Rock climbing is the perfect way to get fit, enjoy nature’s splendor and feel the exhilaration of being the master of your terrain.

If you want to learn rock climbing there are two ways you can do it. You can go it alone (well not solo but with a few climbing buddies) – learning from books, videos or your local rock climbing group and making contact online with others who are experienced in the sport OR you can learn rock climbing via a more formal course course which may last anything from a single day to a few weeks.

Depending on which option you choose, the pace at which you learn will vary. If your time is limited you may only be able to practice on weekends so it may take a bit longer but still be just as satisfying. Whichever method you choose the basic knowledge and skills are the same. Here is a brief overview.

* If you have never gone rock climbing before or have only climbed indoors you will need to start by learning the basics of safe climbing and of multi-pitch climbing on rock.

* You will also need to learn how to put on a climbing harness, tie into a climbing rope, belay, rappel and navigate properly over the rock. In addition you will need to learn about leading and anchoring.

* As you progress you can climb further and with a greater degree of difficulty but before you get there you must learn the basics. This is the only way to ensure your safety in what can be dangerous terrain.

* If you decide to go the formal route choose a rock climbing school that provides instruction in small groups. Some schools offer instruction to groups of only three students per guide. This is so that individual instruction can occur and you are assured of a higher safety standard.

* Children 12 and under can take the courses privately, with a group of friends or accompanied by an adult. Rock climbing schools also arrange for family group instruction.

When and Where to Learn Rock Climbing

* Climbing during wet weather isn’t a good idea because of safety concerns and this is especially important to remember if you and a friend are planning on learning alone.

During the rock climbing seasons when the weather is good you can probably find a formal course running every day starting at your convenience.

* If you go the formal route your instructors will have chosen a good area in which to learn the basics.

* If you are learning with a group of friends ask local rock climbers to suggest a good site for beginners.

What Equipment Will You Need for Rock Climbing?

If you go the formal route and are a beginner, you will usually be provided with all the technical equipment you need which will include:

* A harness
* A helmet
* Rock climbing shoes
* Boots
* Crampons and all other hardware.

In some cases you may be charged a rental fee to hire equipment.

If you are going to learn rock climbing with a buddy you will need to purchase good quality equipment as listed above. Make sure all the equipment you buy is in good condition and make absolutely sure you know how to use it before you tackle any climbing.

Ask your sporting goods professional at the store how to use the equipment properly and then practice with your buddy at home and on low rocks before you confront the real thing.

Depending on where you climb you may need a climbing rack. If for, example you are going to be climbing on sandstone cracks like those which occur in Utah you will need at least a double set of cams up into large sizes.

As a beginner you will need a pretty basic rack but ask local climbers what they use:

Basic Rack for Rock Climbing

* Set of wired nuts, skip the micro nuts and really big sizes for now. You may want to double up on the mid sizes
* Set of Tri-cams, generally the 4-5 smallest sizes
* Set of Cams, 4-5 in the .5″-3″ range
* 25-35 basic carabiners
* 3-6 quick draws
* 6-10 single length runners
* 3-4 locking carabiners
* 1-2 Cordelettes
* 1 nut tool
* 1 belay device

Clothing for Rock Climbing

Before you learn rock-climbing, get professional advice on what clothing will best suit your climbing terrain and climate conditions in the area. Pay particular attention to your helmet (it’s essential for safety) and your shoes (for comfort).

What you wear all depends on the grade of climb and the local weather and rock conditions so try to get an informed opinion.

How Fit Do You Need to Be to Rock Climb?

You don’t need to be ultra-athletic to learn rock climbing but you will need to be in relatively good shape. You will also need a good mental attitude and the more eager to learn, enthusiastic and fun loving you are the more rewarding will be your experience. Most formal instruction is given to people from age twenty all the way into their sixties!

If you want to learn rock climbing with the greatest degree of safety it is recommended that you learn from a professional rock climbing school. Your experienced instructors will be able to answer all your questions and teach you the correct and safe way to use your equipment.

If you do decide to learn rock climbing on your own time NEVER head out alone, always go in a group of at least three or four. Make sure you are using your equipment 100% correctly and that you wear a helmet at all times.

Happy Rock Climbing!