| Rock climbing is not only a sport, a hobby, and a | | | | what actually holds the rope. The rope is passed |
| profession to some, but it is also a way of life. Let's | | | | through the belay device and the belay device is then |
| first start by listing all of the items needed for a | | | | clipped into the carabiner. Most belay devices are |
| simple top-rope climb with a partner: | | | | similar making it simple to pick out a belay device for |
| - Climbing Shoes | | | | a beginner. |
| - Climbing Harness | | | | As for ropes, there are two basic types of ropes |
| - Locking Carabiner | | | | used in climbing: static and dynamic. Dynamic rope is |
| - Belay Device | | | | designed to stretch, which is typically used during |
| - Climbing Rope | | | | rappeling, lead climbing, and top roping. However, for |
| - Anchors (Most Climbing Locations have anchors | | | | top roping (the general focus of this article) static |
| already installed) | | | | rope is generally preferred. Anchors are the next on |
| - Chalk Bag (Optional, but good to remove sweat | | | | the list. Typically climbing locations already have |
| from hands) | | | | anchors attached to the rock. And indoor climbing |
| With those listed we can now go into further detail | | | | gyms don't even use anchors at all. For beginners, it |
| about each item. First, when choosing a pair of | | | | is best to climb in a gym first to get used to the |
| climbing shoes, it is generally recommended that a | | | | sport before even attempting to attach anchors |
| person get a pair of shoes that fit snugly onto ones | | | | outdoors. |
| feet. The best fit would be shoes that cause your | | | | Finally on the list is a chalk bag. Chalk is not required |
| toes to curl (Normally a size smaller than street | | | | but is very helpful when climbing to remove all sweat |
| shoes). The reason for this is because when climbing, | | | | from ones hands. To get a better grip on the rock |
| ones feet are the main support for a climber and a | | | | (or climbing holds for indoors) chalk can be a huge life |
| solid hold is very important. | | | | saver. Generally one can purchase the chalk bag and |
| Next, a climbing harness is needed. For most rock | | | | chalk together at a decent price. |
| climbing applications a light weight harness works the | | | | To wrap everything up, the list above provides a |
| best. When searching for a harness it is important | | | | bare bones essential list of things needed for a |
| that they fit snug (can adjust the size). For beginners | | | | beginning climber. However, not all of the items listed |
| a light weight harness with a belay loop and sufficient | | | | are needed (depending on the location of the climb). |
| padding works best. | | | | For instance, at an indoor climbing gym, rope and |
| Once one has picked out a harness, a locking | | | | anchors are not needed. And even when climbing |
| carabiner is the next on the list. The carabiner (along | | | | outdoors only one rope is needed per climbing |
| with the belay device) is what holds the rope firmly | | | | location. Also most climbing locations are already fixed |
| onto the harness. Therefore for beginning climbers, a | | | | with anchors. Therefore, the list is cut down to only |
| screw-locking or auto locking carabiner works the | | | | several items (shoes, harness, carabiner, and belay |
| best. That way the carabiner will not open during | | | | device). |
| climbs. | | | | Hope this has been helpful, and remember...NEVER go |
| Along with the locking carabiner, the belay device is | | | | climbing alone! |