How To Get Newbies Into Climbing

This week's article dives into the exciting job of introducing someone to climbing.  Getting someone interested in climbing can be a bit of a challenge at first, especially when stepping into a climbing gy for the first time can be quite an intimidating experience. Couple that with the inherent hesitations that come with picking up a new hobby as an adult - you don’t want to get hurt or the worry that you can’t measure up to your friends expectations.  It can be tough.

It’s important to break down these misconceptions early and show them that not everyone in the gym is a climbing pro.  Show them there are all types of people at the gym, including other newbies.  Focus on highlighting the enjoyable aspects of the sport and be as encouraging as possible. Start them off on climbs that they can easily send, providing a confidence boost that sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

Safety

Addressing proper falling techniques for bouldering is essential from the get-go, you don’t want any broken bones. As you step onto the bouldering mats, show the new climber the techniques of safely falling and rolling onto the back to disperse the force of impact. It's inevitable that falling will occur during the learning process and as they progress in climbing.  Safely falling will allow them to keep trying.  

Frequency

Take it slow - For newbie climbers, frequency is more important than quantity. Help them resist the urge to rush through climbs or climb large volumes, especially when starting out. Climbing too much too fast can lead to muscle strain and they’ll become pumped, cutting your climbing session short. New climbers should focus on building a consistent routine that allows for proper rest and recovery between climbs. Taking breaks will give their muscles and tendons the chance to adapt to this new activity.

Have Fun

For many people, the social aspect of climbing is just as important as the physical.  Be sure to not take it so seriously; show them climbing is also about encouraging others and celebrating the small progressions.

🔥🔥🔥 Hot Take 🔥🔥🔥

Negative encouragement is actually more motivating than positive encouragement 😬😬

PS: These are not my personal opinions - this is meant to spark discussion

My Thoughts

When you start anything I think it can be kinda daunting.  Walking up to a bouldering wall where everyone is just sitting around watching other people go can definitely make you not wanna try.  I remember preferring to top-rope when I first started because people wouldn’t watch you.  Or I’d walk around until I found an empty wall to try things other people weren’t on.  Really, I think you just get over this initial fear of failure by doing it and failing.  Just like a normal gym, no one is actually watching you.  If anything other people will encourage you and give you beta. After that I think just showing other people how fun the sport is will naturally suck them in. Climbing is something that never gets old because new routes are always set, so huge supporter of giving it a try!