Looking for a regular SC/GA/WNC Partner!

Hi all! Recently got into the sport and am looking to get outdoors. Unfortunately have not been able to invest in equipment beyond a harness, shoes, chalk bag, and helmet so would have to share but I learn quick and am willing to be a pack mule on approaches. Anyone willing to take a noob out is greatly appreciated!

1. If you haven't already, you need to learn to lead belay (safely, preferably with a grigri), clean a route and do a changeover. If you can't do those things, hire a guide. Or just make friends at your local gym. 

2. I'm not sure what you mean by "low stakes free soloing" but it sounds like a terrible idea. 

3. If you come to Chattanooga, I will climb with you. But you will need to be able to do the things listed in (1). 

Good luck, and be safe please. Climbing is fun and games until you see someone get hurt. 

Nick Daviswrote:

1. If you haven't already, you need to learn to lead belay (safely, preferably with a grigri), clean a route and do a changeover. If you can't do those things, hire a guide. Or just make friends at your local gym. 

2. I'm not sure what you mean by "low stakes free soloing" but it sounds like a terrible idea. 

3. If you come to Chattanooga, I will climb with you. But you will need to be able to do the things listed in (1). 

Good luck, and be safe please. Climbing is fun and games until you see someone get hurt. 

Well, 1 is great advice, thank you! 2... it means exactly what it says. Scrambling up very easy slabby pitches that would be near impossible to fall off of. What's life without a little danger? 3, very kind of you to offer to take me out. Unfortunately the closest gym is over an hour away (ProjectRock in Easely, SC) so I don't get there as much as I'd like but hopefully I can meet some folks there that actually do some outside climbing. Seems to mostly be parents with younger kids when I'm there. 

For someone in your situation, if you don’t find a local to take you out and teach you, you can sign up for a lead clinic at Project Rock. They probably won’t help with anchor cleaning there, but you can always ask. There are some really good YouTube videos for learning these things, but there are also some pretty bad ones. Nothing beats real experience. Also if you are on a budget, an ATC Pilot is just as good as a GriGri. Good luck.