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Superskiier0115
May 6, 2012, 3:49 AM
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I've climbed before but not much. Want to do some top roping and start to lead some sport and trad routes. Don't have anyone to go with as of right now though. Is it a good idea to drop a couple hundred and get a lesson from a mountaineering venue?
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USnavy
May 6, 2012, 7:11 AM
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Yes, I would say so. You might feel that the climbing technique they teach you might not be worth the money as you can learn basic technique on your own for free. But the technical knowledge they give you is invaluable if you don't know what you are doing. The safety systems used in climbing are complicated. On its face, basic top roping and sport climbing belay systems seem simple, but there are quite a few small mistakes you can make that can have lethal consequences. It happens all of the time. Being able to effectively determine if a system or technique is safe requires attention to detail, experience, and technical knowledge that is best taught to you by a professional or someone experienced and competent. So if for no other reason, I would recommend professional instruction for the technical knowledge and experience you will obtain. Lastly, I would recommend obtaining said instruction from a outdoor guiding company, gym staff do not count as competent and qualified professionals, at least not in many cases.
(This post was edited by USnavy on May 6, 2012, 7:15 AM)
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Superskiier0115
May 6, 2012, 12:53 PM
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Thanks. I'm a diver so I'm used to paying close attention to detail for the sake of my life. Lol. And I've looked into lessons by an outdoor guiding company, (which happens to be in new york's gunks) so I'm assuming because of location that they would be top notch guides. It is world class climbing over here after all.
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billcoe_
May 6, 2012, 1:45 PM
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Superskiier0115 wrote: I've climbed before but not much. Want to do some top roping and start to lead some sport and trad routes. Don't have anyone to go with as of right now though. Is it a good idea to drop a couple hundred and get a lesson from a mountaineering venue?
You life is literally at stake here. Literally. What's your life worth to YOU? You can answer that yourself.
The climbers who stay alive and healthy the longest are the ones seeking out new info and knowledge wherever they can find it. Books, other climbers, college outdoor programs, guides.
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Colinhoglund
May 6, 2012, 2:28 PM
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There are two big reasons to get proper instruction.
1) What is your life worth? You might get away with doing it mostly right for a while, but it will eventually catch-up with you. Better to be aware of the things you still don't know, then live in ignorance until it bites.
2) Time is money, many beginners can learn in a weekend with a guide what would take a whole summer of futzing around on their own. Why not steepen your learning curve and get more out of your time?
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canadianruby
May 6, 2012, 5:48 PM
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Absolutely. I think lessons from an experienced climber is a really really good idea. There's so much to learn. 
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houslele
May 9, 2012, 2:02 AM
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To give you the other side of things, theres other ways to learn besides lessons. Seek out experienced partners. Go to sites like climbfind, and meetup.com to find partners and climbing groups in your area. I consider myself a very knowledgeable climber and I've never had a lesson. Theres plenty of climbers and climber groups with people that love to teach new climbers for the price of your friendship, and they will teach you the correct, safe ways. Having said that if youve got spare money to spend, go for it. Learning from other people sets you up with a new partner and friend though.
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houslele
May 9, 2012, 2:03 AM
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Also this site has a good forum for finding partners
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Superskiier0115
May 9, 2012, 4:33 AM
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I've put a post in there but no responses yet.
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houslele
May 9, 2012, 1:33 PM
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try meetup.com
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Amorino
May 16, 2012, 8:44 AM
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I started climbing 3 years ago and i took what they call a "first Steps Course" iv'e been hooked ever since. getting tuition first is a must you also get to meet a lot of like minded people.
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blueeyedclimber
May 16, 2012, 1:30 PM
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Superskiier0115 wrote: I've climbed before but not much. Want to do some top roping and start to lead some sport and trad routes. Don't have anyone to go with as of right now though. Is it a good idea to drop a couple hundred and get a lesson from a mountaineering venue?
Yes, a class (or classes) will be worth it, but consider the following:
* Just like any other service, not all guides/instructors are created equal. Ask around. Word of mouth is the single most important way to find out if a particular instructor is worth it.
* Unless you want to learn a more specialized skill, like you want to learn aid techniques or self rescue, then take a class with a larger group. You won't get as much attention from the instructor, but you will meet other people around the same level as you. Be friendly and you might meet some potential partners.
* You will get more out of a class if you do some homework beforehand. Read some books and articles on the subject. Coming in with some prior knowledge will increase the learning and will also allow you to ask to questions that may have come up during your reading.
* No matter how good the instructor is, don't take what they say as gospel. Even very experienced climbers could have developed some bad habits or may have gaps in their learning. Continue your education after the class with as many different sources as possible.
Josh
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healyje
May 16, 2012, 6:15 PM
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Like a PADI class, it generally can't hurt, but in the end 'lessons' are fleeting exchanges of knowledge and what you're after is steady yardage and experience with competent leaders.
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shockabuku
May 17, 2012, 4:52 AM
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Superskiier0115 wrote: Thanks. I'm a diver so I'm used to paying close attention to detail for the sake of my life. Lol. And I've looked into lessons by an outdoor guiding company, (which happens to be in new york's gunks) so I'm assuming because of location that they would be top notch guides. It is world class climbing over here after all.
Be careful and pick someone with a well established reputation. I once saw a guy who guided at the Gunk's let a rope end go through his belay device while lowering someone. It was a memorable but unpleasant experience.
And be very wary of meetup.
(This post was edited by shockabuku on May 17, 2012, 4:55 AM)
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masjojon
May 19, 2012, 6:26 PM
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Thankx for tips..very helpfull
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bandycoot
May 19, 2012, 8:30 PM
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As someone who instructs, I'd say yes. You'll learn a lot more material, much faster than you normally would. It'll give you a better foundation to grow from early on and if you intend to be serious about climbing it'll help your entire climbing career by becoming knowledgeable earlier. I'm a very quintessentially independent person who eschews hiring someone when I can do it myself, but looking back I realize that I could have learned a lot more faster if I'd followed another path. Not that I'm unhappy with where I'm at now, just sayin...
Josh
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jt512
May 19, 2012, 8:46 PM
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houslele wrote: To give you the other side of things, theres other ways to learn besides lessons. Seek out experienced partners. Go to sites like climbfind, and meetup.com to find partners and climbing groups in your area. I consider myself a very knowledgeable climber and I've never had a lesson.
On the other, hand you recommend meetup.com.
Jay
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acorneau
May 20, 2012, 7:38 PM
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jt512 wrote: houslele wrote: To give you the other side of things, theres other ways to learn besides lessons. Seek out experienced partners. Go to sites like climbfind, and meetup.com to find partners and climbing groups in your area. I consider myself a very knowledgeable climber and I've never had a lesson. On the other, hand you recommend meetup.com. Jay
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