Indoor rock climbing

data · 08-08-2005, 11:48 AM

Does anyone here indoor rock climb? I was gonna go give it a shot tomorrow night to see what its like.

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Tacoma Dude · 08-08-2005, 11:49 AM

It's fun but it'll tear up your hands.
Remember to try to put as much weight on your legs as possible. If you go all upper body you'll wear yourself out faster.

dlbrunner · 08-08-2005, 11:54 AM

Don't expect to be able to grab the steering wheel when you are all done. After a good session I have been barely able to close my hands. Keep weight over feet as much as possible. Have Fun!!

EWAYota · 08-08-2005, 12:36 PM

trust your toes, and be amazed at the strength in your finger tips (if you climb a harder route).

btw, if you get on a route with small holds, try to keep your body as close to the wall as you can, don't let you butt hang out. that will take weight off your hands/fingers and make it easier for you to hold on.

rimpainter.com · 08-08-2005, 12:43 PM

It's a blast, but like these guys said it will kick your butt. Even when I was lifting it kicked my butt because I was suddenly using muscles I didn't know were there. My forearms were hurting so bad I could hardly drive. I felt like a freak!

***midiwall*** · 08-08-2005, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by <96 Runner>

It's a blast, but like these guys said it will kick your butt. Even when I was lifting it kicked my butt because I was suddenly using muscles I didn't know were there. My forearms were hurting so bad I could hardly drive. I felt like a freak!

Double ditto!

Tacoclimber · 08-08-2005, 03:07 PM

DON'T overstretch before you start. I have found that over stretching will tire your muscles faster, and it will really bum you out. Do a little light stretching, but not a lot. Lightly stretch each finger and thumb, and then by placing the palm of your opposing hand on the ends of your fingers, lightly stretch your forearms.

Oh yeah, start with something low grade. If you go for a 5.10, you'll be bummed right away. Be honest and tell the staff youre new at this, they'll be cool, and give you some instruction. Have fun and climb on!

ahriman · 08-08-2005, 04:54 PM

if you have not bought them yet, try A LOT of shoes before buying. do not make the mistake i made of researching them to death, but only the reading part....

Tacoclimber · 08-08-2005, 05:19 PM

Depending on where you're going to climb, most indoor gyms have rental shoes, which I really suggest. Climbing shoes will make your experience MUCH better, just make sure they fit right. Again, ask someone who has been climbing, and they will give you the beta you need... For a newbie to climbing, you want shoes that are snug, but you're not Tommy Caldwell or Sharma, so you don't need to cut off the circulation to your toes, either. Your best bet is to talk to someone who climbs. Climbing is like most other things; having the right equipment can make the difference between a very fun expereince or a very forgettable experience. Good luck!

4RUNR · 08-08-2005, 06:22 PM

I always cringe when I see little kids ask to climb the 50 foot wall in a store like Dick's. Moms standing there cheering on as a high school kid holds the safety rope. Your life in 2005 not dangerous enough?

rngrchad · 08-08-2005, 07:38 PM

Indoor climbing is a good time....just please tell me why every belayer feels the need to yell beta non-stop on everymove of the whole climb. It got to the point I just don't climb indoors anymore, I can't stand dedicated belayers telling me what color hold to grab, or what hold not to grab, acting as if I were on a routesetting competition.Phew...ranting anyhow just be relaxed and don't get into that whole indoor "climbing" : "grab the slopper w/ your left hand, now smeer the wall while flagging with your right foot, don't touch the natural hold its cheating, now do a 6ft dyno to that tiny crimper and once you hit that you've gotta match on the next green sidepull => it goes on and on and on and on,andonandonandon....................but by all means, ignore all that yada and have a good time.

That's what climbing is all about and if getting outdoors means you gotta go indoors first, then by all means do it!

Tacoclimber · 08-09-2005, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rngrchad

Indoor climbing is a good time....just please tell me why every belayer feels the need to yell beta non-stop on everymove of the whole climb. It got to the point I just don't climb indoors anymore, I can't stand dedicated belayers telling me what color hold to grab, or what hold not to grab, acting as if I were on a routesetting competition.Phew...ranting anyhow just be relaxed and don't get into that whole indoor "climbing" : "grab the slopper w/ your left hand, now smeer the wall while flagging with your right foot, don't touch the natural hold its cheating, now do a 6ft dyno to that tiny crimper and once you hit that you've gotta match on the next green sidepull => it goes on and on and on and on,andonandonandon....................but by all means, ignore all that yada and have a good time.

That's what climbing is all about and if getting outdoors means you gotta go indoors first, then by all means do it!

