Getting Started

There are different climbing types that require a wide array of gear to ensure a safe and fun climb:

Gear

Harness

A harness is what attaches a climbing rope to a person. It's important to have a harness that is comfortable.

Rock Climbing Shoes

Shoes are an essential item for safe rock climbing. They are meant to be worn very tight. Some climber get their climbing shoes a few sizes smaller than their regular shoe - sometimes so tight that the big toe is curled under the foot. They allow for a climber to stick their footing on the wall, and protect against injuries.

Rope

Climbing ropes are attached to climbers on one end, and belayers on the other. They will protect a climber from a fall. There are different types of ropes, (dry, wet, dynamic, steady) so make sure to get the proper rope for your climbing style and conditions.

Belay Device

This little devices is attached to the harness of a belayer to feed rope to or from a climber. It allows the belayer to easily catch a fallen climber with little to no stress.

Carabiner

These little metal loops are used for climbers and belayers. Belayers use them to hold their harness to their belay device that smoothly feeds the rope to or from the climber. Climbers use them on quickdraws to advance a wall.

quickdraw

Quickdraws quickly attaches a climber's rope to bolts in the wall. It keeps the rope from rubbing agains the harsh bolt, but still allows the bolt to hold the weight of the climber if he/she falls.

Chalk

Wet hands due to sweat or wet rocks make it easy to slip off a wall. A chalk absorbs moisture and makes it easier to grab on to the wall. The chalk bag can be attached to the harness of a climber so they can dip their hands in for some chalk whenever they feel moisture on their hands in the middle of a climb.

Helmet

Though some climbers don't wear helmets, they are strongly recommended. You never know when some rock debris can come rolling down the side of a cliff. If a climber falls off a climb, there is a chance that they will dangle on the rope which could swing them into a wall. Protect that melon!

Go Shopping

Here is a website where you can get all of these items. Click here.