Summer climbing guide: Everything you need to know to start right now

In the world of adventure sports, few activities offer the sheer thrill and exhilaration of climbing. Whether you’re scaling towering cliffs, navigating rugged boulders, or ascending icy peaks, climbing challenges both your physical prowess and mental acuity. If you’re captivated by the idea of defying gravity and conquering new heights, then climbing might just be the perfect pursuit for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you from novice to seasoned climber, equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to thrive in this dynamic sport.

MEC ambassador Emma Contaoe is one of Canada’s top young climbers. She first got hooked on the sport, like many do, at the local gym when she was 11 years old.

“I discovered the auto belay at a workout gym,” Contaoe says. “I got hooked and learned to climb top rope at the gym, then tried outdoor climbing while travelling in Asia.”

Discovering the Vertical World

Embracing the Climbing Culture

Before delving into the technical aspects, it’s essential to immerse yourself in the vibrant community. Attend local gyms, outdoor crags, and events to connect with fellow enthusiasts. Climbing is as much about camaraderie and shared experiences as it is about individual achievement.

Contaoe says she was intimidated at first, and that was a challenge, especially when thinking that the sport is for a certain type of person.

“I just did it anyway,” she adds. “And realized that the sport is for everyone!”

Understanding the Types of Climbing

Climbing encompasses a diverse array of disciplines, each with its own unique challenges and techniques. From bouldering and sport to traditional and alpine, there’s a style to suit every preference and skill level.

• Bouldering: Scaling short, challenging routes without the use of ropes or harnesses. Bouldering emphasizes strength, technique, and problem-solving skills.
• Sport: Ascending bolted routes with the protection of pre-placed anchors. Sport climbing combines endurance, strategy, and mental fortitude.
• Traditional: Placing removable gear to protect against falls while ascending natural rock formations. Trad climbing demands technical proficiency, route-finding skills, and a deep understanding of gear placement.
• Alpine: Conquering high-altitude peaks in remote, mountainous terrain. Alpine climbing requires advanced mountaineering skills, self-sufficiency, and the ability to contend with unpredictable weather and hazardous conditions.

Gear essentials

Contaoe suggests that for those getting outside on rock for the first time, she recommends the following:

• A harness
• A helmet
• Climbing shoes
• Chalk bag
• A belay device
• MEC Offers various climbing bundles – https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/special-offers-climbing?itc=ptt_climbbundle_042924

For sport climbers:

• A personal anchor
• Quickdraws
• A stick clip

“And for those wanting to get into trad climbing, you’ll need a nut tool!”

Embarking on Your Climbing Journey

Building a Solid Foundation

Before you can ascend vertical walls with confidence, it’s crucial to master the fundamentals of technique, safety, and equipment use.

• Climbing Gym Etiquette: Familiarize yourself with the rules and etiquette of indoor climbing facilities. Respect fellow climbers, follow gym guidelines, and always prioritize safety.
• Basic Knots and Belaying Techniques: Learn essential knots such as the figure-eight knot and the double fisherman’s knot. Practice belaying techniques to ensure a secure and reliable system for managing rope tension and preventing falls.
• Gear Essentials: Understand the purpose and proper use of essential gear, including harnesses, helmets, climbing shoes, carabiners, and belay devices. Invest in high-quality equipment and perform regular safety checks to ensure everything is in good working order.

Taking the First Steps

With a solid foundation in place, it’s time to take your first vertical strides and experience the thrill of climbing firsthand.

Contaoe says, progress into each step and take your time in mastering each step.

“If your objective is to go from gym to crag, take an intro top rope course at a gym, then take a course top rope outdoors to see if you like it,” she says. “I often recommend taking a lead climbing course indoors, and to then take a transition course from gym to crag.”

• Introductory Classes: Enroll in introductory classes offered by reputable gyms or outdoor guide services. These classes typically cover basic climbing techniques, safety protocols, and equipment orientation.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Dedicate time to honing your skills through regular practice sessions at indoor climbing gyms. Experiment with different routes, handholds, and foot placements to develop strength, agility, and confidence on the wall.
• Overcoming Fear: Climbing inevitably involves confronting fear and uncertainty. Embrace the challenge of pushing past your comfort zone and gradually acclimating to the exposure and heights.

