1. No Rocks, no Problem
Urban climbers usually get their start in the mountains or hilly terrains where climbers are recognized as part of the landscape. They might even have gotten the climbing bug at a walk in local gym or spa that offers patrons a trip up the side of a climbing wall, tethered to prevent falls. Then suddenly a climber gets an itch in the city and there's no mountain around. Urban climbers take what they can get, from bushy riverbanks to tall buildings and bridges. Anything with the smallest room for a toehold can grab the attention of an urban climber.
2. Building Preference
Climbers who prefer buildings to bridges and urban natural settings, are called builderers. Because of the public nature of building climbing, these climbers often draw a crowd and garner brief local media attention. Sometimes, a builderer will attract the attention of the local police. Check out climbing ordinances in the town where you want to climb if you don't want to spend the night in the pokey and have to come up with bail money. You might even be held for a bail hearing and that would just add up to one big hassle. So weigh the risks of getting caught.
3. Urban Climbing: a Thrill Event
Since most urban climbing is illegal, it's difficult for climbers to arrange for competitions. Most of the climbers' reputations come through the mythical meanderings of their fans in gossip columns and through online communities. Urban climbing is more of a thrill event than a sport, but it definitely requires a high level of fitness and a high tolerance for risk. Work on arms and leg muscles for a better climbing physique.
4. Know Your Trail
In many towns, previous urban climbers have scaled the best climbing buildings and rated them for difficulty. Find a blog to learn the stats before your next climb. While most urban climbing is done solo, you can derive a certain amount of community with other climbers. Look for ways to cut a climb short if you feel like you can't make it or the police have interrupted your ascent. An open window or nearby ledge can serve this purpose.
5. No Gear Here
Most urban climbers go it alone, bare handed and without the safety of ropes and tethers. They don't need the belts and bags to hold the pegs, since there is no place to set the pegs anyway. They don't require much in the way of gear at all, but a good pair of climbing shoes doesn't hurt. Climbing shoes have flexible soles that curve with your needs. They are soft and malleable, typically cloth or leather on top and rubber on the bottom. The tread is light and sticky.
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