11 Things Beginners Need To Know About Rock Climbing | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

11 Things Beginners Need To Know About Rock Climbing

"Rock" means heads up, so take cover!

464
11 Things Beginners Need To Know About Rock Climbing
Mary DeGuzman

For one of my responsibilities as a graduate assistant, I have to instruct the rock climbing course on Oklahoma State's campus. Throughout my time as an instructor, I have learned a lot about the sport and what it entails.

1. Equipment:

When it comes to rock climbing, this sport requires having the right equipment! You will need carabineers, really strong rope, chalk to help make your grips the holds better, and shoes! Shoes are a necessity with this sport!

2. Lingo:

When you come into the world of rock climbing, you'll also be introduced to the lingo that comes with it! "Rock" means heads up, so take cover!

3. Terms:

"Belay" is a french term! Belayers are the people who hold the climbers while they are on the rope to ensure they are safe and secure. You'll also hear "peter-panning" which you don't want to do!

4. History:

You can thank the Italians for the early stages of rock climbing!

5. Techniques:

This sport is all about technique. How you position your body to how you use your fingers determines how well you'll do!

6. The sport itself:

Rock climbing is a great and enduring sport and it will challenge you but you'll feel like you can conquer the world- or climb it for that matter!

7. Different types of climbing:

Bouldering: having no rope and having a spotter.

Top roping: having a belayer on the ground while they hold the climber while they are on the wall, or in the air!

Free climbing: climbing without any ropes or spotters.

8. Grip strength!

Train your fingers well before you start!

9. Safety checks!

Safety is the number one rule of rock climbing! Be cautious!

10. Rank scale:

Different routes are ranked on how difficult it is! The scale is kinda confusing, so pay attention on the grade system.

11. Different holds:

There's about 10 plus different holds, so research so that you can tackle each one! Trust me, knowing them will help you enjoy climbing more!

Rock climbing is a great indoor or outdoor activity for anyone who is willing to learn the ins and outs of it!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

919
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

553
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199644
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20540
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments