by Jacob Jenkins

Created on: May 19, 2009

Learning to rock climb requires proper knowledge and training in order to maximize an a new climber's strengths and improve upon their weaknesses. Rock climbing is an easy sport for beginners to get involved in and has a culture that is very supportive of new members. This rock climbing training guide is intended for someone new to the sport and contains all of the basic information needed to get involved in this challenging and rewarding sport.

The first step is finding a place to train. If you live in a urban area, finding an indoor rock climbing facility within a few miles should be fairly easy. Ideally, visit the facility during a slow period (weekday afternoons) so you can talk with the staff about classes they offer and their facility. At the minimum it is usually required to be trained on how to use the type of belay (fall protection system) devices they use. Some newer facilities offer automatic belay devices, which allow beginners to climb after a 10 minute orientation. These are hydraulic devices that automatically arrest a falling climber and require very little training. Even if this is the case, these places still will have regular belay (top rope) systems for experienced climbers. For any beginning climber, taking a beginning belay class and an introduction to climbing class are great ways to learn the correct techniques and form relationships with other beginning climbers. Although research is great way to learn about the sport, getting instruction from professionals and climbing consistently will allow you to become a proficient climber in the least amount of time. Although cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and other training are important in improving weaknesses, if you are in decent shape, the best way to become a proficient climber is to spend time on the rocks.

Learning proper technique from experienced climbers is key to a beginning climbers' success. Find a partner or a group of new climbers that you can attend classes and climb with. Working with other climbers allows critique and feedback between friends and helps new climbers analyze other beginning climber's mistakes and styles. In addition, having a partner or group allows you practice belaying, develop trust, share techniques/information and not have to worry about finding other climbers at the gym to belay and climb with. It is also preferable to have a trustworthy group of friends for outdoor climbs.

There are many basic techniques that beginning climbers usually struggle

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