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View Full Version : know nothin' of sport climbing, questions...


TresMon
30th January 2006, 06:44 PM
Confession:
I have been trianed in the basics of what we call "vertical rope rescue" in the sates, just standard mountian rescue stuff and have rappelled or I think you call it absel for years and taught a few classes on all the above. But I have never rally looked into sport rock climbing. I'm starting to think about it a lot so I thought I would ask the best way to learn. I'm in the ministry and all volunteer, and not able to work in the UK (gov. regs) so I basically do not have a budget, period. So is their a very low cost or preferably no-cost way to learn climbing? I'm self taught at most of my pursuits, but rock climbing is not something I wan't to chance learning the "wrong way" or poor technique, only to then have to unlearn bad habits and relearn. Not having gear I of course would have to start with bouldering. I do however know the techinical side of anchors, knots etc, or the know the basics quite well.

Should I just go have a try at it, or would it be wise to start working out the muscles until summer and then go? I imagine above average strength is needed and would make the learning curve far shorter. So whatta ya say about all the above?

timmygowalkies
30th January 2006, 10:29 PM
Try finding a local climbing group and join them. Obviously there will be a cost but it shouldn't be too bigger fee, this means you have a nice friendly atmosphere to learn in.

You could also find someone or a group of people who are experienced climbers and ask if you can go out with them and watch them for a while and then get them to teach you. Make sure they are experienced though.

I do a fair bit of scrambling and have done some basic bouldering, I am not muscely, in fact I'm quite the opposite, my upper arm muscle is pretty much non-existent. I find that the adrenaline rush really does help when catching holds etc. I guess strength will help, but it isn't as essential as many would think. (In my experience anyway)

If you check out the Petzl website I think there are some instructional videos on there; harnesses, rope care, placement of fixtures etc.

Hope this helps,
Tim

TresMon
31st January 2006, 02:46 PM
Thanks Tim.
Anyone know of a Climbing club in the highlands right off the top of their heads?

timmygowalkies
31st January 2006, 06:14 PM
www.thebmc.co.uk (http://www.thebmc.co.uk)

Have a look on there, I'm pretty sure there is a list of registered climbing clubs in the UK on there :thumb: