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Beginner Climber in NC

Original Post
Zach Simoneau · · Winston Salem · Joined Feb 2017 · Points: 0

Hey guys, and gals. I am semi new to climbing and I am looking for partners to climb with in the North Carolina area. I have everything I need for a climb, besides rope, so I wouldn't need to borrow much or anything really. Just looking to get out and get back into climbing again. I am in the Winston-Salem area so Pilot Mountain is primarily where I would like to start or where ever anyone thinks is good! Cheers.

Dave Baker · · Wiltshire · Joined Jan 2015 · Points: 303

There are lots of Meetups in the area.

If you're up to drive into Raleigh/Durham, the meetup scene at TRC is very active, and I can recommend it highly. That's a fair distance (2hrs) so you might want to check the new climbing gym that just opened in Mooresville (1hr) for what they have going on.

There's also a meetup group that frequently climbs at Pilot but I've never been to one, or seen the group when I've been there, so I can't speak to any other specifics.

Also, regarding Pilot Mountain -- BUY A HELMET. WEAR A HELMET! The last time I was there we had three incidents of junk (soda can, rock, larger rock) being thrown off from the cliff above us by fools who didn't read the signs.

Zach Simoneau · · Winston Salem · Joined Feb 2017 · Points: 0

Where can I find out about these link ups? Are they advertised on here or another social media type accounts?
I have heard great things about the Raleigh area and we definitely need more of those around Winston Salem.
And I'm not a complete beginner just need a little guidance on small things, so I'm not a full on beginner. That's make it a bit better for linking up ha.
Yes I absolutely have a helmet. I heard the same thing from others about that being a problem.

Dave Baker · · Wiltshire · Joined Jan 2015 · Points: 303
Adam Fleming · · AMGA Certified Rock Guide; SLC · Joined Jun 2015 · Points: 441
Zach Simanownow wrote:And I'm not a complete beginner just need a little guidance on small things, so I'm not a full on beginner.
I find it best to approach any new version of climbing (outdoors, leading, trad) as if you are completely ignorant. Leave your ego at the door and let your mentor actually mentor you. If you think you know things, you may actually have some gaps in your knowledge (unconsciously incompetent, if you will).

Pilot mountain is a great place to learn. It's where I first climbed outside and learned to lead sport. There are a few easy climbs, both sport and trad. There are plenty of options for throwing topropes as well, even some that require you to build anchors far from the edge and extend them.

It might be helpful to post in the partner forum and say you're looking for a mentor. Be sure to accurately describe your experience level and what gear you have. Be prepared to bring something to the table as well (gas, beer, etc.).
Zach Simoneau · · Winston Salem · Joined Feb 2017 · Points: 0

Thank you for the website referral Dave

Adam, I could not agree more and I am going to approach any new form of activity by doing just that. I am a Beginner, I know only a few things. With that being said I am a great listener and I absolutely take everything that someone says to me in consideration. Pilot sounds like a great beginner area and I really am itching to go! I will post in the forum and see what I can find. Thank you so much for the help and I am always in for payments of beer. Cheers.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Beginning Climbers
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