How to Start Rock Climbing: A Beginner’s Guide

Rock climbing can feel like stepping into a whole new world where movement, problem solving, and adventure collide. If you’ve been curious about how to start rock climbing, the good news is that you don’t need to live in the mountains or have elite athletic ability to get started. All you need is a little guidance, the right mindset, and the willingness to try.

Start Close to Home

The best way to begin is simply to start where you are. For many, that means walking into a local indoor climbing gym. Indoor climbing offers a safe and structured environment where you can learn the basics without worrying about weather or complex logistics. If you’re lucky enough to live near outdoor crags, you can start there too but the principle remains the same: climb what’s nearest to you and make it part of your routine.

Learn from the Professionals

One of the most valuable investments you can make early on is in professional instruction. Experienced climbing instructors don’t just keep you safe, they also help you skip the steepest parts of the learning curve. They’ll teach you how to tie knots, belay correctly, and move efficiently on the wall.

Beyond the basics, professional guidance gives you an early understanding of how force, balance, and your body’s center of gravity work on the wall. Learning how to shift weight through your hips, keep your body close, and use your legs instead of over relying on your arms is a game changer. These small adjustments often make the difference between struggling and flowing up a route.

Don’t Rush Through the Grades

It’s tempting to measure progress by how quickly you climb higher grades. But real growth comes from spending time in the grade you’re comfortable in, refining your technique, and building confidence. Every grade has something to teach you. Take your time, enjoy the process, and celebrate each step forward.

Invest in the Right Gear

You don’t need to buy a full kit to start rock climbing, but two pieces of personal gear make all the difference: climbing shoes and a harness. Borrowing these items is fine at first, but investing in your own ensures better comfort, fit, and familiarity. When your shoes and harness feel like a natural extension of your body, you’ll climb more confidently and comfortably.

Make Climbing Fun: Travel for It

Climbing isn’t just about training in a gym, it’s about adventure. Some of the most iconic climbing destinations in the world, like Kalymnos in Greece or Chamonix in France, offer routes for every level. You don’t need to be a top climber to travel for climbing; most destinations have routes across all grades, so you’ll always find something that matches your level. Traveling to climb turns the sport into an experience: exploring new cultures, landscapes, and communities, all while doing what you love.

Travel with a Group for Extra Support

Joining a guided climbing trip or traveling with a group can take your progression to the next level. With instruction included, you’ll gain access to routes that may require someone to set up in advance, and you’ll have the guidance to push beyond your comfort zone safely. Plus, traveling with others adds camaraderie, shared motivation, and memories that last a lifetime.

The Bottom Line

Starting rock climbing doesn’t require being fearless or incredibly strong. It requires curiosity, a willingness to learn, and the patience to build your skills step by step. Begin where you are, seek instruction, climb within your grade, invest in the basics, and keep it fun by traveling to inspiring destinations. You’ll discover that climbing isn’t just about reaching the top, it’s about the transformation you feel along the way.

At Life Happens Outdoors, we believe that adventure has the power to change lives. Whether you’re starting in a local gym or joining us on the cliffs of Kalymnos, climbing is your chance to discover what’s possible when you say yes to the outdoors and come back different.