Five Lessons for Beginner Climbers

As many know, we’ve partnered with Adventure HQ to hold monthly climbing nights. As part of Villon night, if you wear Villon you can purchase a bouldering pass plus a shoe rental for $10. For those who haven’t participated, below are a few things that might be helpful to know before venturing out and joining us. ​

1. Renting shoes is a must. While you can climb in your tennis shoes, the climbing shoes have rubber on the bottom and slightly up the sides to provide traction that allows you to grip the wall and use your legs. One note, the shoes are supposed to be a little snug, but they seem to run small. Therefore, don’t hesitate to exchange your shoes to try a different size until you get a pair you’re comfortable climbing in.
2. The routes, or problems, are graded using the V-scale. There will be tape coming off certain holds that have a V with a number following it (i.e. V4). The number indicates the level of difficulty of the problem with higher numbers indicating a higher level of difficulty. V0 is easier with defined and more frequent holds.
3. The problems are designated by several holds of the same color going up the climbing wall. As mentioned in #2 above, each problem will have two or three boulders with a piece of tape below it. The holds with tape located towards the bottom of the wall designates where your hand must start. If there are two pieces of tape on one hold, both hands must start there. In addition, your feet must be either on the wall or on a hold the same color as your problem. Towards the top of the wall there will be one hold with one piece of tape. That’s where you finish the problem. To successfully complete the problem you must get both hands on that hold. Grey shapes are neutral and considered part of the wall. These can be used to solve any of the surrounding problems.
4. Once you’ve reached the top, it might feel like you're farther up than you thought. You don't have to come down using the same holds as your ascent, but can use any color holds until you feel safe enough to jump the rest of the way.  The floor is well padded so falling from the top likely won't result in injury, but it's a good idea to climb down partially before jumping.  
5. Your forearms will probably be sore a day or two after climbing.  Bouldering uses muscles you're likely not used to exercising. I’ve heard stories from friends who have been so sore they had to use two hands to turn the key to start their car and one who had to use scissors to open a bag of chips the next day. Your muscles will get stronger the more often you climb, so get to it.