At its most basic, rock climbing is ascending a rock face or wall using various techniques like handholds, body positioning, and footwork. Beginners tend to struggle with the latter two techniques, leading to overreliance on their arms. Let’s take a look at some basics and places to level up or learn.
Rock Climbing Beginner Basics
When you first start rock climbing, it’s important to get familiar with all the equipment, such as ropes, harnesses, and climbing shoes. Mastering the basic techniques includes focusing on footwork and body positioning. It’s essential to prioritize the use of your arms so you don’t get fatigued too quickly. By learning climbing basics and progressing gradually, you can develop skills and techniques for more advanced climbs.
Key Concepts of Rock Climbing
It’s easy to think that climbing mostly involves your arms, but actually, your legs are the primary means for driving the climb. It’s essential to use your feet as a support base and to move into different holds. Similarly, body positioning is also essential. Keep your hips close to the wall and use your core to stay in and not lean out.
When you first start learning to rock climb, you should go to an indoor climbing gym for a safe and accessible way to learn the basics. It’s also a good idea to take an introduction course for a solid grasp of the basics. From there, invest in essential gear and practice regularly.
Places to Rock Climb in Ohio
As with many places around the country, there are several spots for rock climbing in Ohio. Starting with indoor climbing gyms, you can find these in diverse spots like Vertical Adventures in Columbus, Rock Mill Climbing in Akron, and Climb Cincy in Cincinnati. All three gyms have classes and programs for different skill levels.
When it comes to outdoor spots, there are two main crags to try in Ohio. Whipps Ledges in Hinckley Reservation features sandstone cliffs with top rope potential, making it a good spot for beginners. John Bryan State Park in Yellow Springs has limited routes, but it’s a great intro to outdoor top-roping.
Outdoor Crags Around the Country
Ohio isn’t the only state where you can find outdoor rock climbing adventures. Kentucky also has some great spots, like Bruise Brothers in Muir Valley. It offers well-bolted sport climbs that are perfect for first outdoor leads. Another popular beginner area in the Red River Gorge is called the Zoo. A private access area in Torrent Falls offers guided climbs and beginner-friendly scenic climbs.
Nevada is another good state with fun climbs. The Panty Wall is a popular beginner wall with short approaches and a sunny exposure. For more moderate climbs, try the Magic Bus climb with excellent rock quality. Cannibal Crag has a variety of easier routes with good protection.
Las Vegas offers several top climbing centers, including Origin Climbing & Fitness and the Nevada Climbing Center. The latter is one of the oldest gyms in the city and is known for its welcoming vibe.