Climbing for beginners – what you need to know If you are a first-time climber

Indoor climbing. One of the most interesting and most famous activities for children and adults. Climbing not only helps you stay in shape and move (especially suitable for the winter months), it also helps you develop your concentration and coordination. If you’ve only heard of indoor climbing, if you have acquaintances who climb regularly, if you want to try it yourself, here are some things about this sport that are important to know:

What is indoor climbing?

As you might expect, indoor climbing is born from outdoor climbing. It is designed so that professional climbers can train specific movements even when the weather is bad and during the winter months. Today, this sport can be practiced by anyone, regardless of gender, age and physical appearance, and the gyms that offer climbing walls are more than ever. The main goal of the activity is to climb to the top of the wall without falling (although even if you fall, you will be held back by ropes). And if you’re wondering where the fun of climbing is, we give you an answer right away. The team of routers in the climbing hall creates the climbing route in such a way that every time you climb you face different challenges on your way to the top. Climbing routes are color-coded, and to climb a route, you have to use only holds belonging to that color.

Of course, this is not mandatory. It’s always a good idea to climb in a rainbow style, using whatever color you like.

Is indoor climbing safe?

Now that you know what indoor climbing is, it’s time for the biggest question everyone asks: is it safe? Although climbing is known for its extremity, the answer is yes.

Accidents happen and (as in many sports) climbing can cause injuries caused by overwork. But generally speaking, indoor climbing is actually safer than many other sports. Indoor climbing gyms are designed to eliminate external influences such as falling rocks, rain, and wind while providing protection systems so that you can climb safely without worrying about your health. After all, the biggest risk is in your hands. Every climber should make sure they feel comfortable with the systems and feel safe on the wall. As long as this is true, the risk of indoor climbing injuries can be minimized.

Types of indoor climbing

Bouldering

This is a type of climbing that occurs significantly close to the ground. The bouldering walls are between 8 and 15 feet high, and there are thick pads on the floor to cushion the impact if you fall.

Toproping

The walls of Toproping are high enough and this type of climbing requires more than just protection pads. Instead, climbers are protected with ropes that prevent them from falling off the wall. The rope begins to wrap around a beam at the top of the wall, with both ends hanging down to the ground. In most cases, this type of climbing requires a partner.

Lead Climbing

If you’ve been to a larger climbing room, you may have seen a section of high wall where no ropes are hanging at the top. These walls are dedicated to Lead Climbing. Unlike toproping, in this type of climbing the rope starts at the bottom of the climb. The climber ties as usual, but in this case, he has to attach his rope to convenient points located in strategic places on the wall.

If the climber falls, the rope attached to the last point will protect him from hitting the ground.

What climbing equipment do I need?

If you are a beginner, you need minimal equipment to bring from home. All climbing gyms have the necessary equipment that you can rent. It is enough for you to start. If you start climbing regularly, you will be able to see what equipment you need and then you can buy your own if you like.

What to wear while climbing?

Whatever you want, as long as you can move freely. Climbing requires a wide range of motion on both your arms and legs, so wear clothes that allow you to move freely and are elastic enough. It is also possible to sweat. Climbing halls are usually well ventilated, but it is worth wearing clothes in which you can sweat. Clothes that you would wear for other sports activities will do just as well when climbing.

Indoor climbing is an amazing sport that can be interesting and varied every time you enter the gym. Therefore, if you want to diversify your sports activities with something interesting, exciting and fun, climbing is a great solution!