Learning to Climb - The Basics
Where to start? Firstly it's vital to understand how the equipment works
and the first equipment you need when you start climbing. Ideally come
to the Gearshack outdoor shop in Lewes and we'll talk you through it;
but here's a list of the climbing gear you need to start with:
For the wall:
Rock Boots - buy specialist rock boots that fit your feet very
snugly. They need to be really tight; much tighter than you'd wear shoes
normally and tight enough that you wouldn't want to wear them whilst
walking around. This is so that your feet won't move around inside the
shoe; you could be standing on a tiny hold and you don't want your foot
to slip. When buying your first rock boots, don't listen to craggy old
climbers who will tell you, 'always wear shoes two sizes smaller than
normal' - or something like that.. just get them tight, but don't go
overboard. Also, don't be tempted to buy a pair for advanced climbers
thinking that you'll improve really quickly. The difference is that
shoes for beginners will be a little stiffer. Climbers who have been
climbing for years have exceptionally strong feet, so they can have a
thinner shoe which will enable them to feel the holds better and use
smaller holds, and will be lighter. At the beginning this would be
really hard on your feet, so for the first year or so wear
beginner/intermediate shoes. Expect to pay £60 - £80
Good makes of rock boot: 5:10 (Five Ten); La Sportiva, Boreal, Red Chili, Scarpa
Chalk Bag - Any chalk bag will do; these aren't really a special
item of equipment. They are just a bag with a waist belt really. Buy one
you like the look of. Typically expect to pay £12-15.
Chalk - Some walls don't like you to use loose chalk (or
sometimes, any chalk at all) as it means everyone has to breathe your
chalk dust. If so, they will usually sell the type of chalk they approve
of. Chalk comes in either loose blocks which you crush into your chalk
bag, or more commonly now in a cotton bag which you put into your chalk
bag. This means that when you squeeze the chalk ball, only the chalk you
need goes on to your fingers and nothing goes into the air. You can
also buy a liquid that you squeeze onto the ends of your fingers instead
of chalk; this works well.
Harness - This is a trickier question, as harnesses can be used
for a variety of things - from wall climbing to Everest. Each harness
needs something different - for lead climbing on rock you need plenty of
'gear loops' to hang karabiners on, whereas for the indoor wall you'd
want a light harness with as few extras on as possible. A good
compromise is the Black Diamond Bod, which is light but will do every
job.
Screwgate Karabiner - Just get one to start with. This should be
an HMS style screwgate to go with your belay plate (HMS krabs have more
room to work with and are better with belay plates). Make sure this is a
proper screwgate, don't be tempted by'automatic' or 'twistlock'
karabiners. These aren't some kind of modern easy solution; they are
designed for something else. Expect to pay £12- £16
Belay plate - Best to buy a normal plate first; probably a Black
Diamond ATC, or similar. Expect to pay £12-£20 depending on which one
you get; don't be tempted by devices appearing to be used by experienced
climbers - some of these can be very difficult to use. You need to gain
experience on a normal one first before deciding whether you need
something else. I still use a Black Diamond ATC and I've been climbing
for 38 years..
Helmet - A frequent question from beginners is, 'Do I have to
wear a helmet?'. Well, it's up to you. The general consensus is that
helmets are good, but just like with bike riding some people simply
don't like them. The important thing to realise is that in climbing,
there are no rules and there's no real governing body in the same way as
other sports. So it really is up to you. There are some situations,
like alpine mountaineering, where you'd simply be an idiot not to wear a
helmet, as there is a constant danger of rockfall. However in a
climbing wall, or at a short crag like in the Peak District, it's your
decision.
If you do decide on a helmet, the Camp Rock Star is a good place to
start as these are a good basic helmet that look OK and don't cost a
great deal. Expect to pay from £35-70 for a helmet.