I remember looking 30 feet down at my friends, my fingers and arms were sore from over gripping, there were no colorful plastic rocks, and all that I could think was – Oh this is hard.
If this sounds anything like your first time climbing outdoors, don’t worry—you’re in the right place. In a sport where it’s common to see people crushing what seem like impossible routes and pushing beyond the limits of climbing (looking at you, Brooke Raboutou), it’s easy to feel out of place as a beginner. That’s why I want to take a moment to normalize what it’s really like to climb outside for the first time—and share a few things that might help you in your outdoor journey.
A Few Tips That Helped Me Survive (and Enjoy) When I Started
Don’t go alone
Seriously. Climb with someone experienced or join a group. Not just for safety, but they can show you how to find routes, use gear, get your own setup, and give you beta when you’re stuck. If you’re starting to build out your community, I’d encourage you to check out one of our Partner Projects, or more local meetups at your home gym. If you’re travelling and want to explore more crags, hire a guide! They can make all the difference when entering into new climbing territory.Trust your feet
The rock won’t always look like it has great footholds, but the smallest features can offer surprising stability. Practice standing on edges and smearing and your arms will thank you.
Don’t skip out on the warmups or cross training
I’ve noticed a night and day difference when I’ve chosen to warm up instead of going straight to the route. If you’re looking for ways to train when you can’t get outside, I’d recommend trying out our various yoga and fitness classes.
Focus on your own progress
This one is honestly still hard for me, as I can often find myself comparing my abilities to other climbers. But everyone started somewhere. Everyone has struggled, doubted, and questioned whether they belonged. Your progress is valid, even if it doesn’t look like someone else’s.
Leave no trace
This one’s big. Stay on established trails, pack out your trash, and respect the spaces we have access to. Climbing outdoors is a privilege, and it’s always good to be mindful of how we can protect our crags.
Take A Class!
As someone who’s taken classes with Movement before and after they were a staff member, I would highly recommend them. If you’re looking to learn certain skills and want a controlled environment, check out your local gym offerings!