Learn To Rock Climb

People don’t learn to rock climb on their own—they need the company of a professional before experiencing it for themselves. Climbing is a dangerous sport, but is all that much more exhilarating when mastered. The following tips will help initiate the novice into the exciting world of rock climbing.

To learn how to rock climb, you'll need:

• Basic climbing gear.
• A climbing partner you trust or accompanying instructor.
• Time to master technique
• A good amount of endurance fitness and strength.

1. Find a climbing instructor. The safest way to learn is from a professional that is focused on your needs as a beginner. The American Climbing Guides Association is an organization of people and climbing schools that establish teaching standards for rock climbing.
2. Start with an artificial climbing wall.  These are usually located indoors in gymnasiums and offer a safer and more controlled environment for the novice climber.
3. Get basic climbing gear.  A basic climbing kit should cost around $300 dollars, the biggest investment more than likely being you climbing shoes. Other necessities are harnesses, locking carabiners, belay/rappel devices, helmets, chalk and chalk bags.
4. Learn climbing commands. Rock climbing uses its own lingo—usually single-word phrases to quickly inform their partner if they are in danger or need something important. Learn what they are and what they mean.
5. Learn basic knots. There are many good knots but some basic ones to master are figure eights, clove hitch, double fisherman, single fisherman, munter hitch man, prusiks, water knots and mule knots.
6. Be in good physical shape. Overall there is nothing better for getting into climbing shape than climbing itself. A general fitness program is good though endurance is very important for rock climbing. Pull-ups, hanging-twists and side crunches should be done to strengthen weaker areas that climbing uses.
7. Climb with your feet. Many beginners make the mistake of thinking that climbing is something done mostly with the arms. However, almost all of your upward movement should stem from your lower body, which contain your most powerful muscles. Additionally, small steps are more effective than large, sweeping ones.