Complete Guide to Rock Climbing

What is Rock Climbing? Well basically it is using nothing else but your hands and feet to climb up rock faces or rock walls. Sound a bit too basic and boring. NOT AT ALL. Rock climbing combines strength, endurance and finesse to conquer one of the most strenuous and tiring adventure activities. It can involve climbing without ropes (bouldering) or with ropes.

To get the best understanding of what Rock Climbing is all about and to see some pros in action check out the video below!

The first item on the to buy list are the climbing shoes. With tyre thread soles they make climbing on any surface a million times more achievable. The rubber soles can grip onto most surfaces and have a strong frame with pointy angles to get into all hard to reach places. If you buy nothing else, shoes are a must for anyone seriously interested in rock climbing.

A must for any rock climbing!

So you want to do the big climbs.
The next item of gear needed for rock climbing is a harness. With shoes you can do small climbs (bouldering) but if you want to (safely) go above 1 or 2 metres then you will need a harness. The best type are adjustable, as they can fit all sizes and can fit over varying clothing.

For beginners it is best to use your harness and shoes in indoor climbing centres. These have pre-established walls and ropes and staff there can show you the basics and safety precautions. Having you own shoes and harness will reduce the overall cost of this sport as you wont have to pay for the hired gear.

Now you have your shoes and harness, you are ready to begin climbing. Remember, like most sports it is dangerous, so start in an indoor climbing centres or with a professional.

There are two ways you can learn rock climbing by yourself. These two ways are called bouldering and sports climbing.

Bouldering involves climbing without a safety device been used. You are not meant to climb beyond 1-2 m off the ground and must have a mat or something to break you fall at the bottom. The best place to start this is at a climbing gym where they usually have bouldering walls.

Sports climbing involves climbing with all the required gear. Using rope connected to a wall you and a partner support and spot each other to climb. A belay device is used to break a climbers fall and all safety measures are put in place. This should not be set up by beginners and again the best place to start is in a climbing gym where all the equipment is professionally set up and professional guidance is given on how to use the equipment.

This section give a quick overview of a few of the best outdoor climbing spots in the world. These are recommended for experienced climbers only, so if you are just beginning think of it as a goal to reach.

My recommended climbing spots around the world are:

1. Mt Arapiles, Australia
2. El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, United States of America
3. Mount Roraima, Canaima National Park of Venezuela, Venezuela

Below are pictures of these area to inspire you to advance your rock climbing.