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General Climbing Discussion

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Indoor climber wanting to climb outdoors

lefttoright

16-Nov-2008
12:32:09 AM

hey guys ..

in need of some direction please..!!
been climbing indoors for 6 months wanting to start climb outdoors
I’ve got shoes harness ..the basics..
will I need a Helmut..?
some slings..???
how do I start...??
do I need to do a lead climbing course 1st..
is there some kinda course that will get me up to a level to start to lead?
feel free to recommend...

any real tips would be great
it would be great if there was a chockstone section on tips from moving from beginner to intermediate and more....

Regards
B

Sonic

16-Nov-2008
10:27:47 AM

To start with all you need are shoes, harness, chalk, 2 carabiners, a 60cm sling and a belay device. A helmet is recommended for safety when starting out. Get a solid shell one. You won't need draws, rope, etc until you are certain you are comfortable on rock.

When you first go outdoors - DO NOT LEAD! I never let people lead first or even second time out even if they can in the gym. As far as I'm concerned gym climbing is not outdoor climbing - they are totally different things. Get a feel on top rope first as I'm certain you will have bad habits from the gym that you will have to address. Then again there are mobs that offer gym to outdoor conversion courses which may help you.

Really the easiest way to start is to tag along with others who know what they are doing. Just ask around! If that fails, you can always go out with a guiding company.

Anyway I hope that helps you some.

lefttoright

16-Nov-2008
10:59:25 AM

thankyou sonic.

i've done a little outdoor climbing in thailand on limestone and yes it is waaaa different from the gym,
only did top ropping but..

if i was to go the guiding company option what is the better area to start ??
Grampians, Stawell......Mt Arapiles, Natimuk...etc..???

Sonic

16-Nov-2008
11:11:41 AM

My first time outdoors in Victoria was with Grampians Mountain Adventure Company. They seem to know their stuff pretty well and the dude I went out with taught me more in a few hours than I had learned in months beforehand. That was at Araps so there is one option. Araps is probably you're best bet for starters - much more climbing in a smallish area.

Mind you I'm based out of the Blueys so I have no affiliation with any companies down that way - Thats just one option I know of through personal experience.

Listen to others here - the locals can probably give better advice on the guides down there than I can!

climberer

17-Nov-2008
1:54:26 PM

Does the VCC still offer learn to lead courses? Have a look at their website.

superbumbly

17-Nov-2008
2:51:40 PM

Louise Sheperd runs a guiding company out of Nati, get in touch with her.
One of the best to learn from. (imho)

lefttoright

18-Nov-2008
12:06:18 AM

thanks guys...
this wht i needed...
some direction..

i'll start looking..

thanks again!!

jkane

18-Nov-2008
3:20:12 PM

On 17/11/2008 climberer wrote:
>Does the VCC still offer learn to lead courses? Have a look at their website.

Yes, we are offering learn to lead courses.

Also we often run trips that are suitable for beginners.

http://www.vicclimb.org.au

There are 8 messages in this topic.