by Corban Burns

Created on: March 20, 2010

Rock climbing is similar to most extreme sports. It requires all of its participants to be able to use their brain and body in harmony while maintaining perfect balance and a perfect form. It is vital that the beginner rock climbers develop and acquire the right amount of skill and knowledge of the sport and certain techniques before they venture out into the outdoor rock climbing walls. One technique that will prove useful is rock climbing holds. Mastering the basic elements of this will help the beginner to get one step closer toward being ready for the great outdoors.

The difficult in learning the rock climbing holds varies from person to person, so you may want to arrange a rock climbing lesson with a professional climber or a rock climbing team. Before you can even learn about rock climbing holds, you must first get acquainted with and master basic rock climbing skills. It also helps if you get familiar with and get comfortable with the various tools and equipment needed for rock climbing. After you have had your first one or two rock climbing lessons, you will be ready for your second step.

The second step would be to familiarize yourself with the gym’s climbing hold course. The majority of the rock climbing gyms today chart their holding courses and make them available to novice rock climbers. Studying these charts can prove beneficial to beginner climbers. The holds are the wall offer a wide range on difficulty for each rock climber that is tailored to their skill and agility. Once you mastered a certain holding course and you no longer have to think about where to place your arms, legs, and feet then you should move on to something a little more challenging.

Now that you are finished studying the maps of the holding courses begin the actually climb. A tip that always seems to work for most is to use the smaller holds for your hands since they can grip, while you use the larger holds for your feet since they are much larger than your hands. Keep in mind that rock climbing is not at all about speed, so feel free to take your time which will allow you to prepare your mind and body for the next moves.

The forth suggestion or step would be to pay attention to your balance and grip. If you make it a habit to grip the holds too tightly, your hand and arm muscles will intense up and that will only tire your body out faster. Also in order to keep your balance, be sure to be aware of your center of gravity. This is comprised of your chest, head, and mid-section. By keeping your head, chest, and mid-section closest to the wall you will find it easier to keep your balance and transfer from one hold to another.

Lastly, you are encouraged to keep practicing! Everyone falls and not all of us a last learners so be sure you don’t compare yourself with others. With practice and much effort you will be able to master the sport of rock climbing.

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