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Must haves for a beginner climber

Sean P. · · Albuquerque · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 61
Mark E Dixon wrote: You might consider trying it yourself some day. Many of my happiest times have been climbing with my wife.
This!

My girlfriend and I just started in June. We both love it and look forward to climbing in the gym and outside. We managed to get into a good group of friends and really enjoy ourselves in the company and the adventure.
Doug S · · W Pa · Joined Apr 2012 · Points: 55

He wants to try mountaineering?

I would start with "Freedom of the Hills", harnesses and shoes for both him and you, a cheap rope (9.8-10.2 dynamic), 3 locking pear carabiners, belay/rappel device (like an ATC), chalk bag, some static rope for anchor building, and a beginner's rock climbing class.

I think cragging is a good place to start. He'll need to learn the techniques for mountaineering and top-roping is a pretty safe way to start out. If you two take a class and start getting out together, you'll likely meet people to climb with who can teach you more as you go along. Maybe save the mountaineering gear for next Christmas.

Josh Kornish · · Whitefish, MT · Joined Sep 2009 · Points: 800

Sportiva Solutions and/or TC Pros

Rick Blair · · Denver · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 266
nicole future falk wrote:Thanks for all of the great suggestions! I think the first thing I am going to get is a gift certificate to the local climbing gym!
I would follow that up with a couple of guided trips with a guide, outside. The indoor stuff has never really done it for me. Any interest in joining him or are you trying to get him out on his own?

As far as adrenaline goes, there is also a component of climbing that is meditative, calm and pushes your concentration levels. I think it is actually a bigger part.

If he is looking for some climbing more like the middle east he could always check out this place:
mountainproject.com/v/the-c…
Jason Schmidt · · Ghent, MN · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 197

Even cheaper, a trip with Outward Bound, they're free (including airfare) for veterans. Should be able to find a course that goes rock climbing, peak bagging or mountaineering depending on what he's interested in.
outwardbound.org/veteran-ad…

Ray Pinpillage · · West Egg · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 180

My wife has caught some of my lead falls. I took her climbing on our anniversary. She isn't my main climbing partner but she is my best friend so when she wants to go I make it happen.

Jon Zucco · · Denver, CO · Joined Aug 2008 · Points: 245

1.) shoes
2.) gym membership & lessons
3.) harness and chalk bag

He'll be able to figure out what else to buy once he is climbing regularly with his new gym and mp friends, and starts to get outside with them.

The outdoor guided trips would be nice down the road, but i honestly think they'd be more enjoyable for a beginner after some mileage at the gym; get the fundamentals of ropes, pro, and technique somewhat down first. Just my opinion/

Merry Christmas! & Happy (belated) Veterans Day to your bf.

Jon Zucco · · Denver, CO · Joined Aug 2008 · Points: 245
Jake Jones wrote: Have tried it. Exhaustingly so. Some people can pull it off. Some can't. My wife and I are of the latter group. You're obviously not. I'm envious.
Sounds like you need a new wife ;) jk.
Jon Zucco · · Denver, CO · Joined Aug 2008 · Points: 245
Mitchell Hodge wrote:...But in all seriousness. Get him shoes and a gym membership. It will get him inspired to go further if he likes it.
Seriously, this. He might decide he just wants to boulder. In which case he'll want a crash pad instead of a harness... Or he might decide that he hates climbing after all and that all climbers are assholes.

If I've learned anything from climbing, it's that you should only buy the gear as you need it. Not just because you think you will someday.
Taylor J · · Taos NM · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 390
Mitchell Hodge wrote:5. An Iphone; For cool on-route selfies.
+1
Ian Stewart · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2010 · Points: 155
Jake Jones wrote:Haha! Nah, it's just not her thing- with me. I'm too focused on what she's doing and she's too bossy. With others, we're fine. I think we're just too concerned with what one another is doing. Or I could just be completely wrong. Marriage is like that sometimes. No biggie.
I think there's definitely a learning curve to enjoying activities together with a spouse, and it usually boils down to understanding their state of mind and then knowing when to shut up. When you're that close to somebody it's really easy to get pulled into a "hockey dad" type of mentality: you KNOW they can do better, and you make sure to remind them of it constantly. When they fail, you feel as though they've failed you personally or something.

How many times have you seen couples fighting at the gym/crag because one is hanging on the rope asking to be lowered while the belayer refuses, saying "no, you can do it!"? I know I've seen it a bunch. I know I've BEEN that guy on the ground, unfortunately a lot more than just once. You may think you're just trying to help push them towards success, but they probably just think you're just being an ass. It usually doesn't end well.

