5 Rock Climbing Tips For Beginners

By: Stephen Thiele

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Rock climbing is an exciting experience, but safety has to come first, so we have compiled a list of 5 rock climbing tips for beginners. Rock climbing may look easy, and while it is a great way to exercise and get your blood pumping, there are risks involved if you do not know what you're doing.

  1. Heights. One of the most important rock climbing tips for beginners is to remain calm and relaxed while you are ascending up the rocks. Try to picture yourself on a ladder, and remember not to look down if you are not comfortable.
  2. Feet. While trusting your feet may sound a bit weird, it is a great rock climbing tip for beginners. While you are climbing, use your feet like your hands to help climb the rock. If you try to hang off of the rocks with your arms, chances are your arms will get tired and you will risk falling. Do your best to keep your feet planted on a ledge, when possible.
  3. Concentration. This may sound like a given, but it is an extremely important rock climbing tip for beginners. Do not keep looking up and trying to think about what is not within your immediate reach. Instead, concentrate solely on what your next move is going to be and on what rocks are within reach. Before you know it, you will be at the top of the structure that you are climbing!
  4. X shape. Another fantastic rock climbing tip for beginners is to imagine your body as an X, with your hips being the center of the X. It is recommended that you climb in an X position with your arms straight up. Interestingly enough, your skeletal system can take much more abuse than your muscular system. While rock climbing in the X position, you do not want to have your feet hanging down too often, as this will put too much pressure on your muscles.
  5. Time. Although this is the last rock climbing tip for beginners, it is a huge one! Take your time while climbing. There is no need to rush. You want to carefully think about your next move and remain concentrated at all times. Take the time to ensure that you are using all of your limbs to aid in your climb.

http://www.outdoorswithdave.com/climbing/climbing_tips.htm (unable to locate .org site)

Posted on: Apr. 16, 2010