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firephoto91
Nov 2, 2004, 2:36 PM
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Well tomorrow is the first time I will ever go climbing. I was wondering if anyone has any advice or tips, other than don't fall? I am going to a gym near my home and am hoping to get back into shape. I am already prepared for the pain but that doesn't bother me at all. Just some words of advice or anything would be nice. Thanks in advance.
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cantbuymefriends
Nov 2, 2004, 2:42 PM
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Wrong! Climb til you fall, otherwise you havn't tried hard enough. :lol:
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firephoto91
Nov 2, 2004, 2:44 PM
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ok that is fine I know I am going to fall I am kinda prepared for it I think
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overlord
Nov 2, 2004, 2:46 PM
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my advice is dont be afraid of falling.
and take it slow. rushing almost never pays in climbing, especially for newbies.
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jammer
Nov 2, 2004, 3:32 PM
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Even though you'll discover these on your own after awhile, here are a few hints.
Try to move in fluid movements, not jerky. Maintain calm breathing; do not overgrip a hold (this will cause pumping); keep your focus on the climb, not the height; relax as much as possible; keep your balance over your feel; push up with your feet, do not pull up with your hands unless necessary. Drink water.
Welcome & Have Fun!
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greyicewater
Nov 2, 2004, 3:43 PM
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welcome to the world of climbing! everything you need to know you will basically learn on your own. it's loads of fun.
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cchildre
Nov 2, 2004, 3:52 PM
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Use a rope too!
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slhappy
Nov 2, 2004, 4:13 PM
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In reply to: welcome to the world of climbing! everything you need to know you will basically learn on your own. it's loads of fun.
or atleast on the computer...
climb however you want...and if you keep doing it you'll get into great shape too.
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markc
Nov 2, 2004, 4:24 PM
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As you're going to a local gym, the best advice you can probably receive is to listen to the staff. They should review tying in, proper belay technique, and the gym's safety guidelines. If you have questions, make sure to speak up. It's better to ask a seemingly silly question rather than risk injury.
As others have said, falling isn't usually a big concern when toproping in the gym (as long as you have an attentive belay). Try to remember to look at your feet and use your legs to push as much as possible. Your arms will tire quickly. Other than that, just have a good time.
If there are bolt hangers on the wall (metal rings with holes in them that resemble capital Ds), DO NOT grab them or stick your finger in them. These are there for lead climbing, and can cause severe injury to your fingers if you fall with your finger in one.
Have fun,
mark
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bad_lil_kitty
Nov 2, 2004, 4:24 PM
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have lots of fun and yes, don't be afraid to fall...
but best advice yet, wait til you pass your belayer if you need to pass wind...
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jammer
Nov 2, 2004, 4:27 PM
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In reply to: have lots of fun and yes, don't be afraid to fall... but best advice yet, wait til you pass your belayer if you need to pass wind...
You in the cat-nip this early :shock:
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headchop
Nov 2, 2004, 4:29 PM
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Look at your feet!
Seriously, concentrate on your feet. When you move them, look to where you want them to go and watch your foot until you've placed it on the next hold. Try to make small movements with your feet and don't bring them up too close to your hands. Push with your legs.
Your hands/arms should mainly be used to keep you balanced and from falling away from the wall - use your legs to push yourself up the wall.
And try to relax.
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nightlion
Nov 2, 2004, 4:43 PM
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welcome to climbing. be prepared to be addicted.
climb high, climb hard
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sknowlton
Nov 2, 2004, 4:50 PM
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Welcome to the vert world! Listen closely to the staff, have fun, and remember: gravity is always in effect!! :D
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mtimoszyk
Nov 2, 2004, 4:59 PM
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Be prepared to drive your friends and family crazy with your stories from climbing...
Climbing is very addictive...you will climb till your hands will take no more...
The best advice I can give is take your time, rest when you need to and most important.....Have FUN!!!
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curt
Nov 2, 2004, 5:08 PM
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It is OK to fall, but don't die. Getting killed climbing is bad form, especially if it is your first time out. :wink:
Curt
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firephoto91
Nov 3, 2004, 1:09 PM
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well today is the day. The wife was checking our life insurance policy last night lloks like she will be ok. I just hope she didn't call the gym and have them cut any rope or something.
To be honest I am not to nervous more anxious I think. I would like to thank everyone for the advice It has been great. I think I am going to be here a lot in the future baring any injuries tonight but I don't think thats going to happen. I have a really adictive personality so I think I will love this. Reading these post have made me want to do this more than anything. I haven't slept in 24 hours because of work so I am going to try and get some sleep. Damn elections our editor made all of the reporters stay at the office last night hoping things would be final by this morning. Oh well. Thanks again everyone the advice has been great.
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thecrux
Nov 3, 2004, 2:08 PM
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stretch!
make like gumby and stretch everything, especially your fingers and arms. in a gym, depending on its layout, stretch and then boulder a lap to warm up those muscles. then stretch again. being your first time climbing, don't worry about technique too much, but being able to get up in the morning :wink:
and, welcome to physics: friction is your friend.
peace
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shakylegs
Nov 3, 2004, 2:10 PM
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One other thing: if you go shopping for groceries the day after your first time, use a cart instead of a basket. Trust me on this. Your arms are going to feel incredibly weak, but in a good way.
This, the day-after weakness, shall pass.
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tgreene
Nov 3, 2004, 2:30 PM
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Don't worry about anything... absolutely nothing at all... JUST HAVE FUN!
Since this will be your first climb ever, you'll obviously be on a top rope, and HOPEFULLY will have a competent belayer, so even if you do fall, you'll weight the rope and hang about 20" below where you let go.
Do as the others all say, and don't be afraid of falling. Don't get to a point where you're all stressed out and start clinging to the holds (it's a perfectly normal reaction, unless you know better!). Just keep climbing, take rests when you need them, and keep climbing. If you think you're going to fall, just keep climbing. When you actually begin to fall, yell "F-A-L-L-I-N-G", so that your belayer instantly knows that your life is now in his/her hands for real.
One of the most important aspects of climbing, is the understanding that it's actually more mental than physical. For most of us, that took a little time to understand! :idea:
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insert_cool_name_here
Nov 4, 2004, 2:41 AM
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my partners and I have a little tradition of getting a few drinks after a long day of climbing..............you know you have done a good day of climbing when you cant even pick up a beer and you have to ask for a straw
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irockclimbtoo
Nov 4, 2004, 2:48 AM
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ab
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firephoto91
Nov 4, 2004, 12:56 PM
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Well last night was it. I went at 7:00 and climbed until 8:00. I learned a little about the gear and a few climbing techniques. My arms were really sore last night adn now I can barely lift my coffee this morning. All I can say from my first hour of climbing is It is kinda like crack It hurts but feels so good and it is going to keep me coming back to get more. I loved it it was the most fun I have had since i moved to Arkansas. One thing I learned and that I loved about it that noone ever told me about Climbing is very theraputic. I was so much more relaxed when I was done than I have been in a long time. While I was climbing nothing else in life really mattered. There was no deadlines no editors no storys about death and destruction. THe only thing I was thinking about was Holy SH#$I am going to fall then I didn't and it was awesome. I did fall a few times last night and That was just as good for me I just pushed myself to keep going. Oh and thanks for the advice none of it really came in handy being I didn't remember a thing as soon as my hands touched the hold but thank you anyway. I just wanted to say thanks for the help and I am having fun I plan on going back this friday if I can find someone to go with. Thanks for the help.
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