QuestionHi,i'm 13 and i'm interested in beginning rock climbing,but i'm a little worried because i have heard of people falling because something broke.I also need some idea of what to get.Please recommend some brands of equipment i should get.Thanks.
AnswerHi
Just to inform you firstly, i am only 15 myself.
It isnt often that i get a young climber like yourself emailing me. Good to know that the sport is appealing to more of a younger age now. If you have any more questions email me at
[email protected]
I have been climbing for 2 years and i have found that the hardest thing to do is to trust the rope.
People do fall, accidents happen all the time, but this has alot to do with their own faults. The most important thing to remember is to look after your equipment the way it looks after you!!
If you climb regularly then in time your confidence will come and you will begin to trust the rope and the equipment that you are using. Along with confidence, over time you will develop a technique and this will help to make you feel more balanced on the wall.
The basic equipment u will need to begin is firstly your harness. Now there are many different makes out there and i would look around outdoor shops like 'Ellis Brigham' 'Cotswolds' 'George Fisher' 'Blacks' and there is a great web site www.upandunder.com their bargin bin in their shop is fantastic!!
You should find the harness that suits YOU best!!
I would suggest trying some of the Petzel range. They are very very good!! and they sell for about 60 pounds, but you might be lucky and find a sale, there are always sales in outdoor shops!!
The second piece of equipment i would advice, is to buy some shoes, to cause friction on the wall so that u climb better and easier!! The bargin bins always have shoes in the sale, but again find the shoe that best fits YOU and not ur friend!! I would look around the Scarpa range or sportiva, often have a good shoe out. If you find any ones under 40 quid, give me a buzz im looking for a new pair....thanks!!
Ok i would then advice you buy a belay device!! Either go for the 'petzel bug' or the petzel gri gri, you can be assured then that nothing will break!!
That would be about it for begining. If you feel adviced to wear a helmet then do so and i would recomend getting a rope and some quick draws when you feel you are ready for leading. I hope u understand the terms, if not then just ask around or email me on my address at the top.
Good luck!! i wish u all the best!! keep me posted on your progress, XEMX
