Climbing and bouldering can be scary hobbies to start up out of the blue. Trust me, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified the first time I tried it. However, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever pursued and I highly recommend just giving it a shot. So, to motivate you and make you feel a little more confident, I compiled a couple tips that might help.
Go to an indoor gym
This one is a pretty obvious tip, but indoor gyms are the best place to learn the basics and really master your skills. You also get to climb in air conditioning, which is a definite plus.
Watch other climbers
Watching others complete routes and learning how they move can be really beneficial to helping you learn how to move effectively and efficiently. Be careful not to mirror their exact movements, though, because everyone has different strengths, weaknesses, and climbing styles.
Think about your moves and don’t rush
It’s important to remember that climbing is not a race. Especially if you are just starting out, rushing can cause you to mess up or not complete routes. Additionally, take time to think about your next moves so you don’t get stuck or frustrated, both of which cause you to get stuck in a position where you can’t continue the route. Climbing can be like a puzzle and taking the time to figure out the next piece before rushing into it can be really helpful, especially for a beginner.
Stay motivated and don’t lose confidence
I’m just going to be honest with you and let you know that you aren’t going to be an expert the first time you go, which is totally okay. You probably won’t finish the first route you try either, which is also completely fine. You have to let yourself be a beginner and stay motivated because I promise the more you go the better you will get.
Get the right kind of shoes
You can’t just climb in sneakers or Vans, so you have to get the right kind of shoes in order to climb. Climbing shoes are super important and allow you to use your feet to your advantage. They are a little tight which can feel weird in the beginning, but you will get used to it. Additionally, if you aren’t planning to invest in a pair of shoes, you can rent them or borrow them from a friend.
Climbing can be such a rewarding experience and it’s amazing to watch your personal development throughout the process of learning. It’s such an incredible feeling finishing your first climbing route and gaining that confidence in yourself. The more you go, the better you will get and the more fun you will have. It can be a great thing to do with friends and also keeps you in shape (I mean come on, who doesn’t love that). I hope this article inspired you to try climbing at least once and experience the surprising benefits that come along with it.