So, you just started climbing at a Movement Gym - congrats! Now that the weather is cooling down and the leaves are starting to change, you may be thinking about gearing up and taking your skills outside. Climbing is not only a great way to stay active and grow your community, but it's also an amazing way to enjoy the outdoors, especially in fall, when the temperatures are cooler, and the crisp air makes it ideal for sending.
Why Fall Is The Perfect Time To Start Climbing Outdoors
Autum is a great season for climbing. The cooler temperatures, what we call "sending temps", provide better friction on the rock, allowing for improved grip. Since it's not as warm, your hands are less likely to sweat, thus making it easier to stick to holds and work on tougher routes.
If you've been climbing indoors at Movement and feel ready to transition outdoors, you'll take advantage of the cooler weather before winter sets in. Plus, you get to experience the natural beauty of climbing among the fall foliage and fun trails.
Top Rope Climbing: The Perfect Starting Point
Before you hit the crags, hone your skills indoors at a Movement Technique or Intermediate Climbing class as a way to build confidence. If you're just starting, Top Rope climbing is where most people begin. At Movement, you've likely already taken our Intro to Rope Climbing class, where you learned the basics of belaying on a top rope system. As the name suggests, the rope runs through an anchor that's already at the top of the wall so that when you fall, you don't drop far, think of it like reclining in a chair, but higher in the air.
Lead Climbing: Taking Your Skills To The Next Level
Once you feel comfortable top roping, you might want to explore Lead Climbing. If you're aiming to climb outdoors, lead climbing can be more physically and mentally demanding, but is a great skill to master. It requires you to bring the rope with you and to clip into protections points along the way. Unlike Top Rope, you would drop more distance depending on where you last clipped.
Feeling nervous? Totally natural! Thats why classes like Outdoor Developement are designed to get you ready to tackle lead climbing with confidence. Movement Instructors will guide you through leading techniques indoors before heading outdoors.
Ready To Take It Outside? Here's What You Need To Know
So, you've been climbing indoors for a while, and now the great outdoors is calling (and your friends are eager to climb with you). Before you head out to places like The Gunks or Joshua Tree, there are a few skills to master.
Be on the lookout for classes at Movement that give you time to practice essential skills with anchors. Unlike indoor climbing, outdoor sport routes have bolts but no pre-attached anchors, meaning you'll need to learn how to create one and clean (retrieve) your gear after. Anchor fundamentals are the basics of building, assessing, and cleaning anchors that are essential to outdoor climbing.
Gear Up For Fall Climbing
So now you've built up your climbing technique! Now it's time to start planning and preparing for your trip to the crag. Here's some tips to keep in mind:
- Be sure to bring plenty of chalk (sharing is caring!). In the fall, cooler air reduces sweat, but the rock can still be slick.
- Wear warm layers. Fall temperatures fluctuate throughout the day, especially in the mountains. Dress in moisture-wicking layers so you can adjust easily.
- Stay warm between climbing. It's easy to cool down during a break in between intense climbing in the colder months. Consider packing some warm-up equipment to get your muscles ready for those big sends. Stretching and using resistance bands can also help keep your muscles loose and warm for the next attempt.
Don't Forget Your Member Perks
Before traveling out, don't forget to utilize our retail shops! Stock up on climbing essentials at your home gym with your 10% off member discount or locate another Movement Gym to shop and climb during your travels! Class discounts for members are available year-round and during the holiday season you'll find lots of seasonal sales and discounts.
Ready To Climb In The Fall? Join The Movement Community Today!
Don't wait to take advantage of the perfect climbing conditions in the cooler months. Sign up for one of our classes and get ready to take your skills to the next level, both indoors and outdoors.