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Posted by tokyo bill on July 5, 2007 at 2:55:44 am EDT
In reply to Re: Beginning climbing posted by Climbing (Guest) on July 5, 2007 at 1:23:02 am EDT

Nicesocks:

Sorry to derail your thread.

On the subject of starting out, I'll chime in with others on checking out your local gym. I did exactly that purely out of curiousity while rehabbing an injury from a different sport, immediately switched over and haven't looked back.

I was in Japan, with no easy access to partners or mentors, so after my first taste I continued with an intro. class in the gym, then proceeded to outdoor classes with a paid instructor while studying the available "how-to" liturature. I then did a couple of bigger trips with paid guides and eventually developed the skills and confidence to climb independently at my home crags around Tokyo and also overseas. If you're like I was, with limited free time and little access to mentoring, it is possible to pay your way through the initial learning phases with pretty good success.

If you have the time, taking an intro. class at the gym and then seeking out a mentor is a cheaper way to go, although finding a mentor may not be easy. You need someone who is safe, experienced and willing to teach, who will push you appropriately but also reign you in if necessary.

I read a good post once on finding a mentor, but can't remember where. The tips included something like these (probably among others I've forgotten):

(i) Never be late or, worse, fail to show up;
(ii) Do your share in handling to-the-crags logistics (driving, planning, whatever);
(iii) Carry more than your share of the gear;
(iv) learn to be a quality belayer; and
(v) pay for more than your share of the beer.

Have fun. I fell in love with climbing ten years ago, and it ain't wore off yet!

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