I recommend that anyone interested in learning how to rock climb sign-up for a beginner class at a local climbing gym or outdoor gear shop or guide school. There are some techniques and skills that are needed in order to rock climb safely.

Shoes

For the entry level climber, comfort and function are primary. Shoes can be a bit spendy and the rubber starts to wear out. In the days when I was a poor college youth I often found myself climbing in my Adidas Gazelles just to help make my real climbing shoes go the distance.

In general you want your shoes to fit snug; room around your toes leads to sliding inside the shoe and prevents you from being able to use your feet to the best of their ability. Let’s say in your street shoes you’re a size 6 – it’s best to get your climbing shoes in a 5. There are several companies that specialize in climbing shoes. La Sportiva has a great entry level shoe called the Nago, while FiveTen has an equally good shoe called the Spire.

Climbing Rope

Every route climber needs a rope. There is an array of lengths and diameters made by several companies. Some of the top rope manufacturers are Mammut, Blue Water, Sterling, and Monster. As with the rest of the gear, what type of climbing you’ll be doing largely determines what rope you need.

For the beginner, a good 70 meter, 10mm rope dynamic rope is ideal. Some come with middle marks and some are bi-color. I’m a big fan of the bi-color as it allows for easy recognition of where the middle of the rope is.
A great entry level rope is the Mammut Galaxy.

Belay device

Every route climber not only needs a rope and a partner; they also need a belay device. Belaying is one of the most essential climbing skills because you have your partner’s safety — and possibly even his or her life — in your hands.

In belaying, you control the rope’s movement to protect the climber at the other end. Your belay device applies friction to the rope, thus acting as a brake on the climbing rope. When used correctly, it stops the climber’s fall.

There are two styles of belay devices: manual and mechanical. I recommend the mechanical, auto-locking belay device called the GriGri for the beginner climber. This device feeds rope out smoothly and breaks automatically when the climber falls.

Another option for a belay device is the ATC. The benefit of this one is that it is lightweight and can also be used as a rappel device.

Hardware

There are an array of other hardware items that the to-be rock climber may need and want – it depends on what type of climbing is to be done.

Quick draws are carabiners with short pieces of webbing attached two together. One carabiner clips into the bolt, one clips into the rope. Many companies offer quick packs in groups of five or more for fairly reasonable prices, such as Mammut and Black Diamond Equipment.

Bouldering

If you want to keep it real simple and forget about all the gadgets, ropes and harnesses, then you could opt to start bouldering. In this form of climbing all you need are climbing shoes, chalk, and a crash pad.

A figure walking carrying one of these things on their back can look quite funny to the unknowing passerby, and often times people will ask if it’s a portable bed. But never mind the odd comments and jeers – a crash pad is most important for the boulderer because when a boulderer falls, it is always a ground fall.

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Most try rock climbing and once they like the sport enough to invest in it, they start shopping for gear around town or online. Like I mentioned on a previous post, “Spending a little, saves you a lot…”, it is in the best practices to purchase your own equipment.

Beginner Rock Climbers

The first few items a beginner rock climber often buys are a rock climbing shoes, a harness, a belay device and a locking carabiner. For some reason, beginners stop here, because they do not feel confident enough to have sufficient information regarding what rope length, rope diameter, or even rope brand to get. Most beginner rock climbers go indoors to practice their technique. While they develop their skill, they find time to do research or ask around others who own ropes (if you haven’t started this process, you should start now). Others go outside with friends that already have equipment to test the different ropes and make a more educated decision based on feel, look, or others’ opinions of ropes. As a beginner, it is your responsibility to find that rope that works best for your needs.

Intermediate Rock Climbers

Intermediate rock climbers are those who move on building natural anchors, pro anchors, and fixed anchors. Also know sport lead, trad lead, and lead belay. At this point, we hear the same question once again: What gear will I need to rock climb? Move on to reviewing and purchasing anchoring gear such as; locking carabiners, slings, cordelettes, webbing, static rope, cords, etc. All you will need, will depend on the specific areas you want to climb. Then move on to purchasing sport lead gear such as 10-15 quick draws (depending on the routes you are going to climb). For Trad Lead the bills start rolling out of control with things such as; cams, tri-cams, more slings, a sling to carry all your Trad gear, a good pack, etc.

Advanced Rock Climbers

Advanced Rock Climbers train hard to keep themselves fit enough and study to be educated on the overall sport of rock climbing. Pulling a hard or difficult climb does not put you in this category. Advanced rock climbers spend good amount of time educating themselves on more than just how to move your feet or pull a crimpy 5.12b. Becoming an advance rock climber requires patience and dedication, reading and hands on training of wilderness awareness and first aid, self-rescue and rescue techniques. In this category, just like at the intermediate level, advanced rock climbers spend time and money on training, certifications, and even more equipment such as; first aid kits, extra ropes, and anything else you can possibly need during an emergency.

No matter what level of climber you are, the information on what equipment you need, is always going to be available to you – all you have to do is ask or search online. This all goes hand in hand with another previous blog post’ “Rock Climbing…Educate yourself”. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Stay safe.

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