How long did it take you to get good at climbing?

Okay, so I really suck at climbing. This is only my 2nd season, but I wanted to get an idea about how long it takes people to become fairly good at climbing, and I'm not talking about rope management and rigging things, etc., I'm just talking about the movement on the rock. It's been my experience that it takes me at least twice as long as the average person to learn anything, so I'm trying to get an idea of how long this is going to take. Of course, this also depends on how much you're able to get out and climb. I'm able to do it about twice a week. I get in at least one, maybe two pitches if I'm lucky, per outting.

zing ... ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&a…

(don't actually do this, it's meant sarcastically. just keep climbing, and keep learning patience.)

define good?

is leading 5.7 good? or is it 5.12????

you ask a very subjective question.

It took me 2 or 3 minutes give or take. I'd say your slacking. Quit your job and climb till you free 5.15s then talk about it a lot and put down noobs, only then will you be good.

If you think you've "gotten good", then you probably aren't.

Spencer, don't worry about getting "good". Worry about getting safe and having fun. I consider the "good" climber to be the guy that's not going to get me into trouble (or hurt) when I climb with him.

It all depends on the day. Sometimes I can lead 11's (really good for me), and other times I struggle following on a 9. I've been climbing for about 2 years. Outdoor a few (2-3) times a week in the summer and indoor a few times a week in winter.

keep climbing.

wait and ask yourself again in 30 years, and then it won't really matter what the answer is, because you won't ask.

I would definitely not lead at your limit when you're learning to lead. There are beautiful 5.3's at the gunks and no doubt elsewhere that will get you familiar with placing pro without being scared shitless and under extreme duress.

I think you get the idea from all the posters in this thread that climbing is a constantly evolving pursuit-and it changes all the time.

Keep an open mind, be willing to take what the rock gives you, be safe and enjoy

Tom R wrote:Spencer, don't worry about getting "good". Worry about getting safe and having fun. I consider the "good" climber to be the guy that's not going to get me into trouble (or hurt) when I climb with him.

Its true have fun and be safe. As you devlope your skills as a climber just remeber its for fun and not always a competition. Thats why im the best climber in the world, Im fun and safe and only lead >5.4s.

WiledHorse wrote:keep climbing. wait and ask yourself again in 30 years, and then it won't really matter what the answer is, because you won't ask.

+1

climb on different type of rock, climb on cracks, climb on bolted face routes, climb some multi-pitch trad, climb some runout slab... go to the desert and climb some sandstone....

just have fun with it, see some cool sites, make some new friends and hang out with cool people in spectacular places - then you'll be 'good' at climbing.

It's not about how hard you climb or what grade you climb. It's about having fun and feeling good. Did a climb FEEL good to you? Did you enjoy the movements? That's what you should aspire to. Then when a given climb feels so easy that you no long enjoy the movements, bump it up a notch. Climbing is personal in a way and you have to just do it for you. If you are interested in improving your technique, read a few books, put it to use, but don't fret about the numbers man.

Good luck, have fun
DW

spencerparkin wrote: Let's use Lie-back Crack as an example...I fell on top-rope the first time, made it the second.

Why did you fall?

Might make sense to try to figure out your weaknesses and work on those.

Join a gym and/or get some mileage?

Maybe try to find someone to work with you on climbing technique? I'm sure a guide service could help, so could a gym session where movement is stressed. Sometimes just finding a patient partner helps.

Good luck!

-Brian in SLC

spencerparkin wrote:I fell on top-rope the first time, made it the second.

see!? you dont suck.

I think perhaps you might think of it as, "am I improving?" not "am I good yet?". From the first timer to Sharma, everyone wants to improve and can do so on a scale according to the time they're willing to invest in getting better.

How has your climbing improved since you started? in the last year? in the last couple months? Do you have a plan and goals in your head that you're genuinely working towards?

Good move, admins!

WiledHorse wrote:keep climbing. wait and ask yourself again in 30 years, and then it won't really matter what the answer is, because you won't ask.

Nice. Message me Horse. What are you up to?

18 years andf going....I still flail on stuff.

Tom R wrote:Spencer, don't worry about getting "good". Worry about getting safe and having fun. I consider the "good" climber to be the guy that's not going to get me into trouble (or hurt) when I climb with him.

I'd add: and won't piss me off climbing near them.

climbing 31 years now, and it's still fun! THAT's good.

I cried trying to lead a 5.6 last year... this year I didn't cry. Think I am doing well...

What is 'good' and does it really have any meaning or place at all in climbing? It's only a means of comparison with other peoples accomplishments which, in climbing, because it is the ultimate truth serum, will do nothing but kill you if you follow it far enough.

Comparisions are odious, avoid them. T%hink for yourself, enjoy your existence. Leave the keeping up with the Jones' mentality behind.