How can I go from indoor climbing to outdoor climbing?
Hi, I am wondering how each is different. Obviously, outdoor is outdoor and indoor is indoor, outdoor is real rock as opposed to indoor being man-made. But how is the actual climbing different? Also, how do you start climbing outdoors? I currently climb indoors and am looking to climb outdoors but I am unsure of how to make the transition.
Outdoor climbing could be one of two things: sport climbing or trad climbing. Sport climbing is what you may see people do in the gym, where they use quickdraws to clip into bolted routes. Trad climbing is another step up from that because the lead climber places their own protection, thus it’s not necessary to find a pre-bolted route.
The actual techniques aren’t all that different, except you will see more variety of holds, cracks, chimneys, etc. on real rock. If you want to make the transition, there are two ideal ways to do it. The first is to hook up with some experienced outdoor climbers at the gym and go with them to learn everything. The other way is to take a couple classes from a certified rock climbing instructor/guide.
Keep in mind that if you go with other climbers, you probably won’t need to buy any gear beyond the harness, shoes, locking biner, and belay device that you most likely already have from climbing at the gym. If you decide to go on your own, however, you will need to invest a significant amount of money into some new gear.
March 19th, 2010 at 6:23 am
Outdoor climbing could be one of two things: sport climbing or trad climbing. Sport climbing is what you may see people do in the gym, where they use quickdraws to clip into bolted routes. Trad climbing is another step up from that because the lead climber places their own protection, thus it’s not necessary to find a pre-bolted route.
The actual techniques aren’t all that different, except you will see more variety of holds, cracks, chimneys, etc. on real rock. If you want to make the transition, there are two ideal ways to do it. The first is to hook up with some experienced outdoor climbers at the gym and go with them to learn everything. The other way is to take a couple classes from a certified rock climbing instructor/guide.
Keep in mind that if you go with other climbers, you probably won’t need to buy any gear beyond the harness, shoes, locking biner, and belay device that you most likely already have from climbing at the gym. If you decide to go on your own, however, you will need to invest a significant amount of money into some new gear.
References :
March 19th, 2010 at 6:37 am
The difference is youre not stuck using the taped and colored plastic holds that are mapped out with a route setters goal in mind. You can use any feet, and your technique will improve significantly. I presume you have shoes and chalk, and maybe even a harness if your gym has certified you to belay. If thats the case, you need to find the most popular spot in your area for climbers and GET OUT THERE. Bring what gear you have, and ask other climbers you see to give you some beta or show you some climbs within your ability. Ask the guys that work at the gym where to go, maybe even organize a day where you and some people from your gym go out. There are guidebooks online and at stores like REI. The more you go outside, the more experience you’ll gain and you’ll find out what kind of climbing suits your style the best, whether it be bouldering, sport or trad and your whole game will evolve.
Don’t be afraid to ask climbers you see for help, we’re really really friendly people if you respect the climbing area. Once you start trashing the place, you better get back to the gym and never come back tho.
Have fun.
References :
March 19th, 2010 at 7:27 am
I prefer outdoor climbing to indoor climbing. You`re not restricted to certain color pieces of tape, whatever is inf ront of you is what`s on, as long as you stay on route. Ask the people that work in your climbing gym if they offer an intro to outdoor climbing class, many places do. Obviously you`ll need to learn how to set up a top rope system since the ropes wont be set when you get in the outdoors. If the gym doesnt offer classes look towards places like REI and EMS for intro classes for climbing outdoors
Oh and dont count on there being those "Thank You God" jug holds at the top of the climb
References :
Eagle Scout
Former Rock Climbing Instructor
Climbing Most of my life