Climbing Gear for BeginnersClimbing is rapidly becoming one of the biggest fitness crazes not only in the United States, but around the world as well. There are over 1,000 climbing gyms in the United States alone, and they are never short of climbers. While many climbers prefer an outdoor climbing experience to a climbing wall, other climbers never experience an outdoor climb and choose to spend their time on an indoor climbing wall. An indoor climbing gym can be one of the safest places for beginners to get the hang of climbing, hone their skills, and learn the basics before venturing outside for a climb, as climbing can be a dangerous sport if a mistake is made. Wherever you choose to do your climbing, you will need a basic set of climbing gear before you get started climbing. So, if you are new to climbing, here is a great list of the basic climbing gear you'll need to get started. Climbing Shoes A good pair of climbing shoes can be your best friend. Make sure they are snug and comfortable, but not too tight. If your big toe meets the end of your climbing shoe, then it makes for a good fit for the shoe. This means that your climbing shoe will have the support that it needs if you are standing on a particularly narrow ledge or climbing hold. If You can wear tennis shoes to a climbing wall, but be prepared for an uncomfortable climb, and problems staying onto the holds on the wall. Harness Purchasing a harness is another must for your climbing gear kit for beginners. Be sure to choose your harness based on the way it fits, not off of color or style. Your harness should fit snug and securely, but not too tight to make for a comfortable climb, and a less painful fall if one should occur. Make sure your harness has plenty of gear loops to haul all of your gear. Helmets If you are a new climber, then another basic set of climbing gear that you'll need is a good helmet. A good climbing helmet will not only protect your head in the event of falling gear or rocks, but will also prevent you from bumping your head on a jutting out rock, and in the case of a fall. Carabiners Carabiners are another important tool for your climbing gear kit. Screwgate carabiners are the best carabiner to use with your belay device since they will not open by themselves. Belay Device Having a belay device is another essential tool for your climbing gear kit. There are many different kinds of belay devices from which to choose. From belay plates to figure 8's, and everything in between, you'll need to figure out what works best for you. Ropes Climbing ropes are your number one protection in the event of a fall. There are two main types of climbing ropes, dynamic and static. Dynamic ropes are commonly used, as they will stretch a little bit to help lessen the shock a fall could have on your body. Chalk Holder/Chalk Many experts recommend a chalk holder and chalk as part of a beginner's climbing gear kit. Chalk holders and chalk will definitely aid the climber in their ascent, making it easier to grip the holds in the wall for a more comfortable climb. If you are just learning how to climb in a climbing gym, you may want to find out what kinds of climbing gear are available for use of it's climbers. For example, many climbing walls have all the gear their climbers will need right there, and some climbers prefer to bring in their own equipment and climb with what they are most comfortable in. If you are climbing outdoors, then you may need additional climbing gear depending on where you are climbing. |