Wanting to get into rock climbing but don’t know where to start? It can seem daunting to know what’s best for you and which equipment you need. Don’t stress — we did the research for you and compiled everything you need to know about rock climbing for beginners including:
- Types of rock climbing
- What to wear rock climbing
- Rock climbing equipment
- How to start rock climbing
Get ready to chalk up your hands and grab your rope, because your rock climbing adventure starts here.
Different Types of Rock Climbing
There are several different types of rock climbing out there, and it’s important to know which one(s) is right for you as you begin your climbing journey. This is a general overview of the most popular types of climbing and if you’re just starting out, you may want to check out our article on what type of climbing is best for beginners for a good introduction point.
Bouldering
Bouldering is one of the most common types of rock climbing and is great for people just starting out. It requires the least amount of equipment to get started and can be adjusted to fit your current skill level. Usually, bouldering will only take you up around fifteen feet and will have crash pads (padded pads to reduce impact) on the ground for safety. Bouldering can be done indoors or outdoors and can be done with just some climbing shoes, chalk, and a crash pad.
Top-Rope
If you want something with a little more height than bouldering, try top-rope climbing. Top-rope allows you to reach higher peaks with the addition of a rope for safety. Climbers with a good understanding of fundamentals and strength do top-rope climbing by ascending a wall or cliff face while a rope is attached to an anchor at the top of the climbing path. Top-rope also includes the help of a belayer, a person on the ground taking up the slack from the rope. If a climber were to lose their grip, the belayer would minimize their fall height due to the rope being tight.
Advanced Climbing
If you feel like you’ve gotten a good grip on the more basic forms of climbing, you might be inclined to try out more advanced methods.
Sport Lead Climbing
One of the most popular forms of advanced climbing is sport lead climbing, a more competitive experience utilizing pre-placed bolts on more difficult indoor or outdoor cliff faces. Created to be more physically demanding, sport lead climbing often attracts more experienced climbers because of the difficulty and the atmosphere it provides. Sport lead climbing requires a variety of gear and skills so it’s wise to come with some experience.
Traditional (Trad) Lead Climbing
Finally, if you want to tackle a stripped-down version of climbing, why not try the original? Traditional (trad) climbing was the main method of climbing prior to the introduction of more specialized versions decades ago. Trad climbing is both physically and mentally demanding, as climbers must place their own protection — while also maintaining their grip. It is almost exclusively done outside, where protection can be freely inserted into cliff faces. Trad climbing can be very dangerous, and one wrong move could lead to serious injury. It is important to know your ability and have proper education on techniques and equipment before taking on the challenge.
What To Wear Rock Climbing
When thinking about what to wear when rock climbing, think about what’s most important during the activity. Climbers require something that allows freedom of movement while climbing, as well as something durable and comfortable for their adventures.
Tops for Rock Climbing
Whether it’s hot or cold, climbers need a good top to wear when ascending to new heights. Some might say you can get away with a regular shirt, but we suggest something more specialized. Outdoor shirts are often made of breathable and lightweight materials that can keep up with you in even the most strenuous of climbs. Stretchy and well-fitting, outdoor tops can be a perfect main or base layer when you start your climb.
Bottoms for Rock Climbing
Like the tops, climbers need a good pair of pants or shorts with them on a climb, especially because climbing uses so much leg movement and power. We suggest a pair of outdoor pants, tights or a hybrid of shorts and tights (for extra coverage) with a comfortable, flexible waistband that ensures your movements aren’t restricted in any way. Movement is key, and protective coverage is an added bonus especially when climbing up rougher terrain.
Outer layers for Rock Climbing
Rock climbing, especially out in nature, can leave you exposed to the elements. You never want to get caught unprepared when it comes to what to wear when rock climbing, for comfort and safety's sake. Sometimes, a good outdoor jacket makes all the difference. When dealing with cold or wet weather, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Warmth: It might get chilly on a climb — especially during breaks when your body cools down. Ensure you’ve got a sweatshirt, insulated fleece, or down jacket (depending on how cold it is) to put on while you’re enjoying the view.
- Precipitation: Not only can wet conditions cause you to get soaked, but it can also interfere with your climb and the climbing path itself. In addition to being careful and cautious of your footholds and hand placements, we suggest wearing a waterproof jacket (like something from our RAIN.RDY line) or shell to keep you dry and focused on your climb.
Shoes
When climbing, immense pressure and weight are put on your feet, so you need a pair of climbing shoes that you can depend on. When it comes to materials, we suggest something durable and lightweight that can move as you do. Because climbing shoes are the first point of contact between your body weight and the cliff face, most climbers prefer a snug, form-fitting shoe that hugs your foot. Another thing to look for when choosing a pair of climbing shoes is your sole. You want a grippy rubber sole when climbing for flexibility as well as stability. Climbing shoes are the most important performance gear in a climber’s equipment arsenal, so make sure you find ones that are right for you. If you want a more in-depth guide, check out our article on how to find the right climbing shoe fit before you start climbing.
