Your taste for adventure and challenge are things that should be nurtured. Indoor rock climbing can give you all the exercise and cardio that outdoor rock climbing can give you, with an added safety net.
Joining a climbing gym is a great option if you want to learn the art of climbing or you want to improve your climbing abilities. Ensure the convenience of visiting a climbing gym every week with Indoor rock climbing in the UK , rather than spending large amounts of money every week for travelling in order to do outdoor rock climbing. There are a variety of rock climbing methods you can explore if you decide to try indoor rock climbing for yourself. Here is everything you need to know about indoor rock climbing.
- Types of Gym Climbing
You can climb both indoors and outdoors using three types of climbing, and each requires a different set of skills and gear.
Bouldering – Bouldering does not require a rope or harness, and involves routes that are close to the ground. There are thick crash pads that provide protection below you. You may also need spotters at some gyms to prevent head and neck injuries during falls.
Top–Rope Climbing – An introductory harness-and-rope climbing session offers a novice climber the chance to get a taste of the sport. Top roping in the gym involves securing the rope to an overhead anchor. A belayer holds the other end of the rope so you can be caught if you fall. You tie into one end of the rope and the other is held by a belayer. Belaying might be performed by one of the staff members, a friend with belay certification or an automatic device.
Lead Climbing – After you become proficient in top-rope climbing, lead climbing is the next step. A quickdraw already attached to a bolt on the wall will serve as your anchor when lead climbing. Once again, you will be accompanied by a belayer for your safety.
- Climbing Gear
The first thing you should do is check with your local climbing gym to see what gear they have. Some gyms may require that you bring your own rope or harness even if most offer everything you might need to practise on their walls. In the long run, owning your own gear can save some money. Basic gear is not expensive. Let’s take a look at the essentials.
Climbing Shoes – Snug-fitting shoes are essential to giving your feet a better grip on many different footholds. Shoes like these tend to stretch quite easily and provide ample flexibility. To prevent having to buy new shoes every couple of months, keep your normal shoe size or go down half a size.
Climbing Harness – In the beginning, you’ll primarily use it for top-roping and, when you’re competent enough, you can try your hand at lead climbing. Due to the limited amount of gear required to work with them, gym harnesses tend to be lightweight, easy to wear and come with minimal features.
Chalk – Chalk comes in both block and loose form. The block form is mostly the same, but you can crush it to your desired consistency. You can purchase eco chalk at your gym if traditional chalk is not allowed. Eco chalk is colourless and leaves no trace on the wall or the rock you are climbing.
Climbing Rope – Ropes are often provided free of charge to climbers in climbing gyms since they are the appropriate measure for the walls. Make sure you choose the right length before you buy your own. Consult your local gym if you decide to purchase one.
- Climbing Clothing
When it comes to climbing, it’s best to wear fit and elastic activewear. During the activity, you need your hands and feet to be visible while moving. Make sure your clothing isn’t loose so it wouldn’t get tangled in your gear or catch on the rocks.
Focus on improving your foot friction and leg placement, as your legs are much stronger than your arms. You may be able to learn climbing techniques by watching more experienced climbers, but don’t expect to be able to duplicate them immediately.
Climbing has the unique feature that, unlike other sports, you don’t really have to learn a move before you can do it; you just see a wall with many handholds, and your body knows exactly what you have to do to reach the top. It won’t take you long to get the basic motion down if you’ve climbed before.
