New to Rock Climbing?

Question

I have never done rock climbing before and I am taking an intro class that starts in 2 weeks. What should I do to prepare with the little time that I have? Will I completely embarrass myself - and how can I avoid this? :)

Answer 1

You could prepare both your body and mind.

Read the book "How to Rock Climb" by John Long. It will introduce you to all the gear, how to tie knots and some basic climbing techniques. You would know more than everyone in the class and you could help others.

Next, you could prepare your body. Do a lot of "calf raises" - get a piece of wood or an old book, put your toes on the edge, and stand up and down. This will prevent the "Elvis Legs" shaking which always gets new climbers. You could also do a lot of stretching and some pull ups.

You won't embarrass yourself - most likely you will meet some people to climb with.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Did a Friend get you interested in the sport? If so, have them take you to a local outfitter to look at the equipment you'll be using. You can rent the stuff at the climbing gym or buy your own. You may want to buy at least a few items.
I think having your own shoes, belay device and harness is a good idea for someone who is taking a class that will require multiple uses. Chances are you'll want to go to the gym to practice and have fun between classes too.
With all of the detailed answers above, I hope you don't underestimate the importance of balance while you're on the wall. While leg strength propels you upward, your ability to rest is important too. Distributing your weight over a comfortable foot hold and an intelligent hand hold will help you reserve the stamina you'll need to continue past the harder places on any climb.
Between now and then you can practice knots and learn the names of some of the equipment you may encounter.
Have your friend show you the figure eight knot and how to use a belay device. Learn the proper time to use the climbing communications such as; "On Belay!", "Climbing" and "Rock!"
Have fun!

Answer 3

You could do some chinups or hanging to build your grip strength. But really there's no need to prepare, climbing comes naturally because we evolved from monkeys!

I'm sure everyone will tell you to use your legs, not your arms, so listen to that advice. Try to be mentally prepared for the heights, because you may know that you're safe, but be afraid when the time comes to make a move that you likely cannot do. Always fall trying, remind yourself that it is safe to do so. Never ask to be let down because your arms are burning or you're scaredm, just go for the next move, and if you fall then at least you tried. Otherwise you'll be on your way home thinking "damn I should have finished that route, why did I get so scared? Mind over matter......Have fun!

Answer 4

You will not completely embarrass yourself, or you shouldn't. The only people I've seen in intro courses that should have been embarrassed were too oblivious to know it. Pay attention to everything the instructor has to say (particularly in regards to safety). Don't be too embarrassed to ask a question (as long as you do it politely). It could be important.

Exercising your grip and doing some pull-ups won't hurt (just remember to give it a rest a day or two beforehand), but likely won't make much of a difference in just two weeks. You should be focussing on having your legs do most of the work anyway.

I'm normally pretty good w. knots, but was goofing up in my intro course (don't know why, it's not a hard not). But just in case you want to practice ahead of time, I've added a link below.

Be well rested. Wear something loose enough to allow you to move but fairly sturdy (no spandex or nylon short shorts).

Most of all, remember to have fun and don't worry about how well or poor you do to everyone else. What matters is the personal challenge and what you get out of it.

Best of luck.

Answer 5

No need to worry. Intro rock climbing classes will teach you all the stuff you need to know. The most important part is when you learn how to tie all the ropes/knots in the beginning, once you master that, it's just a matter of scaling the walls! If you want to prepare your body, you can start practicing your flexibility and also strength in your legs (you can do some squats or lunges at home everyday). Just remember, when you climb, you want to use your legs to propel yourself up the wall, not by using your arms to drag yourself up.

Answer 6

Expect that you'll make mistakes, but show a willingness to learn. You'll get through it.

Answer 7

maximum of those solutions are describing *loose soloing*, it extremely is hiking without secure practices (i.e. ropes). loose hiking is hiking employing kit *purely* as secure practices (i.e. in case you fall, the rope will shop you linked to an anchor purely below you), as antagonistic to *help hiking*, the place you are able to place kit interior the wall and use it to tug your self up.

Answer 8

hey i didi rock climbing at my skool grad trip it was tones of funim shy so i was scared at first and then i wasint at all i was having so much fun and if you cant reach a rock they pull the rope so your liek flying in the air and you have to reach it trust me you will have a ball