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rockjok
Nov 26, 2002, 8:48 PM
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This might be a stupid question but...can you go by yourself to an indoor climbing gym and expect to climb? I mean if your partner can't go and you still want to climb. Does the staff help out or do you just not go alone???
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bsperes
Nov 26, 2002, 8:52 PM
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there is always boldering, no partner needed.
otherwise some gyms have auto-belay systems that allow you to rope up partner free.
Most, if not all, gym employees, will not belay you unless you are paying for the service. Liability is high for that sort of thing.
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z0mb1e
Nov 26, 2002, 9:22 PM
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Going to the gym alone is a great way to meet new climbers. Just go in a look for odd number groups of climbers and ask if you can join them, or anyone else that is alone.
Every time I climb with new people I end up learning a new technique, which is great.
If all else fails you can boulder and work on you technique.
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sauron
Nov 26, 2002, 9:40 PM
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I keep meeting cute climber girls at the gym..
- d.
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alwaysforward
Nov 26, 2002, 9:41 PM
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damn.. i went to the gym alone once and was to embarassed to ask anyone. i just bouldered alone for like an hour and a half it was boring
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estebandb
Nov 26, 2002, 10:08 PM
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When i go alone i just boulder at 'the cave' or look for other climbers. Another thing i do at the gym I literary go around the gym. like move horizontally along the walls. It's good training for mw at least. Just do it when there aren't too many climbers around...it could be really annoying if others are trying to climb.
Peace
Esteban
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climbsomething
Nov 26, 2002, 10:55 PM
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Boulder, traverse, or just ask a stranger for a belay. Tis not complicated
Or you could just bring your Tibloc in for a self-belay on the TRs (in case you didn't know, that was a JOKE)
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mwbtle
Nov 26, 2002, 11:16 PM
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I went to the gym once by myself. There are auto belay devices there, so I figured I'd be set. But there were other people using them too, so I didn't get much time on them, and the place was packed, and cliquey so I didn't feel too comfortable asking for a belay, I got some weird looks as it was just being there alone. I ended up climbing for about an hour and then leaving because it wasn't much fun. So its doable, just not for me...you may decide differently.
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missedyno
Nov 26, 2002, 11:45 PM
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when i'm on the late shift, i don't have a partner to climb with. i go to the gym and traverse, and just see who's there. normally people who i ask are cool with giving me a belay, i try to be courteous and not hangdog anything so that i don't cut into their planned climbing time so much.
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rockjok
Dec 2, 2002, 10:00 PM
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Thanks for all the input. Think I'll give er a try and just show up. I can use the practice.
Thanks!
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mcfoley
Dec 2, 2002, 10:47 PM
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yes its called BOULDERING!!!
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climbergirl15
Dec 3, 2002, 1:31 PM
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I have gone a couple times by myself. Its not as much fun, but you can meet up with people to climb with, and if that doesn't work you always have the option to boulder. Thats what I end up doing most of the time. Wait actually unless my partner or partners are there, I only boulder, unless I have brought a person who wants to try climbing.
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bsperes
Dec 3, 2002, 1:42 PM
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mwbtle, you should try Sportrock in Rockville, not as cliquey (sp?) as the gym you climbed in.
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mwbtle
Dec 3, 2002, 2:21 PM
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Thanks for the suggestion. When looking for gyms in MD I saw sportrock listed, but rockville is sadly fairly far from me, so I haven't been. One of these days I'll have to give it a shot.
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rockjok
Dec 3, 2002, 6:18 PM
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One last question. If I just go to the gym to boulder, do I have to furnish my own crash pad or do they furnish them for you?
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mwbtle
Dec 3, 2002, 6:20 PM
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most gyms have crashpads or torn up tire rubber or something so you don't hurt yourself. I wouldn't worry too much about it. You might want to check out your specific gym first though.
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rodeomountain
Dec 3, 2002, 6:39 PM
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I go to the gym alone all the time and prefer it that way. I get more climbing in if I don't have to belay someone else. Bouldering builds strength, works on technique, and treversing will improve on your endurance. I teverse around the gym and back until I can't hold onto the wall anymore, rest and do it again. Occationally I will see someone up there I know and get on a rope but I don't feel I get near the workout.
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coldclimb
Dec 3, 2002, 7:15 PM
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The gym here has a large bouldering area, so I can boulder alone for several hours before getting bored.
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col_sanderz
Dec 3, 2002, 7:33 PM
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Agreed, boulderin on your own isnt a problem really, and yes most gyms have bigass crash pads, shredded tires and so on. The only thing I dont like about bouldering alone is that there is no one to push ya when its really needed. Oh ya, just start talking to someone and they'll usually offer ya a belay, at least around here they do.
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misha
Dec 6, 2002, 4:53 AM
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it's called bouldering. you can get way more bouldering in then roped climbing.
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spoon
Dec 6, 2002, 5:45 AM
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Bouldering can suck if you're all by yourself in a gym not really suited to bouldering. If your gym has a cave on the other hand you're set for sure. At my gym there are almost always people hanging out in front of the cave who will encourage me and make suggestions when I climb. It's not the same as climbing on rope, but it has other advantages like helping your technique and getting you good and ripped.
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lalamur
Dec 9, 2002, 7:42 PM
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you can always go to the gym and just boulder. there's also several solo climbing devices, or you could even use a grigri to climb alone.
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parangole
Dec 13, 2002, 1:31 AM
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Climb alone is essential to your mind, but climb in group is better to improve your techniques!
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coclimber26
Dec 13, 2002, 1:41 AM
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There is only one way to find out. Go and see. Best case there will be someone willing to climb with you worst case you hit the bouldering area..
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iridesantacruz
Dec 13, 2002, 1:47 AM
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yeah... what everyone i saying, the worst that can happen is you'll boulder for alittle and go home. Atleast you got some climbing in. Caves also give a really good workout if theres one at your gym.
chris
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