11 Things Beginners Need To Know About Rock Climbing
Start writing a post
Sports

11 Things Beginners Need To Know About Rock Climbing

"Rock" means heads up, so take cover!

462
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.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70800
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132415
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments