Rock Climbing for Youth - Getting Started

What Do You Need?

You don’t need to bring much to a climbing gym; all you need is a good attitude and tennis shoes.  Once you’re there, instructors will, literally, show you the ropes, and help in every step of the way.

If you are outdoors, you need nothing for soloing except a willingness to get slightly bruised.  If you are climbing higher, however, you generally need ropes, harnesses, basic belaying equipment, and a helmet.  These can be obtained at gyms, REI, and other local outdoors or climbing stores.

Advice/Tips
-Don’t start out on your own. Go to a gym and learn, take lessons, have someone teach you. Follow the experts.
-Learn rope techniques and especially how and when to use them      
-Learn how to move: efficiently, gracefully
-Age is not a barrier -It takes practice to figure out how you do this

Types of Climbing:

There are four main types of rock climbing: 

Bouldering is the “purest” form, where you climb with no ropes and no other gear. Don’t worry though—you only climb about 10-15 feet high up.  If you fall, it won’t be far.

Deep Water Soloing (DWS) is bouldering above deep bodies of water which are safe to fall into (again, the assumption is that you will fall).  This is certainly not recommended for beginners, and unlike the name suggests, always do this with an experienced climber.  (Soloing just means that you have no ropes or other gear and are therefore climbing completely “solo”).

Sport Climbing is roped climbing where bolts in the wall are used for protection.

Traditional Climbing describes any roped climber who climbs a piece of rock and places protections as they go along.   

Another important part of rock climbing is the belayer.  The person belaying the climber on non-solo climbs is the one holding the ropes and securing the climber in case he or she falls.  This can be a very rewarding experience because it can put the life of another almost completely in your hands, teaching responsibility and appreciation for your safety and security.