A Beginner’s Guide to Essential Indoor Rock Climbing Gear
When it comes to outdoor sports, few are as physically demanding or thrilling as rock climbing. This is a sport that requires both physical and mental discipline, extreme focus, and the willingness to push yourself to the limit.
In recent years, more and more people have discovered the joys of indoor rock climbing. It’s popularity is no mystery when you consider the fact that indoor climbing enables you to climb regardless of outside weather conditions, and at any location in the world.
Learn What Indoor Rock Climbing Gear You'll Need to Get Started
Climbing Shoes
When it comes to climbing shoes, not just any old pair of shoes will do. After all, you need to be able to really grip the vertical surface you’re climbing and to maximize your ability to achieve solid toe holds.
Rock climbing shoes are designed to stick to the vertical surface, reducing the odds of slippage. This means that the quality of the materials is incredibly important to performance.
Fit is also important. Because if your shoes are too loose, you won’t have full control when you try to make precision movements on the climbing surface. And if too tight, your foot might cramp.
There are a variety of options available in climbing shoes, just focus on fit and materials ahead of anything else.
Climbing Harness
Next is the climbing harness. This is the piece of climbing equipment that secures you to your climbing rope. Beginners should look for one that is nice and padded for comfort.
Keep in mind that a harness is designed to keep you safe during the climb, thus you need one that fits properly and is built to support your weight.
Again, many harnesses offer advanced features, but you won’t need to worry about certain features until you’ve gained more experience.
Belay Device
A belay device is the piece of equipment that enables you to support the weight of a fellow climber while they are on the climbing surface.
The climbing rope feeds through the belay device, providing the belay with control over the movements of the rope, and enabling you to prevent a fall in case your partner loses their grip and falls.
More expensive models feature advanced breaking systems that offer the belay increased control, thus providing great safety for the climber being supported.
Chalk Bag and Chalk
The final equipment discussed here are the chalk bag and chalk.
Chalk is important in rock climbing because it helps prevent your hands from becoming sweaty and slick. The chalk absorbs perspiration from your hands, thus providing better grip on the climbing surface.
The chalk bag attaches to your harness, thus enabling you to easily rich in and coat your hands with chalk as needed.
Essential Indoor Rock Climbing Gear
Indoor rock climbing is a great activity that helps climbers develop their skills without being exposed to outside elements. The key is to make sure you have the right indoor rock climbing gear for a fun and safe experience.
Click here to see a guide to the muscles used in rock climbing.
