1. Pick a Climbing Style
Climbing is a sport that can take different forms. You can go all out with all the rappelling gear, ropes, pegs and harnesses. Alternatively, you can go barehanded, using your hands, feet and some know-how. You can climb a simple hill with friends and go for a picnic on top of gently rolling hills or take on a sheer cliff, making a stand with your flag on top of a mountain. Climbing is a rigorous activity and requires a high level of fitness.
2. Bare Bones
Climbing without any ropes or pegs, just your bare body against the rock surface, is called bouldering. Boulderers typically climb no more than 15 or 20 feet and keep a spotter on the ground below in case they get into trouble. Bouldering involves finding a short route, maybe with unusual or challenging characteristics, and finding a way to get up and around the obstacles. It's not about endurance, so much as it is about technique.
3. Practice for the Long Haul
Bouldering was started to give climbers experience climbing over tough spots. On the short bouldering paths, climbers can go over them time and time again in one training session. The sport has evolved and now attracts climbers who stick to the short routes exclusively. This sport is an activity that even attracts climbers who are afraid of heights. The falls usually won't kill you, though you could end up with sprains or broken bones. Competitions in bouldering take place all over the world and may cover indoor climbing walls, obstacle courses and speed climbing.
4. Get fit
No matter what kind of climbing you do, you must have well-developed and healthy arms, shoulders and hands. While your feet and legs are involved in the sport, they are merely along to keep you steady and balanced. Your upper body strength and fitness will be what's put into action. Work to develop lean upper body muscles and strong abs. Keep weightlifting to light weights so you don't build up too much bulk, which will only get in the way while climbing.
5. Off the Grid
While climbing can be a fun and strenuous sport, it also can be very dangerous. New climbers are encouraged to take lessons and to begin climbing with guides and in groups. Indoor climbing walls can be found everywhere and are a good place to begin. Bouldering attracts extreme athletes who like to push the boundaries. Boulderers are known to climb big rocks in urban settings as well as mountainous outlooks that are off-limits to the public. In addition to conquering the danger of falling, these athletes also face the challenge of the law and possible arrest.
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