Beginner’s Guide to Outdoor Climbing

Are you excited to embark on your first outdoor climbing adventure? As a beginner climber, you have two main options to choose from depending on your equipment and skill level.

Option 1: Bouldering for Beginners

If you have a friend or prefer to venture out on your own, bouldering is an excellent starting point. Bouldering is a form of climbing that requires minimal specialized gear and technical knowledge.

As a beginner, you’ll find that most bouldering routes, often called “problems,” are designed to keep you at a height from which you can comfortably jump off. Although some advanced climbs can reach considerable heights, you’ll primarily focus on routes that suit your comfort level. All you need to get started with bouldering is climbing shoes, a chalk bag, a crash pad to cushion your jumps or falls, and it’s preferable you have an experienced spotter to guide your landings. No ropes, harnesses, or additional hardware are necessary.

If you’re looking for great bouldering locations, theCrag serves as an ultimate guide. In our area, you can explore fantastic bouldering options at:

Additionally, as a UNEOAC member, you have the advantage of borrowing climbing shoes and a bouldering mat from our gear hire.

Read more at the Rock Climbing Guide for Beginners.

Option 2: Top-rope Climbing for Beginners

If you have a climbing partner, especially one with experience, you can consider top-rope climbing as your first outdoor climbing experience. UNEOAC organises trips throughout the year to introduce members to various kinds of outdoor rock climbing. You can also connect with other members through our Facebook group or by meeting at the indoor climbing wall to find a mentor who can guide you in developing your climbing skills.

Top-rope climbing elevates you higher off the ground compared to bouldering and utilises a rope for protection. The climber ties into one end of the rope, which passes through an anchor at the top of the route. As you ascend, your partner, known as the “belayer,” uses a belay device to manage slack on the other end of the rope. The belayer’s role is critical as they ensure the rope remains taut, minimizing the distance of a potential fall if you slip. Learning to belay is an essential skill that you can acquire through induction at the indoor climbing wall (ask one of the supervisors) or on one of the UNEOAC climbing trips.

To engage in top-rope climbing, it’s important to learn some simple climbing knots, such as the figure-8 knot, which are essential for securing yourself to the rope.

To discover great top-rope climbing locations, turn to theCrag, your ultimate guide. Within our area, you can explore exciting options at:

Additionally, as a UNEOAC member, you have the advantage of borrowing climbing shoes and rope from our gear hire.

Read more at the Rock Climbing Guide for Beginners.