A rock-solid physique, core control and life-affirming experiences are just a few of the benefits guaranteed for anyone who takes up climbing on a regular basis. And while you’re learning the ropes, the bustling social scenes of local climbing centres make for motivating places to get fit and strong. If and when you’re ready to brave the granite of the great outdoors, the challenge of outdoor climbing come springtime takes you on adventures you wouldn’t otherwise have dreamed of. So load up your chalk bag and prepare to “climb when ready!”
GET TO GRIPS
A first trip to your local climbing wall is often even simpler than an induction at the gym. Pay on the door and take a pair of clean sports shoes, and most climbing walls will let you loose on their series of boulder ‘problems’ (see Climbing Chat box for more of the lingo). Many new climbers spend time gaining confidence, building muscle and honing all-important technique on indoor walls above the safety of crash mats, without the initial fear and distraction of roped climbing.
Climbing centres can differ, so ask about the colour coding of the boulder problems wherever you go, but often greens represent the easiest routes. The holds are made of textured plastic, and climbers often use chalk to help maintain contact. Each colour-coded series of problems are known as circuits, and the aim is to complete all routes of one colour before progressing to the next.
When struggling to make upward progress, climbers look to their feet rather than their next handhold. Precise placement of your toes and developing skills such as flagging will see you to the top of boulder problems where more clumsy climbers fail.