First time at the climbing gym? Tips for beginners


Αναρρίχηση by Varuste.net / Toimisto-Jorma, 3.10.2024
Are you planning your first visits to the climbing gym and wondering what gear you need and what happens or can be done at the gym? 
Climbing is a versatile and fun activity suitable for all ages. In this article, we'll go over what equipment you should consider getting and what can be rented if needed. 
Additionally, you'll find information on courses available for beginners.

Climbing gyms usually offer two main activities:

bouldering and rope climbing.

Bouldering:

Bouldering is climbing on low walls without a rope. It's a great way to start climbing since you don't need to master rope techniques. Safety is ensured with thick crash mats. Bouldering routes are short, physically challenging, and offer opportunities to develop strength, balance, and problem-solving skills. Routes are available for all skill levels - beginners should naturally start with the easiest ones.

Rope Climbing:
Rope climbing uses safety ropes and harnesses. This type of climbing offers longer routes and requires belaying.
Top rope climbing is the most common method offered to beginners. The rope is already anchored at the top, and a partner belays from the ground.

In lead climbing, the climber takes the rope with them and clips it into the wall during the ascent. This requires more skill and experience.

Courses or Straight to Climbing?
Many climbing gyms offer beginner courses where you can learn the basics of the sport safely.
Popular courses include:

Bouldering Courses: 

These teach proper climbing techniques and safety practices for bouldering. Bouldering is a convenient way to start climbing without worrying about ropes.

Top Rope Climbing Courses: 
In these courses, you will learn the basics of using harnesses, tying knots, and belaying, allowing you to climb with ropes safely.

Belaying Course:
This is essential if you want to climb (and act as a belayer) with ropes independently with friends.
After the course, you may be issued a belaying card that certifies your ability to belay safely.

EQUIPMENT: SHOULD YOU BUY OR RENT?
When heading to the climbing gym for the first few times, you don’t necessarily need to buy everything immediately.
Most gyms offer basic equipment for rent, but there are a few things that may be worth getting, at least after the very beginning.
Equipment commonly available for rent:

Climbing shoes: special shoes that allow for more precise foot placement. A beginner doesn’t necessarily need to invest in their own shoes right away but can rent them initially and form an opinion on what kind of shoes would be most comfortable.

Harnesses: In rope climbing, you'll need a safe harness. As a beginner, you can rent a harness until you have a better idea of what type works best for you.

Chalk: Chalk helps keep your hands dry during climbing, preventing slippery grips from sweaty palms. Gyms usually have communal chalk available, often in large buckets you can use.

Equipment you should consider buying:

Climbing shoes:

If you catch the climbing bug, shoes are one of the first pieces of gear worth investing in: climbing shoes are personal equipment where fit is crucial. Having your own shoes will take your climbing experience to the next level. 
Plus, it's nice to sweat into your own shoes.
Chalk and chalk bag: 
Having your own chalk bag is a small investment that makes climbing more comfortable and convenient. Chalk bags come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, allowing you to express your style.

-20%
8BPlus Chalk Bag
Σπορ‪»Αναρρίχηση‪»Ασβεστόλιθος και τσάντες ασβεστόλιθου‪»Σακούλες‪»
8BPlus Chalk Bag
Τιμή καμπάνιας 26,35 €
(3)
Άμεσα διαθέσιμο σε απόθεμα
-20%
Black Diamond Mojo Chalk Bag
Σπορ‪»Αναρρίχηση‪»Ασβεστόλιθος και τσάντες ασβεστόλιθου‪»Σακούλες‪»
Black Diamond Mojo Chalk Bag
Τιμή καμπάνιας 11,12 €
(35)
Άμεσα διαθέσιμο σε απόθεμα
-19%
Petzl Sakab
 
Σπορ‪»Αναρρίχηση‪»Ασβεστόλιθος και τσάντες ασβεστόλιθου‪»Σακούλες‪»
Petzl Sakab
Τιμή καμπάνιας 25,07 €
(8)
Άμεσα διαθέσιμο σε απόθεμα
-20%
Petzl Sakapoche
Σπορ‪»Αναρρίχηση‪»Ασβεστόλιθος και τσάντες ασβεστόλιθου‪»Σακούλες‪»
Petzl Sakapoche
Τιμή καμπάνιας 21,52 €
(12)
Άμεσα διαθέσιμο σε απόθεμα

-20%
Mammut Liquid Chalk 200ml
 
Σπορ‪»Αναρρίχηση‪»Ασβεστόλιθος και τσάντες ασβεστόλιθου‪»Ασβεστόλιθος‪»
Mammut Liquid Chalk 200ml
Τιμή καμπάνιας 10,32 €
(31)
Άμεσα διαθέσιμο σε απόθεμα
-20%
Black Diamond Uncut White Gold Loose Chalk, 300g
 
Σπορ‪»Αναρρίχηση‪»Ασβεστόλιθος και τσάντες ασβεστόλιθου‪»Ασβεστόλιθος‪»
Black Diamond Uncut White Gold Loose Chalk, 300g
Τιμή καμπάνιας 12,72 €
(22)
Άμεσα διαθέσιμο σε απόθεμα
-20%
Mammut Chalk Powder 300g
 
Σπορ‪»Αναρρίχηση‪»Ασβεστόλιθος και τσάντες ασβεστόλιθου‪»Ασβεστόλιθος‪»
Mammut Chalk Powder 300g
Τιμή καμπάνιας 11,12 €
(14)
Άμεσα διαθέσιμο σε απόθεμα
-20%
Black Diamond White Gold Loose Chalk, 200g
 
Σπορ‪»Αναρρίχηση‪»Ασβεστόλιθος και τσάντες ασβεστόλιθου‪»Ασβεστόλιθος‪»
Black Diamond White Gold Loose Chalk, 200g
Τιμή καμπάνιας 9,52 €
(35)
Άμεσα διαθέσιμο σε απόθεμα


Climbing harness:
Once you’ve figured out what type of harness suits you best, it’s wise to get one of your own. With your own gear, you ensure that you always have the right-sized equipment and know exactly how it’s been treated and maintained. Additionally, having your own gear means you can pick one with the color and style you like.

-15%
Petzl Corax
Σπορ‪»Αναρρίχηση‪»Ιμάντες‪»
Petzl Corax
Τιμή καμπάνιας 50,91 €
(62)
Άμεσα διαθέσιμο σε απόθεμα
-16%
Black Diamond Momentum Harness Mens
Σπορ‪»Αναρρίχηση‪»Ιμάντες‪»
Black Diamond Momentum Harness Mens
Τιμή καμπάνιας 46,98 €
(28)
Άμεσα διαθέσιμο σε απόθεμα
Από -22%
Petzl Sitta
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Petzl Sitta
Τιμή καμπάνιας 133,17 €
Τιμές ξεπουλήματος από 118,90 €
(21)
Άμεσα διαθέσιμο σε απόθεμα
-16%
Black Diamond Momentum Harness Womens
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Black Diamond Momentum Harness Womens
Τιμή καμπάνιας 46,98 €
(18)
Άμεσα διαθέσιμο σε απόθεμα


Climbing clothes: 
Comfortable and stretchy clothing is essential for climbing. Climbing apparel is usually breathable and provides freedom of movement, ensuring that no limb-stretching moves are limited by your outfit.

TIPS FOR FIRST-TIMERS: WHAT YOU REALLY SHOULD DO.

Warm-up and complementary exercises: 
Before you start climbing, remember to warm up properly. Climbing uses many muscles that you might not usually pay attention to: complementary exercises for climbing include mobility and strength training. You’ll quickly

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