5 Things to start rock climbing

1. Go to a local gym
The first thing you should do is find a local climbing gym to go to. The reason you want to do this is to make sure it’s something you want to put more time and money into. If you just go out and buy all of the gear without trying it out first you’ll never know if you really like. Make sure you go to the climbing at least three or four times, so you can be sure it’s something you want to pursue. This will also help you get to know more people in the climbing world and expand your climbing network.

2. Buy the necessary basic gear

When you first start climbing chances are you’ll need to rent the equipment from the gym you go to. This works just fine for the first few times you go, but it can get old fast. At some point you just get sick of putting your feet in the same shoes as hundreds of other people. The most basic gear you’re going to need is a harness, shoes, and a belay device and locking carabiner. We’ll go into how to chose which shoes and harnesses to buy in more detail later, but the quick version is don’t just go for the cheapest stuff possible. If you just go out and buy the cheapest stuff you can find you’ll be replacing it sooner than you want to and just spend more and more money. If you can afford it buy something quality but not too advanced. When it comes to a belay device, I always recommend buying an ATC first. This is the most basic and widely used belay device.

3. Get lead certified/buy a rope

When you first start going to the gym chances are you’ll start out with top roping. This just means that the rope is attached to the top of each climb and you simply tie into it in order to climb. Lead climbing means you’re starting with all of the rope at the bottom and clipping it into quickdraws (two carbiners attached with a piece of webbing) as you go. This type of climbing is more advanced and takes more technique. This type of climbing will be essential as you venture outside to climb. Most gyms require you to use your rope when you’re lead climbing so you will need to acquire a rope. This is the single most expensive piece of gear you will need.

4. Buy more advanced gear

After you know how to lead climb chances are you’ll want to take your talents to the great outdoors. For this you’re going to need more gear than just your harness, shoes, belay device, and rope. Once you want to venture outside you will need to buy between 10-20 quickdraws, some slings, more locking carabiners, and more depending on the type of climbing you want to do.

5. Enjoy

The last step is to enjoy yourself of course. Climbing is one of the best ways to see the great outdoors in a new perspective.