Words of wisdom from a wise man. Indoor climbing is okay, but "once you go rock, you never go back..." Have fun on the indoor stuff, but if you decide that this is something you want to invest in, you gotta get outside! There's nothing like topping out on a real rock route. It's along the same lines as getting barrelled, or bombing down a slope in fresh pow. Ahhh, creation is awesome, no?

data · 08-09-2005, 10:50 AM

Wow, thanks for all the great input and suggestions. I was supposed to go tonight, but it has gotten moved back to Wed. night. I can't wait.

dlbrunner · 08-09-2005, 12:25 PM

If you rent shoes bring a pair of very thin liner socks. panty hose thin. I don't wear socks with my shoes, it gives a much better feel of the rock (or wall). Climbing shoes are supposed to be tight, I wear a 12 normally, but I squeeze into 10.5 for climbing. I would not advise going barefoot in rental shoes, kinda gross, so bring some thin socks and you will be able to get into small shoes

Tacoclimber · 08-09-2005, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlbrunner

If you rent shoes bring a pair of very thin liner socks. panty hose thin. I don't wear socks with my shoes, it gives a much better feel of the rock (or wall). Climbing shoes are supposed to be tight, I wear a 12 normally, but I squeeze into 10.5 for climbing. I would not advise going barefoot in rental shoes, kinda gross, so bring some thin socks and you will be able to get into small shoes

That is good advice, it's been so long since I climbed indoors I almost forgot about that factor.

Those rentals can get kinda icky if they don't take care of them....

EWAYota · 08-09-2005, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlbrunner

If you rent shoes bring a pair of very thin liner socks. panty hose thin. I don't wear socks with my shoes, it gives a much better feel of the rock (or wall). Climbing shoes are supposed to be tight, I wear a 12 normally, but I squeeze into 10.5 for climbing. I would not advise going barefoot in rental shoes, kinda gross, so bring some thin socks and you will be able to get into small shoes

I don't wear socks either. I bought my climbing shoes at a store in Ballard I believe, 2nd Ascent. Bought them used and man are they tight. Mine are about 2 sizes smaller than my normal shoes, and when those suckers come off, its the best feeling sometimes. My toes can only stand being curled and stuffed for so long but the difference in climbing is like night and day. My first two times climbing I was wearing some Puma running shoes!

data · 08-10-2005, 08:27 PM

Well I went tonight and it was really fun. Some of them were marked, but I'm not sure how hard they were because I don't know the scale rating. Hopefully I'll be going back soon. I might break down and by some shoes, any suggestions on what to buy or where to get these from?

rngrchad · 08-10-2005, 08:52 PM

Data, 5.10 Spires are arguably one of the most comfortable "just getting into climbing" shoes. The are ugly as can be, and not extremely good on thin edges but they make up for all that with their comfort. My friend, comfort is the name of the game with climbing. THe more comfortable your feet are, the more fun you will have while on the rock, and you will get better faster. I still own a pair of 5.10 spires, they last a really long time, take a beating, and are comfortable. If that is what your looking for check them out. If your looking for an extremely technical rock shoe for bouldering or sport then you should go w/ anasazi's or the like.

EWAYota · 08-10-2005, 09:02 PM

are you looking for shoes just for indoor or you gonna do some outdoor too? i'd recommend going to your local REI and see where they suggest you go for shoes. once you get there tell them what your looking for, and you don't need to get the top line. try on a few pairs, remember you want them tight, toes curled a bit is fine. they should have a small board or even maybe a wall that you can see how they feel when your gripping. if you get into it, check out www.summitpost.com whether it for rock climbing, hiking or mountain climbing you can find spots in your state or close by and theres a forum too so if you are in search of a climbing partner or something.

data · 08-11-2005, 02:18 PM

i checked out REI and they have some nice stuff. I'll probably go ahead and just get my own shoes for right now. I think I'm addicted. I'm ready to go back!

EWAYota · 08-11-2005, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by data

I think I'm addicted. I'm ready to go back!

I'm itchin to go climbing right now, but was informed today that I'm probably going to have to stay down here in Florida for the winter, so climbing anytime in the near future is going down the drain.

Tacoclimber · 08-11-2005, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EWAYota

I'm itchin to go climbing right now, but was informed today that I'm probably going to have to stay down here in Florida for the winter, so climbing anytime in the near future is going down the drain.

Well, in Florida you can take up shark chumming - I mean -"surfing" ...

EWAYota · 08-11-2005, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grounded

Yeah, or windsurfing, sailing, skim boarding, wakeboarding, waterskiing...and all that incredible snorkeling! And if you're not a water sports kinda of a guy, do they have indoor climbing walls there? You could work on building your upper body strength until you move to a place that offers outdoor climbing.