If you can get through the bad times though, you'll eventually learn what works and what doesn't. You'll get to know their moods and you'll know when to push them and when to just shut up. You'll also learn their climbing styles and will learn how to give useful beta...when they need it, of course. (This is true of ANY climbing partnership, really, but it's almost as if the honesty of a real relationship allows things to deteriorate much faster).
Jon Zucco · · Denver, CO · Joined Aug 2008 · Points: 245

With my gf, it's usually something like:

me; "alright, you got me? Brake hand's good?"

her; "you don't trust me? You think I'm a bad belayer? You think I'm a bad belayer. Let's just go home."

me; "I don't not trust you... but, it's rock climbing. Would you rather me ask you an embarrassing question or potentially get rope burns all over your hands and live with the guilt of having killed your boyfriend because he was too nice to ask an embarrassing and seemingly belittling question?"

her; "Let's just go home."

So, I feel it bros. I feel it. :)

Ray Pinpillage · · West Egg · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 180

Post her picture, we'll be the judge.

doligo · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 269
fossana wrote: Also, an ATC, while heavier, will last longer than a Reverso.
I never heard of anyone wearing out a Reverso, but I've heard people wearing out the retainer cable on the ATC Guide - design flow not a durability issue. I've had my Reverso 3 since they first came out and it's been through the ringer, including a 700-foot fall, and is still going strong.
Sdm1568 · · Ca · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 80
Ray Pinpillage wrote:Post her picture, we'll be the judge.
+1
robbo393 · · Flagtown, AZ · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 0

Hey Nicole,

A few thoughts...

1) I am thrilled that you are supporting your fiance's climbing interests. I work with quite a few veterans looking to find a new means of adrenaline release and it's always nice to see [soon to be] families getting behind it.

2) In regards to a few posts already made, Rock Climbing is inherently a dangerous sport and getting into it safely will help develop good habits. Everyone looking to get into rock climbing has a vision of immediately being outside on real rock looking like a badass but in reality, most all the professionals started in the same place... A climbing gym. Here, your fiance can safely learn basic climbing practice and it's a great place to meet local climbers who can potentially get him, and maybe yourself, outside or even just climbing more often. Maybe a gift card would make a great stocking stuffer?

3) GEAR! Who doesn't like a bunch of climbing equipment for a gift?! Many outdoor retailers and gyms alike, sell package deals that offer a harness, shoes, chalk bag (used for drying sweaty hands) and a belay device (used to safely control the rope for a climber) for a moderate price. This would certainly be a great item for under the tree BUT there are somethings to consider first. What type of climbing is he interested in? Rope climbing will utilize the afore mentioned items, however, bouldering (ropeless climbing that usually stays lower to the ground) does not. A conversation at the store/gym of your choice can also help explain all of this. Regardless, shoes are always a good start BUT rock climbing shoes fit much different then regular street shoes. You can always buy a pair of shoes for your fiance with the knowledge that he may want to return them for a more appropriate pair (as far as fit and comfort goes). This of course depends on the store's policy regarding shoes.

I know these aren't exactly cut and dry answers but neither is this sport. With the exception of shoes, a chalk bag and other misc. items, Rock Climbing equipment is meant to keep climbers safe ergo buying used is certainly ill advised to start. A helmet is an awesome idea and you have lots of options for getting him one that he'll like. The best place to start is with a gym that way he can learn in a safe and controlled environment and meet some other folks stoked on climbing! It's great stress relief too (nursing school...).

Good Luck!
Rob

Paul-B · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2011 · Points: 115

GoPro

Bill Kirby · · Keene New York · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 480
Jon Zucco wrote: Or he might decide that he hates climbing after all and that all climbers are assholes.
Or he might figure out that he hates climbing or that some climbers are assholes. I think this more correct like sounding. Hehehe
Sean Peter · · IL · Joined Aug 2013 · Points: 105

It's expensive, but maybe collaborate with family etc to get that gym membership. And a second to those who suggest you give it a shot too. I'm biased of course, but would hope everyone and anyone who tried it would find it the most awesome, all encompassing activity of mind and body. But it's an activity of partnership and can become a major component of ones life. It's NOT crucial by any means, but pretty neat when you can share that partnership and life passion with your partner in life. (and it keeps you in really good shape and gives you instantly awesome arms and abs!)
But whatever you do- fantastic choice to encourage him to climb. It really does provide that outlet you seek for him.

ze dirtbag · · Tahoe · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 50

where is he gonna be climbing?

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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