Mountain Trails [#18] - Climbing Adventure

At the beginning, everyone asks themselves the question, is climbing really for me? After all, for many years it has been established that this is a sport associated with something very extreme, high altitudes, exposure, and climbers are often people shrouded in a sense of mystery. Today, climbing has become a very popular sport, and in every larger city, we can find climbing walls. Therefore, instead of pondering the answer to the earlier question, it’s worth visiting the nearest climbing wall to see if the devil is really as scary as he’s made out to be.   

We are at the climbing wall, what's next?

The absolute basic is to go through an introductory training, during which you will learn the basics of climbing, which you cannot do without. In the training, you will learn how to properly put on a climbing harness, how to tie a figure of eight knot, and how to use a belay device. Together with your partner, you will slowly become accustomed to the technique of belaying and your first climbs. You can feel completely safe because you are climbing under the supervision of an instructor, and the rope at the climbing wall is hung securely. The equipment needed for the activity can be rented on-site for a small fee. Remember to wear clothes that allow unrestricted movement during training.

Climbing Training          

Once you know that climbing is for you, it's worth considering climbing training. The most sensible option is to sign up for a climbing section where you can work on your technique, increase muscle strength, and improve endurance. Sections are divided by skill level, so you can be sure you will be placed in a group of people at your level. In the classes, you will be climbing on a rope, but you will also learn how to lead routes. 

Gathering Equipment

In the long run, renting climbing equipment is not cost-effective. On the other hand, there is no need to rush into major purchases - for starters, the absolute basics are sufficient: a harness, climbing shoes, and a belay device. Nothing more is needed. At the wall, you will always find a hanging rope. If you have trouble with sweaty hands while climbing, it’s worth investing in chalk (available in liquid, cream, or powder form).

Rock Climbing

Once you have become accustomed to climbing on the wall, and the sun increasingly invites you to outdoor activities, you can tackle your first climbing routes on the rocks. Give yourself time to acclimatise, as holds on the rock are not presented on a platter, and we have to think a bit more. Therefore, start with easier routes on top rope, and if you feel confident on them, try leading them. It’s advisable to climb with someone who has experience and knows how to climb safely. Remember that climbing is a fairly dangerous sport, and our safety depends on us and our partner.

Basic Rock Climbing Course 

If you feel that your knowledge needs to be systematised or you simply do not feel confident on the rocks, you should definitely consider a climbing course on bolted routes, where over several days you will learn to climb again on top rope, lead climbing, and become familiar with multi-pitch routes.

Author of the text and photos: Ewa Bandyk