Beginning climbing around Nashville

1. I've recently become very interested in starting rock climbing, I've been to most of the Gyms in the area and have enjoyed myself. What do y'all recommend purchasing gear wise, and where to go climbing. I already know basic climbing and belaying skills, but I'm interested in advancing to a more intermediate level.

10 quickdraws, 1 (60 or 70 meter) rope, 4 lockers, 1- 48 inch sling, harness, shoes, ATC and carabiner, chalkbag.  The sling assumes you that you will make anchor rather than top roping through quickdraws.  That will get you up the sport routes around here.  Sandrock (AL) and Foster Falls are pretty friendly areas for beginners.  I would say at Foster Falls things get a lot more fun if you can lead 5.9- 5.10 outside.  

The Red and the Obed are pretty close to you. I'd recommend those areas, there's always people that need partners. Bring some beer and you'll make friends quick. 

Brandon's pretty much said everything you should get gear wise. 

Two 24 inch slings for clipping into and cleaning the anchor are mandatory .

Clip them to your belay loop and to each separate anchor bolt.

ALWAYS weight your repell device before unclipping from the anchor when cleaning.

Always center your rope or you may die rappelling off the end of your rope.

Better yet knot the ends of your rope.

Learn this well before venturing out on your own!!!

Kings bluff is only 45 minutes west of Nashville. Not world class climbing but the approach is short and pretty easy and the climbing ranges from 5.5 and up. 

Mrock87 wrote:

Kings bluff is only 45 minutes west of Nashville. Not world class climbing but the approach is short and pretty easy and the climbing ranges from 5.5 and up. 

 

I climbed there while passing through. Pretty nice lil setup here, climbs are all marked at the base for the most part which was foreign to me

I climb at the Red most weekends. If you want to jump in sometime let me know.