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dcc24
May 1, 2009, 7:33 PM
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Hi RC community! I'm interested in starting climbing and I've read the FAQ. I still have a few things in my mind though.
I'm 115kgs (253 lbs) and 182cm (roughly 6 feet). I'm not "that" fat (read: I don't "look" that bad) although I realize I'm extremely unfit at best. Should I be starting climbing? If not, why? If so, do you have any suggestions?
Thanks!
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rocknice2
May 1, 2009, 7:37 PM
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dcc24 wrote: Hi RC community! I'm interested in starting climbing and I've read the FAQ. I still have a few things in my mind though. I'm 115kgs (253 lbs) and 182cm (roughly 6 feet). I'm not "that" fat (read: I don't "look" that bad) although I realize I'm extremely unfit at best. Should I be starting climbing? If not, why? If so, do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
Have Fun !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
There are all sorts of levels of climbing and there are many large climbers who can crank hard.
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shrug7
May 1, 2009, 7:38 PM
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Now's a better time as any.
I started when I was 320+ (6'2")
You'll be fine.
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bill413
May 1, 2009, 7:42 PM
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If you can climb stairs, you can climb.
Some climbs you'll find easy, others hard. Pick the ones you want to do & go after them.
Enjoy!
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majid_sabet
May 1, 2009, 7:53 PM
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dcc24 wrote: Hi RC community! I'm interested in starting climbing and I've read the FAQ. I still have a few things in my mind though. I'm 115kgs (253 lbs) and 182cm (roughly 6 feet). I'm not "that" fat (read: I don't "look" that bad) although I realize I'm extremely unfit at best. Should I be starting climbing? If not, why? If so, do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
you should be fine but do not let any skinny deep stick belay you
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coastal_climber
May 1, 2009, 8:48 PM
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You'll do fine. My Ice partner is 6'3. and 240lbs and he cranks on lead.
As mentioned, make sure your belayer (if they are significantly lighter) is anchored down and using a high friction belay device.
Have fun.
(This post was edited by coastal_climber on May 1, 2009, 8:49 PM)
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agdavis
May 1, 2009, 9:05 PM
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dcc24 wrote: Hi RC community! I'm interested in starting climbing and I've read the FAQ. I still have a few things in my mind though. I'm 115kgs (253 lbs) and 182cm (roughly 6 feet). I'm not "that" fat (read: I don't "look" that bad) although I realize I'm extremely unfit at best. Should I be starting climbing? If not, why? If so, do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
it's like any sport -- you can participate, but you will be limited based on your fitness/skill. hey, you never know, maybe this will help you become more fit. i'd wager that if you stuck with climbing you would naturally become more fit.
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jammer
May 1, 2009, 9:46 PM
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dcc24 wrote: Hi RC community! I'm interested in starting climbing and I've read the FAQ. I still have a few things in my mind though. I'm 115kgs (253 lbs) and 182cm (roughly 6 feet). I'm not "that" fat (read: I don't "look" that bad) although I realize I'm extremely unfit at best. Should I be starting climbing? If not, why? If so, do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
(This post was edited by jammer on May 1, 2009, 9:46 PM)
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thepuddlestore
May 1, 2009, 9:50 PM
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just cross train, you want to be a better climber? run.
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jguy
May 1, 2009, 10:06 PM
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Dude go for it.
I would have your belayer stick with a Petzl Gri-Gri. (my climbing partner is around 240 lbs and i've felt less than secure with standard plate-type belay devices such as an ATC).
A lot of harnesses out there might be uncomfortable for you..the Cadillac by Misty Mountain is the best "big guy" harness I've seen. It's pricey, but from what i've seen/heard, it's worth it for a lot of folks.
good luck and climb on.
J
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edge
May 1, 2009, 10:13 PM
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The key things to consider when starting climbing are:
Do you want to?
Is it enjoyable to you?
Can I afford to get addicted to a gear and travel extensive hobby?
If you answered "yes" to any of those, then go for it. You do not have to climb 5.14 or even 5.8 to enjoy climbing. Many people just get out for the sheer fun of the movement, camaraderie, and exercise. I have much more fun on a long cruiser alpine route than I do on a difficult sport climb.
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no_email_entered
May 1, 2009, 10:32 PM
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edge wrote: You do not have to climb 5.14 or even 5.8 to enjoy climbing.
but you'll enjoy it a hell of a lot more---
----oh, and keep this mantra going through your head at all times: "must watch my feet... must use my legs" [no, i'm not being a smartass for once]
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bill413
May 1, 2009, 10:37 PM
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Ah - suggestions -
I started climbing outside. For me, that's the real enjoyment of it - being outdoors, natural climbing. Others started in the gym - that's cool. (I climb all styles - trad, sport, gym, boulder - with varying degrees of badness).
But, start at a place that appeals to you. I highly recommend a course - either thru volunteer organizations (AMC in my area) or guides, or even gyms.
Welcome 
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charley
May 1, 2009, 10:38 PM
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no_email_entered wrote: edge wrote: You do not have to climb 5.14 or even 5.8 to enjoy climbing. but you'll enjoy it a hell of a lot more--- BULLSHIT!!!11  AZZOL
(This post was edited by charley on May 1, 2009, 10:40 PM)
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bill413
May 1, 2009, 10:44 PM
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I have a friend that now maxes out 5.6 to 5.7 (with occasional higher stuff, but not much). He absolutely still loves to climb. Moreso than some folks I know that climb 5.11 & higher. Totally depends on you.
Don't let grades dictate your climbing. Let your enjoyment of climbs decide what you want to climb.
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no_email_entered
May 1, 2009, 10:55 PM
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charley wrote: no_email_entered wrote: edge wrote: You do not have to climb 5.14 or even 5.8 to enjoy climbing. but you'll enjoy it a hell of a lot more--- BULLSHIT!!!11 AZZOL
whoa there hoss. just a little good-natured ribbing. no need to go all Howard Dean on the ponderosa---
---i was referring to the 5.8, not the 5.14, and yes, outside is where you want to be.
---but seriously, you can climb 5.7 all your life and be at one with god, nature, pine tar and owl shit, but 5.8 is when the climbing starts getting interesting
---[okay right here is where you can say 'well hell you come out here to pencil land and i'll show you some 5.blah that will make you piss your pants, blah, blah]
---back to the op: have fun, use your feet, climb outdoors, if you catch the fever, take a class, hire a guide, find a safe mentor. welcome [but you're in for some sleepless nights]
(This post was edited by no_email_entered on May 1, 2009, 10:56 PM)
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Terry2124
May 3, 2009, 12:53 AM
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Nothing wrong with thta, go for it and see what you can do. If you really enjoy it consider healthy choices and trainiing to push yourself further.
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Becknology
May 3, 2009, 3:42 AM
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They're right. The great thing about climbing is that nearly anyone can participate! The longer you'll stick with it, the more weight you'll lose and the more flexibility you'll gain! Climbing keeps you young and healthy!
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