Mastering the Art of Climbing

Technique and Movement

At its core, climbing is a dance of balance, strength, and finesse. Mastering climbing technique is essential for progressing to more challenging routes and achieving greater heights.

• Footwork: Cultivate precise footwork and efficient weight distribution to maximize friction and stability on the wall. Practice placing your feet deliberately and utilizing footholds effectively.
• Body Positioning: Learn to maintain proper body positioning and alignment while climbing. Keep your hips close to the wall, engage your core muscles, and utilize your legs to push and propel yourself upward.
• Route Reading: Develop the ability to anticipate handholds, footholds, and rest opportunities while studying climbing routes. Visualize your sequence of movements and plan your ascent strategically to conserve energy and minimize risk.

Strength and Conditioning

While technique plays a crucial role in climbing proficiency, strength and conditioning are equally important for tackling demanding routes and pushing your limits.

Contaoe says training that is specific to the sport is beneficial to take the next step, but at the beginning it’s more about technique.

“When you are starting out, climbing itself is enough to build strength in your fingers and body,” Contaoe says. “I recommend training only after 1 year and a half or so. Getting mileage and experience on the wall will give you more exposure to climbing techniques, which takes time to develop. So to me, training is not very important when you are starting out.”

• Upper Body Strength: Strengthen your upper body muscles, including your forearms, biceps, and back, to improve grip strength and pulling power. Incorporate exercises such as pull-ups, dead hangs, and fingerboarding into your training regimen.
• Core Stability: Develop a strong and stable core to enhance balance, control, and body tension while climbing. Focus on exercises that target your abdominal muscles, obliques, and lower back, such as planks, Russian twists, and leg raises.
• Flexibility and Mobility: Maintain flexibility and mobility in your joints and muscles to prevent injury and optimize movement efficiency. Incorporate stretching, yoga, and mobility exercises into your routine to improve range of motion and muscle suppleness.

Mental Focus and Confidence

Climbing is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Cultivate mental resilience, focus, and confidence to overcome obstacles and perform at your best.

• Visualization: Visualize successful climbs and positive outcomes to build confidence and reduce anxiety. Mentally rehearse your sequences and imagine yourself executing each move with precision and fluidity.
• Fear Management: Acknowledge and embrace fear as a natural aspect of the sport, but don’t let it paralyze you. Develop coping strategies, such as controlled breathing and positive self-talk, to manage fear and anxiety.
• Mindfulness and Presence: Practice mindfulness and present-moment awareness while climbing to stay focused, alert, and attuned to your body and surroundings. Cultivate a calm and centered mindset that allows you to adapt to changing conditions and navigate challenges with clarity and composure.

Exploring the Great Outdoors

Transitioning to Outdoor

While indoors provides a safe and controlled environment for skill development, nothing quite compares to the exhilaration of climbing in the great outdoors.

Contaoe says it wasn’t long before she was outside.

“I learned how to belay at the gym and top rope climbed for a few months,” she says. “I then tried outdoor top rope rock climbing while I was traveling in Asia, and took a course with a school where I learned how to lead climb, set up anchors and rappel. I then did my first climbing trip and started traveling for climbing ever since.”

She adds that with each additional step comes the opportunity to learn new techniques and essential skills.

“I got some top rope experience indoors for around three months, then I took an intro to outdoor rock climbing course and after a few sessions outdoors I then transitioned to learning how to build anchors,” she explains. 

• Introduction to Outdoor Climbing: Seek guidance and mentorship from experienced climbers when making the transition to outdoor climbing. Participate in outdoor climbing clinics, guided trips, or mentorship programs to learn about outdoor ethics, risk management, and environmental stewardship.
• Understanding Risks: Familiarize yourself with the unique hazards and challenges associated with outdoor climbing, including rockfall, weather changes, and route finding. Develop solid judgment and decision-making skills to mitigate risks and ensure a safe and enjoyable climbing experience.
• Leave No Trace Principles: Practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the natural environment and preserve the beauty and integrity of climbing areas. Respect wildlife, pack out all trash, and avoid damaging vegetation or rock formations.

Navigating Different Environments

Outdoor climbing offers a diverse array of landscapes and environments, each presenting its own set of challenges and rewards.

• Sport Crags: Explore bolted sport climbing routes at outdoor crags and cliffs. Familiarize yourself with local areas, route ratings, and access considerations. Pay attention to route descriptions, guidebooks, or online resources to plan your outings effectively.