If you are looking for a challenging and exciting sporting activity, indoor rock climbing might be something you should try. It has been a popular activity for a few years, because it allows you to learn about climbing in complete safety and in a controlled environment. If you are a beginner in this field, do not worry, because in this guide we will explain how to start indoor climbing and give you some tips to progress quickly.
Choose your climbing room
The choice of climbing gym is crucial to your climbing experience, and it’s important to take the time to think about your options carefully before making a choice. For this, it is recommended to take into account several criteria such as proximity, opening hours, prices, equipment, quality of the routes, the variety of difficulty levels, the atmosphere of the room, the quality of reception, services offered (changing rooms, showers, etc.), room attendance, events organized (competitions, parties, courses, etc.), and much more.
Thus, by taking into account all these criteria, you will be able to find the climbing room that best suits your needs and expectations. Don’t be afraid to ask about different gyms in your area, visit their website or Facebook page, read reviews online, and talk to other climbers to get a better idea of what’s going on. waiting for you. By making an informed choice, you can get the most out of your climbing experience and reach your goals safely.
The necessary equipment
To start indoor climbing, you will need some basic equipment. First of all, a pair of climbing shoes is essential to have a good grip on the holds. Climbing shoes are designed to be precise and sensitive, so you can feel the bumps and bumps of the wall.
Then you will need to bring a harness and a rope to climb in the lead. The harness is a special belt that attaches around the waist and thighs, and allows you to attach yourself to the rope. The rope is also important, as it allows you to climb safely in the event of a fall. If you prefer top-rope climbing, all you need is a harness and a cord.
The cord is thinner than the rope, but it is strong enough to support your weight. It is also recommended to invest in protective gloves and helmets for your safety. The gloves will protect your hands from abrasions and blisters, while the helmet will protect your head in the event of falling rocks or impact against the wall. Remember that safety is paramount when climbing, so don’t skimp on protective gear!
Safety rules
Indoor climbing is a risky activity. It is therefore important to respect the safety rules to avoid accidents. Before each session, check your equipment and that of your partner. Make sure the rope is securely attached and the tie-in knot is properly tied. While climbing, be mindful of your partner and belay them properly. If in doubt, do not hesitate to seek professional help.
The basic techniques
To progress in climbing, it is important to master the basic techniques. First of all, learn to position your feet correctly on the holds to have a good grip. Next, work on your balance by keeping the center of gravity above the feet. Finally, learn to use your arms to pull on the holds and your legs to push off the holds. It is also recommended to do stretching exercises to avoid injuries.
The different types of routes
In indoor climbing, there are several types of routes: top-rope routes and lead routes. Top roping routes are simpler because the rope is already attached at the top of the route. The head routes are more difficult because you have to fix the rope while climbing. There are also routes of varying difficulty to allow everyone to progress at their own pace. Do not hesitate to seek advice from the supervisors of the room to choose the path that best suits your level.
The importance of physical preparation
Indoor climbing is a whole-body activity. It is therefore important to prepare your body for physical exertion. Before each session, do warm-up exercises to avoid injury. It is also recommended to do weight training and cardio to improve your endurance and physical strength.
Do not hesitate to seek advice from the supervisors in the room to improve your technique and discover new challenges. Happy climbing everyone!
