Rock Climbing 101
Recently took up rock climbing at Stone Gardens. Great introduction and basics classes taught there, in addition to extensive bouldering space for ropeless practice. Can now climb all the V0 bouldering routes except one, and can climb a few of the V1 routes. Think of route climbing as a 3D puzzle with yourself as the puzzle piece.
Fair amount of strength required to climb, though the advanced climbers do not waste strength like the beginners do: straight arms, flowing along the routes instead of clawing their way up. Knowing a few tricks (smearing, swapping feet on nubbins you think cannot possibly hold you, and so forth) helps a lot, as otherwise end up stuck where a route requires a particular move.
Picked up basic set of equipment at REI, on recommendation of their lenient return policy for members. Shoes tricky, as foot should be curved, with toes pointing down, and no spare room up front. Get a stretching book to help avoid injury: moving up a route can strain tendons in unexpected ways.
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