|
Unas
Jun 19, 2007, 3:08 AM
Post #1 of 8
(1775 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 19, 2007
Posts: 3
|
I am a noob just getting into climbing. I have taken a course on belay. I am scheduled to start a beginner's techniques class on july 10. The only book I have read so far is John Long's How to Rock Climb.My goal is to gear up and go on some outdoor climbs within the next couple of months. I would like some suggestions on what my next step should be. By the way, I haven't found any partners.
|
|
|
|
|
catskillshiker
Jun 19, 2007, 4:25 AM
Post #2 of 8
(1742 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 20, 2007
Posts: 59
|
Thats good you are taking a class.
You can start in a gym if there is one around, and you can meet partners there. Purchase your basic gear if you have not done so already (harness, belay device, locking carabiner, shoes, ect.)
Mountaineering, The Freedom of the Hills is a great book to pick up as well.
Keep reading so you have an idea what is going on at beginners technique class.
|
|
|
|
|
creemore
Jun 19, 2007, 5:40 AM
Post #3 of 8
(1721 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jan 22, 2003
Posts: 61
|
With an indoor course, just make sure you listen. Tag along with the most experienced people in your class and listen. Then practice, train and keep practicing. Make yourself worthy to have a mentor. Listen to him/her. Pay for the beer, then listen some more.
Oh and then make sure you follow whatever gear list they give you to the line....your gonna get it all eventually anyway
|
|
|
|
|
nicodeemus
Jun 19, 2007, 7:49 AM
Post #4 of 8
(1692 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 5, 2007
Posts: 46
|
If you're in the gym often, you will eventually find a partner. The best thing to do if you are by yourself is to work the bouldering walls. As long as you don't go too high, you can work on your style and technique by yourself safely. You will almost always find someone else bouldering by themselves. As long as you're approachable and friendly, you should be able to start meeting people. It's always a good idea to try and hook up with someone better than you so that you can learn from them.
|
|
|
|
|
coastal_climber
Jun 19, 2007, 1:07 PM
Post #5 of 8
(1653 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 17, 2006
Posts: 2542
|
Start in the gym first, get to know what you are doing. If you really want to go outside soon, get a guide or an experienced person to go with.
>Cam
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
zionvier
Jun 19, 2007, 6:49 PM
Post #7 of 8
(1599 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 17, 2003
Posts: 125
|
Freedom of the Hills is a great book... It seems like every time I pick that book up I learn something new, and I've had it for years.
Go pick up a book on climbing knots, Freedom of the Hills has a section on knots also, can't remember the name of the book I have, and a quick browse through amazon didn't show it, but I'm sure your local REI or climbing gym or store will have or know of one. Then find some rope, even if it's cheap stuff from HomeDepot and practice tieing knots. Figure 8 is obviously one that you should know without even thinking about it (you should be able to do it blind folded with your feet while you're having sex) Then move on to others that are commonly used.
http://www.rockclimbing.com/...orum.cgi?post=980096
felt I should add this in after I posted..... if you use some cheap rope to practice tieing knots with from HomeDepot, please don't think that you should use it as a climbing rope. The news already likes to relate dumb hikers that "scramble" up rocks with no gear and die to rock climbers. No need to help them out with a climber dieing because of the wrong gear.
(This post was edited by zionvier on Jun 19, 2007, 6:54 PM)
|
|
|
|
|
j_ung
Jun 19, 2007, 6:53 PM
Post #8 of 8
(1593 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 21, 2003
Posts: 18690
|
Sounds like you already have the next step lined up. You'll probably meet others in your class. Ask this same question to your instructor.
And welcome aboard!
|
|
|
|
|
|
