Getting Started

Post by **gorgecamper** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 3:09 am

hi guys and gals.
i have been gaining a lot of interest in rock climbing and would love to get into it. The only problem is i have the slightest clue were to get started. None of my friends climb and i know no one that climbs. Could you guys give me some addvice for starting off. Id realy appreciate it.

Thanks

Post by **DHB** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 3:52 am

Find a local rock climbing gym and check it out for yourself. The only way to tell if you'll stick with it before you drop loads of $ on equipment.

Meet some new people, make some friends, and eventually get comfortable enough with your skills to make it to the gorge with said friends.

Also, tap into the awesome resource that is the internet and learn as much as you can about knots, ropes, rock, and different scenarios you may encounter in the woods before you get into an uncontrolled environment. Unlike the gm, its much less likely that there'll be someone to set things up for you or help you if you run into trouble (although people are pretty much always willing to lend a helping hand, you may be the only person at the crag.)

Post by **krampus** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 4:38 am

if you have any questions about knots, just PM Redpoint

Post by **Jay** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 5:08 am

krampus wrote:if you have any questions about knots, just PM Redpoint

Or Redpoiint.

Post by **gorgecamper** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 5:37 am

Thanks guys. I found an indoor place hear close to me that i plan on checking out soon.
Thanks for all the addvice

Post by **The Pirate** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 11:14 am

Another good option would be to hire a guide to take you climbing. You would learn on REAL ROCK not plastic... The guides in the Red are all very good at teaching the skills required to be a safe climber.

Post by **RRO** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 8:40 pm

check out www.redriveroutdoors.com , if you have any questions feel free to get in touch with us.

no matter if you hire a guide your first few times out or hook up with someone i would still encourage you to go out and gather as much information as you can about the sport.

Post by **krampus** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 12:18 am

or go find a bridge to hide under

Post by **gorgecamper** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 4:02 am

krampus wrote:or go find a bridge to hide under

what??

Post by **One-Fall** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 2:24 pm

gorgecamper: Id highly recommend using a local guide service for your first two times out. First time, so you can just enjoy the experience and see if it is for you. Second time, so you can start getting coached in safety, ethics and everything that goes with the sport.