Rock Climbing Equipment for Beginners
To rock climb efficiently, properly, and most importantly safely, you need the right rock climbing equipment. As a beginner it can be hard to keep track of all the terminology and everything you may need, so keep reading for a list to get you ready for your next adventure.
Harness
A harness is pretty much every climber's tool belt and the most basic piece of rock climbing equipment. It not only supports you as you ascend but also holds other essential items like your rope system, chalk bag, and more. One of the best investments in rock climbing equipment for beginners is a good harness. If you’re just starting out, we suggest getting a harness with multiple features, something that you feel comfortable in, and a harness that is durable enough to withstand all the different types of climbing you get into.
Chalk and Chalk Bag
No matter how experienced you are with climbing, you’re going to need chalk. As you climb, your body will start to warm up and seat. Your hands will produce sweat, causing your fingers and palms to slip when you attempt to get a better grip on your ledges. Chalk wicks this moisture from your hands, making it a climber's essential item and best friend. Chalk can come in powder, liquid or stick form, so look into which medium is right for you before you start climbing.
Belay Device and Locking Carabiner
The point of all rock climbing equipment is to keep you safe, and this next item is no exception. As you reach new heights with different styles of climbing, you’re going to need a belay device. Safety is paramount, and a belay device will control the rope while belaying (securing) a climbing climber to an anchor point. In addition to a partner on the ground controlling the belay, the main purpose of it is to stop the rope in the event of a fall and to steadily lower a climbing partner after they’re done climbing.
Helmet
Again, safety is the biggest priority when rock climbing. As far as rock climbing equipment for beginners goes, a helmet is a must. For outdoors, it is essential to protect yourself with a helmet made for climbing. These are specially crafted to protect climbers from overhanging or falling rocks.
Rope
As you progress in your climbing journey, you’ll eventually need a rope. Buy a climbing rope you can use outdoors as well as indoors (if the gym doesn’t provide one). There are two main variations of rope you can get: dynamic rope (elasticated to absorb the energy of a fall) and static (with minimal elasticity for rescues, rappelling and generally reducing bounce where necessary).
Crash pad
If you’re looking to go bouldering outdoors, you’ll want to bring along a crash pad. Crash pads are made of a strong canvas with foam inside, built for absorbing shock. If you’re new to climbing, falling is inevitable. When starting out with bouldering, crash pads are essential to prevent injury and encourage beginner climbers to keep trying.
How to Start Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is a journey, and all journeys have to start somewhere. You’ve taken the first step by doing the research and reading this article, so here’s a few tips on how to continue your journey into the rewarding world of climbing.
Join A Gym
Climbing gyms can be a great place to practice and hone your skills, especially as a beginner. If you’re looking for an answer to the question of how to start rock climbing, this is your answer. Climbing gyms can be found all over, and are often great places to receive instruction, learn and get comfortable with your equipment, and network with other climbers. Being in a safe and controlled environment like a climbing gym can give you the confidence you need to get the basics down and continue climbing.
Take A Class
As stated above, instruction is a huge key in furthering your climbing abilities. It may seem daunting to try and learn all by yourself, but the good news is that you don’t have to. Most climbing gyms have instructors ready to help you learn the ins and outs of the various equipment, climbing techniques, and more.
Meet Other Climbers
Climbing is a sport that has a beautiful community of people behind it, all sharing the love for climbing with one another. The two things that all these people around the world have in common are their love for the sport, and that they were once beginners just like you. When starting out in your journey, connect with other climbers to learn more about what you can improve on and to have a support system.
Practice
You’ve heard it before: there’s no substitute for practice (if you want strength tips to get ready for your future climbs, read our article featuring climbing workouts you can use to train). In the world of rock climbing, this rings true louder than ever. Rock climbing is difficult. It pushes your body and mind into places and heights it has never gone before. There will be times when you fall and fail. The only way to get better is to practice, to get back up and go at the wall again and again. Don’t be discouraged — you have more power and potential than you realize.
Wanting more tips on how to get started climbing? Explore our article featuring more beginner-friendly ways to get into climbing you can have the confidence you need before you get on the wall.
Time to Ascend to New Heights
Anyone can begin a journey into the world of climbing; and rock climbing for beginners is all about the right equipment and mindset. As you gear up and prepare to take on the different types of climbing, remember everything that goes into a successful climber. Dependable gear, the right clothing, and hours of practice, preparation and safety knowledge are all necessary to ensure success. If you fall, try again and always remember that everyone who is a pro was once a beginner.