Climbing is an exhilarating, full body exercise, but it can also be dangerous or overwhelming if you don’t know a few basic things:

1.There are three main types of gym climbing: Top Rope, Bouldering, and Sport Climbing.

Pick one that’s fun for you, (though Sport Climbing requires some more experience and special training than the other two.)

2. Basic terminology.

• -Project/Problem: A specific climbing route, graded and usually color coded.
• -Belay: Requires two people, one climbing and one trained to belay. Used for top rope and sports climbing.
• -Automatic Belay: Machine belay system, great for climbers without climbing partners; used for top rope.
• -Top Rope: The climbing rope is anchored at the top of the wall.
• -Sport Climbing: The climber carries the rope up the wall, clipping in as they go.
• -Bouldering: Short distance climbing without a rope; above crash pads or mat.
• -Pumped: When your arms get too tight to hold on to the holds.

3. Know the gym’s rules. And follow them.

These rules are to keep you and others safe, don’t be stupid.

4. Go with a friend!

It doesn’t matter if they are experienced or a beginner like you, it’s fun to have a buddy.

5. If you can’t find a friend to take, go anyway.

You can meet all sorts of wonderful people climbing at the gym. Don’t let going solo stop you from going.

6.Wear comfy and flexible clothes.

You are going to be moving and reaching. And falling if bouldering is your speed. Dress for it.

7.Trim all your nails.

If you are wearing climbing shoes, long toenails will hurt. Long fingernails will get ripped off when you are climbing, they will, trust me on this. (You are not a cat, your nails won’t help you climb better).

8. Don’t be afraid to try and fail.

Failing is a part of climbing. But keep climbing, every good climber started somewhere.

9. If you are bouldering, learn how to fall.

This can be done in a class at the gym or by watching a YouTube video. After watching, practice falling and jumping. It sucks to get up on a problem and freeze because you are afraid of falling from that height. Know how to land first, then climb.

10. If you are afraid of heights that’s ok.

I used to be terrified of heights, but I worked through it and you can too. Just take it slow, and set your own pace.

11.Take a class.

Lots of gyms offer classes on the basics of climbing. If you are lost, see if your local gym does.

12. Watch other climbers climb.

They know stuff you don’t. And they might just help you figure out how to climb a certain problem.

13. Watch YouTube videos by climbers.

A lot of climbers post how-to videos and videos of their own climbing/ training sessions. Watch what they do and see if it will work for you.

14. Don’t climb to exhaustion.

You will injure yourself. Your tendons can only take so much at a time, and most people are not used to holding so much weight by their hands. Listen to your body.

15.Take rest days.

This can be hard. You have found a hobby you love, so it can be tempting to do it every day. But be careful, you don’t want to injure your tendons and have to take a 6+ week hiatus from climbing.

16. No one is judging you.

Unless you are being rude and ignoring the rules, then you deserve it. But seriously, other climbers want to help you, not laugh at you.

17. Don’t be discouraged.

You will meet people who can climb really difficult problems after a short time, and others who have climbed forever and are still on beginner or intermediate problems. Many factors dictate climbing ability: height, weight, strength, and flexibility. Reclimb already conquered problems to rediscover a sense of accomplishment.

18. It’s not a competition.

Climb what is fun for you and don’t compare yourself with other climbers. The joy is in the journey, not the destination.

19. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Most experienced climbers are more than happy to help a beginner with something. Just remember to be respectful of their time and space, they are there to climb too.

20. Be encouraging.

Climbers are a group of some of the most positive people I have met; add your positivity.

21. Most importantly, have fun.

If you are not having fun, mix it up. Climb different problems, make up your own, enjoy climbing.

Many Universities are now including climbing walls in their gym. If yours doesn’t, check out local climbing gyms in your area. Many offer student discounts. Climb responsibly.