ARTEMIS OUTDOOR, co.
Artemis Outdoor, Co. is an online startup aiming to be a resource for women in the outdoors. I work on social media management and strategy for the brand, pulling content from an online database and crafting a the strategy behind building the brand’s platform from scratch.
I also write blog content for the online resource hub - below. See the live article here.
How To Start Rock Climbing
The first time I walked into a climbing gym, I was mesmerized by the walls, the colors, the way people moved up the routes with such precision. Despite being in the middle of Minnesota with no friends who climbed, I was determined that climbing would be my new “thing.”
Fast forward a few years and I find myself traveling around the world for climbing. It’s become a part of who I am and has changed my life in more ways than one. I love the physical aspects, feeling strong and beautiful when I move through a climb, working movements until they’re memorized, maintaining an intense focus. While the sport draws people in with its unique blend of physical challenge and creativity, I repeatedly find that my favorite part of climbing is the supportive community and all the people I meet along the way. And I’m not alone.
The world of climbing is changing, and as it becomes more accessible, many women and girls are giving it a shot. Women-specific climbing groups and festivals are growing in popularity around the U.S. and top female athletes are pushing the highest limits of the sport, providing inspiration for climbers and non-climber alike (read about lady crushers here). But the question on most beginners’ minds is: how exactly do I start climbing and what should I expect?
Physical Requirements
While having a base level of fitness will help, it’s not necessary to have climbing-specific strength ahead of time – it’s a sport that starts slow and builds. Climbing uses a lot of unique muscles that rarely get engaged through other activities, so the best way to get stronger is simply to climb. That said, traditional core/ab and upper body exercise can help you improve more rapidly (think planks, pulldowns, burpees, etc. a couple days a week).
Keep in mind that climbing is always a full body workout, and it challenges even the best climbers both mentally and physically. It’s okay to feel like things aren’t quite ‘clicking’ right away. What’s important is that you take things at your own pace and have fun. Now let’s get to the business.
Finding a Gym
While the outdoors and real rock may be enticing, the best place to start is at a local climbing gym. Most metro areas in the US have at least one climbing gym and gyms are constantly springing up in more rural areas as well. Indoor climbing gyms can be found with a quick search on Google for “indoor climbing gyms in [your area].” If you have options, choose the one that looks the most appealing to you based on customer photos/reviews, website, etc. It may also be worth checking out the gym’s website or calling in advance to find out if they offer a first-time discount, buddy passes, or special pricing for women or students. Without discounts, most gym day passes are between $12-20.
Once you find a gym, grab a friend or go alone. Climbing is a social sport, so even if you go by yourself, you’ll likely meet a new friend. When you arrive, don’t hesitate to tell the staff at the front desk that it’s your first time climbing and ask any questions you may have - they’re there to help!
Gear & Apparel
Now you know you’re going to the climbing gym, but what should you wear and bring with you?
Clothing: You don’t need any special clothing for climbing. Normal exercise clothes are great. Wear pants that move freely (leggings or pants that have some stretch are best) and make sure they have a high enough waist so you’re not constantly pulling them up. If you wear shorts, make sure they’re long enough to not flash anyone who ends up below you 😉 Tank tops, t-shirts, or long sleeve shirts are all great options for the top.
Gear: At the very least, you’ll need a pair of climbing shoes and some chalk. Both of these can be rented at the climbing gym for a small fee (usually $5-10). I’d recommend trying it out at the gym first before investing money into gear, as purchasing a new pair of climbing shoes can easily cost over $100. If you plan to climb ropes, you’ll also need a harness, which can be rented at the gym.
Food/Water: Climbing is a lot of work! It’s a good idea to have a snack and a water bottle in your bag, just in case you need a quick power-up.
Your First Time Climbing
The best way to start climbing in a gym is by bouldering. Bouldering consists of shorter routes (called ‘problems’) closer to the ground. Most gyms will have a maximum bouldering height of around 15 feet. This type of climbing uses the least amount of gear (shoes and chalk) and requires the least amount of skill and training to get started. Most gym staff can give a quick overview of bouldering safety when you arrive.
Once you’ve got the basics down, you can choose to move on to Top Roping. Top roping is the simplest form of roped climbing in a gym and utilizes a rope that’s already secured through anchors at the top of the wall. Before you can top rope, you’ll need a buddy and you’ll need to learn how to belay. Belaying is the act of keeping a climber from falling by using a special device to create friction on the rope. A belayer is simply the person who is belaying. Some gyms have autobelays, which are mechanical systems that mimic a belayer. Gym staff can teach you how to safely use these. In most cases, though, you’ll need to learn how to belay so you and a friend can take turns climbing different routes. While it is possible to go alone and find belay partners at a climbing gym, I always prefer to go with someone I know and trust to safely belay me.
Lastly, you may see people climbing in the gym who are clipping the rope into carabiners as they ascend the wall. This is called sport climbing and is a more advanced style of climbing that can be learned later on. It requires more experience, technique and understanding of safety measures. Sport climbing is extremely popular outside.
Next up: Grading. All routes or boulder problems in gyms will have some sort of grading system that quickly tells you how hard a particular climb is. Traditionally, bouldering routes are graded using the “Hueco” scale (or V-grade). The lower the number after “V” the easier the climb. For example, V0 will be easier than V4. When you’re just getting started, try boulders graded “VB” or “V0.” Again, don’t be afraid to ask someone around you for help navigating the grades. Roped routes are graded on the Yosemite Decimal Scale and are formatted 5.xx. Similar to boulders, the lower the number after the “5,” the easier the climb. The hardest routes in the world go up to 5.15.
If at any point during your climbing, you feel like you’re struggling or you want to learn more about techniques, safety, etc., most gyms offer climbing clinics that you can sign up for based on your skill level. Some people may choose to begin with a clinic, but it’s not necessary. Also, don’t forget about one of the best parts about climbing - the community. Ask other climbers for tips or “beta.” Watching people who are better climbers than you can be extremely helpful, as you’ll pick up different techniques or ways of doing certain movements.
Recuperation
Because climbing uses a lot of muscles you’re not used to working, you can expect to be sore for a few days after - and that’s good! It’s important to take a couple days of rest between gym sessions to let your body recover, especially when you first start climbing. When you’re at the gym, it’s good to rest for 5-10 minutes in between climbs.
Expert Tips
Take it slowly. Your arms and fingers will likely be a little sore, so make sure to let yourself recover and heal to prevent injury.
Use your legs! This is where women excel faster than the dudes. Remember to always move your feet up and stand tall before trying to pull yourself up the wall with your arms.
Be mindful of other climbers and take turns climbing. Also, make sure there is no one climbing above you before getting on the wall.
Most importantly -- Remember that climbing is all about having fun and encouraging one another. Don’t stress out about not being able to climb the hardest grade, falling off the same route multiple times, or not knowing how to do a move. Everyone learns at their own pace; even the strongest climbers in the world started at the bottom. If you’re struggling, ask someone for help. The best thing about the climbing community is the inclusive and supportive nature.
Typical Costs
Gym day pass – $10-20
Rental rackage (shoes, chalk, harness) – $5-20
Personal shoes (if purchased) – $90-180, depending on the style
Personal chalk bag + chalk (if purchased) – $15-45
Personal harness – $60(ish)
Helpful Resources
Women in Climbing Accept & Adapt
Crux Crush (and this article on training!)