How To Climb

From a young age, most people want to learn how to climb in some form or another. It may be that they want to climb mountains, rocks, walls or maybe just trees. These simple steps should provide assistance to anyone who wishes to learn how to climb and how to do it safely. For basic climbing, you will need the items listed below.

• Something to climb
• Secure shoes with traction
• Spotter

1. Pick a spotter. Climbing alone just isn't safe. Ask someone to spot you so that they can assist or get help if needed.
2. Pick a surface. The first thing any climber needs to do is to pick a surface to climb. Some basic tips for picking climbing surfaces are that the smoother the surface is, the harder it is to climb. Try choosing a surface with something to hold onto that will support your weight. In the case of rock, wall or mountain climbing, you should be using anchors and safety harnesses.
3. Test the surface. Before you just haul yourself up a tree with no other thoughts, try checking the stability of the branch you are using, or the object that you are pulling yourself up with, whether it be a branch or a crevice in a rock. Make sure that it can hold your weight by pulling on the surface to test its sturdiness. Remain standing on the ground as you do this. You will repeat this process throughout the climb, always being stable while testing the next foothold or leverage point.
4. Use your weight. Your weight can be a benefit as you climb. You can use it to swing your body into a new position.
5. Plan your next move. Before you climb into a new position, be sure to plan the next move or you could find yourself stuck in an uncomfortable spot. Take inventory of the structure and plan a tentative path toward your goal.
6. Use every resource. While you might be inclined to underestimate the power of your fingers or toes, that would be a mistake. Fingers can hold a surprising amount of weight and fit in small crevices. Toes can balance a body on a scant foothold. Arms can help to swing your body, while legs provide the strength to support the body weight even as they help you to move from place to place.
7. Practice and compete. There are a variety of ways to compete as a climber, but it takes skill and effort. Practice your skills and pick a climbing discipline to compete in.