Climbing Draft
Using hands and feet to ascend walls or rock, either indoors on gym walls or outdoors. Combines strength, balance and problem solving.
Open the app Find climbing games, places and shops near you.
How to start
What you need
- Climbing shoes (rentable at gyms)
- Chalk bag
- Harness and belay device for rope climbing
- Comfortable stretchy clothes
Typical cost
Gym day passes are often $20 to $30; shoe rental $5 to $8; memberships $60 to $100 per month; buying shoes $80 to $150 (approximate, varies by city).
Where to play
Indoor climbing gyms, bouldering gyms, outdoor crags with experienced partners, and school or community walls.
Rules
- Bouldering is climbing short walls without ropes over padded floors.
- Rope climbing uses a harness, rope and belayer who protects the climber.
- Routes are graded by difficulty and marked by colored holds.
- You must start on marked start holds and finish with control on the top hold.
- Always check knots and harness buckles before climbing.
- Use partner checks and clear communication.
- Falls are part of bouldering; learn to land safely.
- Do not climb above or below another climber.
Drills
Easy traverse 10 min
Move sideways along the wall at low height, using feet precisely and keeping three points of contact.
Silent feet 10 min
Climb an easy route placing each foot quietly on the hold without scraping.
Straight arm climbing 8 min
Climb with arms mostly straight, pushing with legs to conserve energy.
Down-climbing 10 min
Climb up an easy route, then climb down in control to build technique.
Falling practice 5 min
Practice controlled falls onto the mats, bending knees and rolling, from low heights.
Etiquette
- Do not walk under climbers and keep the fall zone clear.
- Wait your turn on popular problems and share beta only when asked.
- Clean up chalk and respect staff rules.
Safety
- Take an intro class to learn belay skills and gym rules.
- Warm up fingers and shoulders gradually.
- Never climb beyond your ability to downclimb in bouldering.
Levels
- 1First visits; can climb easy routes.
- 2Climbs beginner grades consistently; learning technique.
- 3Climbs intermediate grades and understands movement.
- 4Strong technique and strength; climbs harder routes and may lead.
- 5Competition-level or advanced outdoor climbing.
Questions
Do I need to be strong?
No. Technique and balance matter more at first.
Is indoor climbing safe?
It is safe when you follow gym rules, use proper belaying and take an orientation.
What should I wear?
Stretchy comfortable clothing that lets you move; shoes can be rented.
Draft guide: written from general knowledge and not yet checked by someone who plays climbing. Costs are approximate and vary by city. Check with a coach or doctor before starting anything new.