do i need to start rock climbing?
2007-11-14 13:59:58 · 7 answers · asked by DMAC THE KID 2 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Climbing
Well, good rock to climb, for one thing. If you live in Kansas or Kuwait, your hobby is going to be very limited beause those places don't have rock. On the other hand, California is tremendously blessed with surperb and varied rock everywhere, especially if you know where to find them.
Then get a pair of rock climbing shoes. It makes an enormous difference in having them compared to using tennis shoes. Tennis shoes are a joke. You'll climb far better with rock shoes, even with the cheapest ones you can find. In fact, even boots with rubber soles are better than tennis shoes. Myself, I'd rather climb barefooted than with tennis shoes. Repeat after me: Tennis shoes are a joke.
Then consider either going to an indoor rock climbing gym, or going with other climbers experienced with outdoor climbs. That is the safest way to start learning use of equipment such as ropes and harnesses. Notice that whenever using equipment, you almost have to have a climbing partner---he's the guy that's keeping you from falling to the ground! Otherwise, solitary climbers tend to be "boulderers", in which they climb very difficult routes on boulders of moderate height, so that they don't need ropes to keep from falling very far. There are internet climbing forums or blogs which can help you find a cimbing partner locally.
2007-11-14 15:33:40 · answer #1 · answered by Scythian1950 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, the best way to start is to find a mate of a similar fitness level with the same desire to climb that you have. Then get yourself to a climbing wall (best to start indoor, just make sure you don't get sucked into the gym rat hole) and give it a go. If you find you like it, then get a guide to take you outdoor and show you ropes. Don't buy the gear until you know what you want to do. Buying the gear can be an expensive exercise, especially if you don't live in America, so make sure you know what you're getting yourself into.
The first purchase you should make is a comfortable pair of climbing shoes. Do not go for the best looking or most expensive. As a beginner, get the cheapest and most importantly, most comfortable, as you need the chance for your feet to strengthen and to truly understand footwork( can take many months)
There isn't much anyone can really teach you about the technique of rock climbing, only tell you to
WATCH YOUR FEET
However, get someone experience to teach you the knotsand ropework, and you should be set on the spiral to rock climbing greatness!
2007-11-17 11:32:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get yourself to a climbing wall, preferably one that is owned by a climbing club you can join. Get as much advice as people will give you. Start practicing at the wall and improve your skill. Buy a book on techniques and training in rock climbing. Do a course on rope work and lead climbing. Then you'll be ready to start climbing actuall rock. You'll get to do a bit in the mean time. But you'll be one of the group that is just being belayed or top roped up the rock. The real stuff is when you're leading routes.
2007-11-14 21:28:11 · answer #3 · answered by garion b 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most Sports centres have Rock Climbing Walls
2016-03-14 13:49:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well DMAC THE KID, im not sure, as i haven't done rock climbing myself before. But whichever person who have answered your question, im sure they know what they're talking about.
In my opinion, well, it depends where your living right now. If its the type of place where they have rock climbing as a hobby, then go for it. Just remember to get the right equipment and the right clothing/shoes for it. If your not sure, ask around, someone who has lived in that area for a long time. They might help you. If rock climbing is not available (that sounds funny coming out from me,lol) then im sure there are heaps of other hobbies to do.
Why don't you try a quiet place, you know, a park or something, sit down and relax. You can even take with you a diary and start writing what you have been doing in your life. That way, you won't forget. Or maybe start drawing the view that your looking at, i know, maybe it sounds boring to you, but if you try different things..things you haven't done before, im sure you will like it. Good luck with your hobby mate!
2007-11-14 16:53:44 · answer #5 · answered by Dark Angel 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
a rock.
2007-11-14 14:02:39 · answer #6 · answered by CowJudgesYou 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need a Rock, and a desire! sounds like you have the desire.
2007-11-14 14:04:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
what Garion B said.
2007-11-15 06:42:41 · answer #8 · answered by yaafm 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