How to Climb: 7 Things Every New Climber Should Know
Walk into any climbing gym and you’ll probably hear the same questions.
“Do I need to be in shape first?”
“What if I fall?”
“Am I too old to start?”
After helping thousands of people get started, we’ve noticed that most first-time climbers have the same concerns. The good news? They’re almost always easier to answer than people expect.
Whether you’re getting ready for your first visit or you’ve got a friend who’s been talking about trying climbing, here are seven things we think every new climber should know.
1. You Don’t Need to “Get in Shape” First
This is probably the biggest myth we hear.
A lot of people think they need to build upper-body strength before they can start climbing. The reality is, climbing is what helps you build that strength.
You don’t have to show up ready. You just have to show up.
2. Your Feet Matter More Than Your Arms
Watch an experienced climber for a minute.
It might look like they’re pulling themselves up the wall, but they’re actually doing most of the work with their legs.
New climbers usually try to muscle their way through every move. Once you learn to trust your feet and stand up instead of pulling up, climbing starts to feel a whole lot easier.
3. Falling Is Part of Climbing
Nobody climbs everything on the first try.
You will fall. Everyone does.
Every attempt teaches you something. Maybe you needed a different foothold. Maybe there was a better way to move through the sequence. Maybe you were one move away from finishing it.
That’s part of the fun.
4. Don’t Compare Your Beginning to Someone Else’s Middle
It’s easy to look across the gym and think everyone else knows what they’re doing.
The truth is, every climber had a first day.
Focus on your own progress. Celebrate the climbs you finish, the moves you figure out, and the confidence you build along the way.
5. Ask Questions
One of the best parts about climbing is the community.
If you’re not sure where to start, can’t figure out a move, or just want some advice, ask.
Our staff and members are always happy to help. Chances are, someone helped them when they were getting started too.
6. Take More Breaks Than You Think
When you’re new, your forearms usually give out before the rest of your body.
That’s normal.
Take a few minutes between climbs. Catch your breath. Watch how other people solve the same route. You’ll often learn just as much from watching as you do from climbing.
7. Remember to Have Fun
It’s easy to get caught up chasing the next grade or trying to finish one more route.
Don’t forget to enjoy the process.
Climbing is about solving problems, challenging yourself, and celebrating the small wins along the way. Every session is a chance to learn something new.
One Last Thing
If you’ve been climbing for years, none of this is probably new.
But chances are you’ve got a friend, coworker, sibling, or family member who’s said something like, “I’ve always wanted to try climbing.”
Send them this article.
Sometimes all it takes is realizing that everyone starts somewhere.
We’ll take it from there.