Climbing is a deeply immersive experience—the constant feeling of overcoming challenges and the desire to push further make you feel invincible. However, many people make the mistake of becoming obsessed, skipping crucial and necessary stages in their practice. That’s why I’m sharing
6 tips to help you start off on the right foot in this sport:
1️⃣ Surround Yourself with Experts: Seek out a qualified mentor. As guides, we have a duty to support you through all levels of climbing in a safe environment, managing risks and choosing the most suitable ascent routes to protect you.
Opening a route at Student Wall (Smith Rock), Oregon.
2️⃣ Join a Climbing Gym: Start practicing gradually in a controlled environment to familiarize yourself and gain experience.
Climbing in a gym before heading outdoors is ideal—it helps build self-confidence and allows you to develop your potential.
3️⃣ Buy New, Properly Fitted Gear: I don’t recommend buying used equipment. If you do, keep in mind that gear has an expiration date from its manufacturing day, and general wear may not be visible to the naked eye, putting your life at risk.
4️⃣ Learn to Handle Your Tools: Master tying knots, belaying your rope partner, using voice commands, adjusting rope length based on the route, and checking your harness every time you climb.
5️⃣ Train Your 4 Points of Contact (2 Hands + 2 Feet): This helps anchor your body firmly to the surface. Place your hands as close to the holds as possible, position your climbing shoes firmly, shift your weight to your legs to free one upper limb, and reach for the next hold to continue climbing.
6️⃣ No One Is Rushing You: Know your limits, work on them, and aim higher only when you’re ready.