Rock climbing

[nate1714]

I was in boy scouts when i was younger and we did a lot of rock climbing...but thats when i was younger and mobile..im planning on getting back into and was wondering what sort of gear you all recommend. I will be only doing indoor climbing thus far. I use to do a lot of free climbing...you know because boy scouts are invincible.....also any helpful articles ect...or just some kick butt pics

 

[m_calingo]

Climbing indoors? Most facilities will have harnesses, ropes and 'biners. So you won't need those.

All you'll need is some clothing that will give you freedom of movement, and a pair of climbing shoes.

 

[xxguitarist]

many gyms have all the equip- including shoes, available for rent.
If you intend to go a lot though, buying your own of harness, shoes, 'biner, ATC/belayer would be in your best interest.

 

[nate1714]

i plan to take a belay cert. course they offer and my gym has all the equipment i need. recommendations on clothing? and are there other shoes that i could apply or is this a case where they are the best thing to get...i use to always use thinner soled gym shoes to allow flexibility and comfort. i also would like my own harness that is better suited for me, recommendations? good brands, certifications to look for ect...

 

[din]

nate, just wear whatever clothing is most comfortable for you to wear for an extended period that will allow you to move freely. they have the clothing discussion over on rockclimbing.com every so often, because climbing clothes tend to be rather spendy. a lot of folks suggest just wearing loose chinos or shorts that you pick up at the thrift store, because then you won't care if they get torn up a little. just make sure that they allow a decent range of motion. if you're looking for something to do the splits in or whatever, keep an eye on steepandcheap.com, they have decent stuff available sometimes, but you have to keep checking because nobody knows what it's going to be. the clearance areas at mgear.com and moosejaw have some good deals, too.

for shoes, talk to someone at the gym or a climbing shop. do they have climbing shops in FL? anyway, I like the la sportiva mythos a lot, it's about the only thing that fits my mutant feet. all the harnesses that you can buy have to be certified, so it's just a matter of what fits you the best. the metolius safe-tec harnesses have a lot of redundant safety features, and the rise in the leg loops is adjustable which is a nice feature I haven't seen in any other harness. check out the black diamond ATC-XP, too, it's about the best belay device you can buy, and a good price.

 

[Absintheur]

I haven't done any climbing for a few years but if I were to get back into it I think I would go with the Five Ten Gambit Rock Shoes. Very sticky sole, great for friction and edging. They are not and approach shoe however but rather one made strictly for climbing which would work well inside as you can change from street shoes when you gear up.