I always try to be welcoming and non-judgemental when I see new climbers in rental gear, because I remember how nervous I was when I started climbing and how encouraging the gym regulars were to me. HAVING SAID THAT... there are exceptions.
Seriously, dude-bros... don't try to out-climb the girls.
One of the things I love about climbing is how my mind quiets down as soon as my hands touch the wall.
I've gotten better at dressing my knots over the years, but this still occasionally happens:
Climbing is a very slang-intensive culture. Some terms are technical in nature and should be learned and used by newcomers to the sport. Others... others are best picked up organically.
Gym climbing might have the edge over outdoor climbing when it comes to safety and comfort... but is definitely lacking in other departments.
I'm super-excited to get outside on some real rock tomorrow in Colorado! However, I've heard that smeary, non-existent footholds are the order of the day out there, so I'm expecting this scene to play out a lot:
I've only climbed on actual rock three times so far, due to Southeast Michigan's crushing lack of vertical terrain. So far, this has been my biggest challenge making the transition from gym to crag.
The first time I tried to coil a rope, I nearly strangled myself. It's gotten better since then... mostly.
Holds that I like: Jugs
Holds that I dislike: Everything else
My climbing partner and I are easily the coolest-looking people in the gym...
Flashback to when I finally took the lead test at my gym, after about two years of postponing it because I was scared of taking the fall.
Reader... I took the fall.
I try not to be one of those climbers who is super-chatty while they are on the wall... but there have been occasional lapses.
I'm still annoyed about those leggings, especially because the kneebar ended up not working anyways.
All my greatest sends are soft.
Shoes? Check. Harness? Check. Chalk bag? Check.
Ridiculous amount of finger tape? .....checkmate.
I've always avoided the crack in my gym, as I had no idea how to climb it. And then I learned.
And now I avoid it because it HURTS LIKE HELL.
Have I mentioned that I'm not very good at route-reading?
Idiocy aside, I'm actually unduly pleased with myself that I made that move without using the arete. It was WAAAAAAAAY harder that way.
Some climbers, such as Adam Ondra, can meticulously dial in beta for a route by visualizing every single move in incredible detail before they even leave the ground.
I am not one of those climbers.
Don't even get me started on indoor vs, outdoor grades...
Giving a good spot when bouldering is an art. An art I have not mastered.
