Standing in front of an indoor climbing wall for the first time may feel daunting, but the moment you start tackling it, you’ll feel an adrenaline rush and find the motivation to reach the top.
And even if you feel intimidated by the massive wall, think about the perks you can experience when you try indoor climbing. Every move tests your strength, balance, and problem-solving skills, which gives you a full-body workout that doesn’t feel like a routine gym session.
Indoor climbing can also build your confidence and mental resilience. You’ll feel like a winner once you reach the top.
Although it requires a full-body workout, this activity helps you relax. You can clear your mind as you focus on the climb, which can be considered a form of moving meditation.
Indoor climbing is also a fantastic social activity. Whether you make the ascent alone or with your friends, there is a supportive community that lets you connect with others.
If you’re looking for a fun way to stay fit, indoor climbing is definitely worth a try.
Making Your First Indoor Climb Fun and Rewarding
If you’re planning your first indoor climb, keep these tips in mind to have an enjoyable experience:
- Remember that indoor climbing facilities are safe.
It’s normal to feel a bit scared when you’re thinking of scaling a hundred-foot-tall wall or something taller. However, remember that indoor climbing facilities and the activity are safe to give you the confidence to tackle it.
Indoor climbing facilities have padded floors to soften landings. Climbers are also fitted with harnesses to prevent dangerous falls, and the walls have extra holds designed to help individuals climb down from the top.
If you’re still hesitant about trying this activity, research the indoor climbing facility you want to go to. Read customer reviews and feedback; pay attention to what they say about the facility, equipment, instructors, and other staff to know if it’s worth going there.
Keep in mind that if an indoor climbing gym has a poor safety record and plenty of negative reviews, it will never stay in business. If you find a facility that has been operating for years, you’ll likely have a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Buy your ticket in advance.
Many indoor climbing facilities have limited capacity, especially during peak seasons and hours. The last thing you want to happen is to show up excited and be turned away because it’s full.
Once you’ve chosen an indoor climbing facility, find out if you can get your ticket in advance. Visit their website to know if you can buy one online.
You can pick the best day to enjoy your first indoor climbing experience when you buy your ticket online. You may even get discounts or discover offers that let you save money.
Since buying a ticket in advance guarantees your spot, you can focus on doing your best and having fun.
- Know what to wear.
Wear comfortable workout or sports training clothes when you go indoor climbing. Choose loose tops and bottoms that don’t restrict your movement so you can have an easier time reaching the holds.
Sweatpants or track pants are recommended to lessen the bruises or scratches you get from banging or scratching your knees as you climb.
Many indoor climbing facilities provide climbing shoes, which means you don’t have to worry about wearing the wrong footwear. However, if they’re not given to climbers and you don’t want to rent a pair, choose sports shoes with rubber on the soles and toes.
If you’re using the provided climbing shoes, make sure you wear socks for hygiene reasons.
Also, prepare for your first indoor climb by trimming your nails since long nails may get snagged or break when reaching for and grasping the holds.
- Learn some basic indoor climbing techniques.
Before your first indoor climbing experience, read about techniques and tips that can help you have an easier time making the trek. Below are some of these:
- Focus on using your legs, not your hands and arms. Your legs are stronger than your arms, so push yourself upward with your feet instead of pulling your body up with your hands.
- Keep your hips close to the wall. Doing so allows you to maintain balance and avoid unnecessary strain.
- When gripping holds, avoid over-squeezing them. Use an open-hand grip whenever possible to conserve energy.
- Always place your feet carefully on footholds rather than just stepping on them blindly. Doing so reduces the need for excessive upper body strength.
- Climb with your eyes. Look ahead and plan your next move before reaching for a hold. This helps reduce your hesitation and keeps you moving safely.
Also, remember to breathe no matter how nervous you are. Avoid tensing up and holding your breath, which can make you feel tired quickly.
- Remember the facility’s safety rules.
Indoor climbing hubs can sometimes get crowded, which is why you need to follow their safety rules to avoid getting injured and accidentally hurting others.
These rules often include the following:
- Be cautious of nearby climbers. Make sure your rope is far from or not entwined with the others to avoid tripping or entanglement.
- Stay focused on the wall and your partner, if you have one, to avoid getting distracted.
- Avoid staying under other climbers and walking or sitting under them if you’re still on the floor.
- Avoid climbing over other climbers.
- Avoid jumping from the top of the wall when there are other climbers beneath you.
- Pay attention during the pre-climb briefing.
During the pre-climb briefing, pay attention to the instructors. They provide crucial information that will help keep you safe and make your climbing experience more enjoyable.
Listen carefully to the rules and watch the instructors as they demonstrate how to use the gear properly and walk you through the basic climbing techniques. Make sure you understand everything to avoid rookie mistakes that may cause you to get hurt.
Paying attention during the briefing session also means you’ll be more comfortable once you start climbing. You’ll feel more confident when you know how to use the liquid chalk, clip in, where to step, and what to do if you get tired.
The briefing also covers communication signals, which you should memorize if you’re climbing with a partner.
Whether you’re trying indoor climbing at a gym or the UAE’s tallest indoor climbing wall in CLYMB™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, keep these tips in mind to have an enjoyable time and possibly find a new activity to get into.
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