| Rock climbing is commonly misunderstood or thought | | | | the best way to learn is with natural rock there is no |
| of by those who are not in the loop. It is seen as | | | | harm with starting in an indoor gym. |
| the domain of adrenaline junkies and tough macho | | | | Indoor gyms are fast gaining popularity and chances |
| guys. While rock climbing certainly utilizes strength it | | | | are you will be able to find one somewhere near you. |
| can be taken up by almost anyone willing to learn and | | | | Once you gain some knowledge and experience in an |
| dedicate their time to the sport. Even if you live in an | | | | indoor gym you can then venture out to natural rock |
| area without great climbing routes you can still learn | | | | climbing routes. You can be sure that once you have |
| how to rock climb, you just need to be a little | | | | been bitten by the rock climbing bug you will be |
| creative about it. | | | | willing to travel to get to good climbing sites. |
| Getting Started | | | | Dress For Success |
| Learning about the sport is the first step to | | | | There is also important rock climbing clothes and gear |
| mastering rock climbing; you can do this by reading | | | | that are necessary for safe and comfortable climbing. |
| magazines about the sport. This will introduce you to | | | | Wearing the right rock climbing clothes and safety |
| the type of gear that you will need and the terms | | | | gear can make the climb much more enjoyable and |
| that you will come across when learning how to rock | | | | on top of that, the safety gear can save your life. |
| climb. | | | | Don't Over Do It |
| Visiting forums dedicated to the sport will also help | | | | There are many level of difficulties when you pick |
| you to learn from others experienced with the sport. | | | | what you want to climb, and the longer you are |
| Don't be afraid to ask questions, this is a great way | | | | involved in the sport you will probably want to branch |
| to find out how others got their start in the sport. | | | | out and try different types of climbs. To start out |
| You may even find rock climbers in your area who | | | | with however indoor climbing and bouldering are a |
| may know about rock climbing resources that are | | | | great introduction to the sport. |
| valuable to a beginner. | | | | Free climbing, a type of climbing that does not use |
| Indoor Wall Climbing | | | | equipment, is probably best attempted only after you |
| A big problem many people face is a logistical one | | | | have more experience. However if you have been |
| when trying to learn how to rock climb. Your home | | | | climbing for some time you may want to try your |
| may be nowhere near a decent rock climbing route. | | | | hand at Trad climbing. This type of climbing utilizes |
| While many diehard fans of the sport will tell you that | | | | climbing gear to aid your progress. |