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How To Start Climbing
How to start climbing
There are many ways to start climbing: your first experience could be bouldering, climbing with a friend, with a club, as part of an instructional course or through an indoor climbing wall.
Bouldering is an easy and relatively accessible way of starting to rock climb. Usually taking place on small outcrops or boulders with out ropes or specialist equipment. Recently the use of large crash pads has become universally accepted to prevent injury and erosion. See Bouldering section.
Traditionally the first step into climbing was with experienced friends, learning the skills practically as you go. This type of climbing apprenticeship is an ideal way to learn and get loads of climbing done. Sadly, this isn't open to everybody, but there are some alternatives.
Some people prefer to learn as part of a large social group, in this case regional and national climbing clubs provide a unique opportunity. Most are supportive of novices and will offer a varied "˜meets' diary of events in a variety of areas. The BMC provides a list of approved clubs and contact details.
Indoor climbing walls are another good way of starting climbing. Many offer brief introductory sessions to get you started with the fundamental techniques of belaying and leaving the ground! In this controlled environment it is quite easy to progress quickly, reading yourself for the move outside.
For many people an instructional course will be their preferred way of learning either from scratch or when making the transition from climbing indoors to real rock. The difference between these two environments is quite considerable and it's often good to seek advice at this stage. Courses are provided in the peak district by local outdoor centres, local climbing walls and Mountaineering Instructors and Guides.
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