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thrmaln
Mar 4, 2005, 6:34 AM
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Registered: Mar 4, 2005
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Hello All,
I am just about to get into climbing. I currently Cycle (mountain, road) for fitness but my upper body strength is very lacking. I would rather get fit doing an activity rather then at a weight lifting gym. This has led me to give climbing a try. I plan to join a local rock gym to learn in a safe environment and plan to move outside as I progress but need to get some equipment. I can go to REI, but would like to find a climbing specific store in Ventura or LA county. I work in Thousand Oaks CA where the rock gym is located. I live in Castaic CA, so any store somewhere near the places listed above would be great.
The problem with REI is I would imagine it would be nice to be able to hang your weight when deciding on harnesses which REI does not do. I am a fairly big guy (6'4" 230lbs 38" waist) so I would like equipment made for larger people. The harness I am considering is the PETZL Corax and the shoes the La Sportiva Mythos (purple why purple!). Are these good choices? NAy others I should considder. I am willing to pay for equipment I can grow into rather then out of.
Best regards,
Marc Webster
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sofakingcool
Mar 4, 2005, 6:43 AM
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Registered: Feb 24, 2004
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Hey
Are you going to be climbing at Boulderdash ? I'm usually there about 3 nights a week . Great gym , tall walls and awesome staff ..
I know the REI in Northridge does have a setup so you can hang in your harness , its right there next to the shoes . Rick who works there is really helpful .. The Mythos seem to be a pretty great all around shoe , but they do stretch so make sure to size them down a bit ..
See ya around,
Phill
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thrmaln
Mar 4, 2005, 3:29 PM
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Registered: Mar 4, 2005
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Hey Phill,
Yes Boulderdash is the place. My friend and I from work will be taking the up rope class this evening and may join the gym if all goes well. We both commute to Newbury Park and wanted a gym close to work rather then home since we lose motivation once were home.
So is REI the best place in our area? I plan to give Malibu State Creek a try since I have seen climbers there when I mountain bike. Are there any climbs that are for beginners? Are the bolted sport climbs rated like a ski area with some sort of system that would let me know it is an easier route? If so is it clearly marked? What does TRAD mean?
thanks for the info,
Marc
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thrmaln
Mar 4, 2005, 3:30 PM
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Registered: Mar 4, 2005
Posts: 160
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Hey Phill,
Yes Boulderdash is the place. My friend and I from work will be taking the up rope class this evening and may join the gym if all goes well. We both commute to Newbury Park and wanted a gym close to work rather then home since we lose motivation once were home.
So is REI the best place in our area? I plan to give Malibu State Creek a try since I have seen climbers there when I mountain bike. Are there any climbs that are for beginners? Are the bolted sport climbs rated like a ski area with some sort of system that would let me know it is an easier route? If so is it clearly marked? What does TRAD mean?
thanks for the info,
Marc
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erisspirit
Mar 4, 2005, 8:11 PM
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Registered: Dec 15, 2004
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Check out the route database on this site. There are lots of outdoor climbing locations for when you get into the sport more. Your best bet tho would be to meet people at boulderdash and make friends with them. Then maybe they can take you out show you the area and all the important stuff you should know to climbing outside
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washufinku
Mar 4, 2005, 9:10 PM
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Registered: Oct 22, 2003
Posts: 20
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There is an okay climbing shop in downtown Ventura- Reel Cheap Sports, or something like that. I don't remember how much climbing gear they have, but I know they must have some.
--Carleton
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troutboy
Mar 4, 2005, 9:24 PM
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Registered: Apr 25, 2003
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In reply to: The harness I am considering is the PETZL Corax and the shoes the La Sportiva Mythos (purple why purple!). Are these good choices?
The Mythos is a fine shoe and has been around for a long time, very popular...however, the shoe is really not intended for a beginner. The sticky rubber on the shoe is a little thinner than on most and with your likely poor technique (being a beginner), will wear out sooner.
That is not to say you should not buy this shoe. If it fits your foot, feels comfortable, and is priced right go for it (my experience is the Mythos is one of the more expensive shoes and is rarely on sale). Just be aware you will be replacing or resoling it a bit sooner than you might imagine. Factor that into the cost scenario.
TS
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rafael
Mar 4, 2005, 10:12 PM
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Registered: May 26, 2004
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Hello Mark, welcome to climbing.
I live in Big Bear and have the same problem find climbing shops nearby... You should try yhis link :http://rockclimb.org/shops.html
I climbed couple times on Malibu Creek and its awesome. There is a wall in there (Planet of Apes) wich has several routes that go from 5.6 (easy) to 5.12 (not for me).
I've been to Boulderdash two times, the first time I turned around and left in less than 5 minutes. The costumer service was really bad and took me out of the mood. I gave them a second chance and the only guy that was working there was pretty cool.
Hope the link helps you.
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dancesonrocks
Mar 4, 2005, 10:15 PM
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Registered: Sep 25, 2002
Posts: 82
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Real Cheap Sports in Ventura lets you hang in your harness. They only have about 5 models of harnesses though. But you should still be able to find one you like. I ended up with a Black Diamond one from there as a replacement for my old Arcteryx. They do have some shoes as well but I didn't get a good look at them.
Within walking distance from Real Cheap Sports is Patagonia. They have a wider range of shoes (including Mythos) and gear but not so many harnesses. As for your choice of shoes, I'm a Mythos gal. I've resoled my unisex Mythos twice now.
In LA county, besides REI there is also Adventure 16 - one location in West Hills and another in WLA. Prices are not cheap though.
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