How To Wall Climb

Learning how to wall climb is as easy as it is risky. With the new wave of rock/wall climbing as a hobby, urban sport and exercise, finding a place to do it conveniently and safely shouldn't be very challenging. The concept of artificial wall climbing began in the UK by inserting pieces of rock into a corridor wall. However, the walls now are much more structured ranging from plywood to pre-made fiber glass panels to manufactured steel and aluminum panels offering a variety of environment and difficulty. Like any activity, practice makes perfect. Follow these few steps and you'll be wall climbing like a pro in no time.

Things you'll need:

• Safety harness
• Helmet
• Knee pads
• Elbow pads

1. Safety first Climbing a wall involves height, so just to be on the safe side, hooking up to a harness is a great idea. If you're at a wall climbing venue, a harness and a helmet is required. However, if the setting doesn't provide a harness, at the very least, a helmet, elbow pads and knee pads are a must. In a split second you can lose your grip or balance and unless you're Spiderman, falling from three stories could end with a trip to the ER.
2. Getting a feel for it Approaching the wall allows you to take a second to assess the course and have a game plan on which way is the easiest way up. Put your best hand forward, grabbing onto a grove that is about the same as head height and your lead foot on a grove about shin height. Wall climbing can be as simple as you make it. Take your time, get your grip and move ahead at a pace comfortable to ensure your safety.
3. Smooth sailing From here on up, just keep at least one hand at head height not to become strained or over-exerted. Once you finally have climbed to the top of the wall, not only should you feel relieved but impressed with yourself. If you are on a harness, feel free to just let go and fall safely to the ground. If not, carefully climb back down the wall from the same trail that lead you to the top.

Wall climbing can be extremely fun and provides a rush as long as safety comes first. Try climbing to the top of the wall over and over, going faster each time or trying different courses. Either way, adding wall climbing to your list of creative activities is a life-changing experience.