By Sharael Feist
2003
All prices in US$ Watching Tom Cruise show off his toned body while scaling a rock wall in Mission Impossible II has inspired you to give climbing a try. But what kind of gear do you need to take up the sport? This step-by-step guide will get you off on the right foot and have you scampering up walls in no time. “If you’re interested in trying rock climbing, you should first go to a climbing gym,” says REI climbing expert Bob Ranoa. “It’s a good way to get exposed to the sport and find out if it interests you.” At most climbing gyms, you can rent all the equipment you need. This way you can “try before you buy.” Then if you realize this is a sport that you’d like to really get involved in, you’ll probably want to go out and buy your own gear. A good way to get started is to buy a “package” that includes all of the gear you’ll need for rock climbing indoors, except shoes. It will consist of a harness, belay device, carabiner, chalk bag and chalk. You can pick up one of these kits for around $85-$95. The alternative is to buy your gear individually so that you can pick and choose equipment that might be a better fit for you.
Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
1) Shoes A very important piece of equipment is shoes. You want to make sure they fit properly and feel comfortable. When you go shopping for climbing shoes, make sure that you find a sales associate that has experience with climbing. The type of climbing you’ll be doing will determine how stiff of a shoe you want. Beginners want a relatively stiff shoe. Try on the shoe and make sure it is comfortably tight (think ice skate or ballet slipper). “You don’t want the shoe to be loose or to be cutting off the circulation,” Ranoa warns. Don’t wear socks and lace the shoes up tight. Price range: $100-$150.
2) Carabiners These handy gadgets are used to hook things together. You’ll only need one to start out with. It’ll be used to attach your belay device to your harness. You’ll want to get a locking carabiner for safety. More advanced climbers, especially those climbing outdoors, will use carabiners for hooking additional gear onto their harness. Price range: $7-$17.
3) Harness A harness is worn for safety. It is attached to a rope to protect you from falling. You want to make sure that it fits comfortably around your waist and thighs. “Go for fit, feel and comfort not color,” advises Ranoa. Price range: $40-$90.
4) Belay Device This metal device is what your rope hooks through. Price range: $16-$72.
5) Chalk Chalk is used on climbers’ hands to give them a better grip on the rock. You can buy either raw chalk, which is a powder, or a chalk ball. price range: $1-$11.
6) Chalk Bag A chalk bag is used to hold chalk. It is attached to a harness. There are various sizes. Price range: $10-$20.
7) Clothing What you wear is personal preference. There are various climbing clothes you can buy from shorts to pants to tights on the bottom and from tank tops to T-shirts on top. “Wear something comfortable and that is not restrictive. Breathable material is best,” says Ranoa. Price range: varies. Additional gear for outdoor climbing: If you’re going to begin climbing outdoors, rather than in a gym, you’ll also need these pieces of equipment:
8) Rope Ranoa suggests using a rope that is 10.5 to 11 mm in diameter and 50 to 60 meters long for outdoor rock climbing. “A single usage, dynamic rope is best for beginners,” says Ranoa. Price: $130
9) Helmet Protect your brain from falling rocks! “A helmet is an essential safety measure,” warns Ranoa. Price range: $50-$85.
Now that you have what you need, make sure you get proper training on how to use it and have fun climbing!