Getting Started In Rock Climbing

Are You Getting Started in Rock Climbing?

Assuming you'd done your homework about the subject, such as what you'd expect on rock climbing, then there's little use of checklists such as this one "getting started in rock climbing". However, you'd be surprised that always, there are a lot of those things everyone's bound to forget often, including you. Due to the triteness of activities such as climbing, is one. And due to the rather inexperienced-ness in your part also plays a role.

If you ever find of a need for a checklist on "getting started in rock climbing", here's mine:

Are you feeling well enough to rock climb?

It's always a sin to go rock climbing if you are feeling unhealthy. Not only you put yourself at risk, you also put others at major risk. Falling down is one of these risks, either you or one of your equipment. Falling gear is a grave danger to the climbers below you, as these objects could hit them that can result in them releasing their holds.

Have you check the integrity of your knots?

Yes, this is a metaphor. It's a normal rundown for old time sailors to check the knots of the rigging once in a while. Getting started in rock climbing requires you to check the equipment you have, and their integrity as well. By the way, every mountaineer and rock climber needs to learn and master a couple of knots, particularly the figure of eight knot and the Munster hitch as these knots are widely used in mountaineering and rock climbing applications.

Toes and fingers, these are the primary tools you need for rock climbing, and you should make steps to enhance your use and protection of them. I highly recommend that you use grip savers. These devices help develop and prevent injuries to the antagonist muscles, a frequent injury sustained by rock climbers.

Leave No Trace

You might have heard of this one. "Leave No Trace" are principles founded by an organization whose purpose seeks to minimize the damaging impact of outdoor activites, such as rock climbing. The usage of pitons is one big factor of the Leave no Trace, as hammering them can forever damage a face of a solid rock wall. The use of pitons now is very minimal, yet you'd see evidences of these from past rock climbers. The use of chalk too, is a leave no trace issue.

There are yet several basics for getting started in rock climbing to account for. However due to constraining factor they deserve their own specialized section. I suggest you read more subjects that discuss about rock climbing equipment, ethics, and tips and techniques in rock climbing.