Due to contract guidelines and the fact that Im coming off a surgery, windsurfing, skim boarding, wakeboarding, waterskiing are all violations. Technically rock climbing is as well, but I'm in a location where easy check ups on me aren't a possibility, just a phone call and those are easy to squeek thru. Since I'll be down here, one of the main guys in the organization lives right down the street from me and I know will be checking in on me frequently. As far as snorkleing, there are sharks in the water dude! No thanks!!!

I could go indoor, but its just not the same. Once you get to the top and you turn around, you look around in a building. Not like climbing 80-120 feet, turning around and seeing a breath taking view.

I'm sure I'll be able to fly home for a week or two at some point this off-season, and will bolt up to Vantage and climb the Feathers, or head down to Oregon and Hike Smith Rock. By that time, I'll be in better shape than I am now, which is kinda funny, but anyways.

08-08-2005, 11:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
Tacoma Dude Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 8,360	It's fun but it'll tear up your hands. Remember to try to put as much weight on your legs as possible. If you go all upper body you'll wear yourself out faster. __________________ Peter! 2002 Tacoma 1986 4Runner

08-08-2005, 11:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
dlbrunner Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: phoenix Posts: 1,141	Don't expect to be able to grab the steering wheel when you are all done. After a good session I have been barely able to close my hands. Keep weight over feet as much as possible. Have Fun!! __________________ Duncan -------------------------------------------------- Current: 95 4X4 SR5 V6, Yakima tracks/rack installed. Aisin hubs. Sonoran Steel IFS Truss. Cobra CB(finally!) Desired: 66 FJ45 shorty EX's: 89 4X4 V6 Downey'd 72 FJ40 W 350/SM465 powertrax, "Billy"

08-08-2005, 12:36 PM	#4 (permalink)
EWAYota Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Richland, Washington Posts: 4,596	trust your toes, and be amazed at the strength in your finger tips (if you climb a harder route). btw, if you get on a route with small holds, try to keep your body as close to the wall as you can, don't let you butt hang out. that will take weight off your hands/fingers and make it easier for you to hold on. __________________ DJ 1994 Pickup 22RE, Engnbldr 261 cam, 5 speed. Tires that go around and around... Preping for SAS...... Originally Posted By Fustercluck "Proof that Gangus did not spontaneously generate....he has relatives." Originally Posted By Tacoclimber "My two year old better get a job, soon..." Reply Posted By Oly884 "I hear coal mining is a great career." Myspace Last edited by EWAYota; 08-08-2005 at 12:39 PM.

08-08-2005, 12:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
rimpainter.com Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 10,797	It's a blast, but like these guys said it will kick your butt. Even when I was lifting it kicked my butt because I was suddenly using muscles I didn't know were there. My forearms were hurting so bad I could hardly drive. I felt like a freak! __________________ www.rimpainter.com Get your O Gasket Mod Here! My SC'd 4Runner's Profile My YouTube vids

08-08-2005, 03:07 PM	#7 (permalink)
Tacoclimber Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Between a rock and a hard place, AZ Posts: 3,713	DON'T overstretch before you start. I have found that over stretching will tire your muscles faster, and it will really bum you out. Do a little light stretching, but not a lot. Lightly stretch each finger and thumb, and then by placing the palm of your opposing hand on the ends of your fingers, lightly stretch your forearms. Oh yeah, start with something low grade. If you go for a 5.10, you'll be bummed right away. Be honest and tell the staff youre new at this, they'll be cool, and give you some instruction. Have fun and climb on! __________________ CJ ...<>< 03 DC TRD Tacoma 4wd with a bunch of junk. SOLD 1964 Chevy Biscayne, 230 I6, lowered, satin black, old-school legit. Just wheel the stupid thing!!! But do it responsibly, ok? My band: Road Worn Saints

08-08-2005, 04:54 PM	#8 (permalink)
ahriman Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: santa cruz, ca Posts: 519	if you have not bought them yet, try A LOT of shoes before buying. do not make the mistake i made of researching them to death, but only the reading part.... __________________ :\| michael \|::: black 03 4wd 4runner sr5 4.7L v8 [elevation]: 3" rev-tek lift w/nitrous enterprise custom spacer [] 1.5" roger brown body lift [motivation]: 285/75/16 firestone destination mts [] wheeler's offroad 16" steelies [] ARB rear locker [] AIM industries air compressor [protection]: stubbs deluxe sliders [] custom front bumper [] diff breather mod [blingaration]: really cool skull license plate frame w/red glowing eyes!

08-08-2005, 05:19 PM	#9 (permalink)
Tacoclimber Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Between a rock and a hard place, AZ Posts: 3,713	Depending on where you're going to climb, most indoor gyms have rental shoes, which I really suggest. Climbing shoes will make your experience MUCH better, just make sure they fit right. Again, ask someone who has been climbing, and they will give you the beta you need... For a newbie to climbing, you want shoes that are snug, but you're not Tommy Caldwell or Sharma, so you don't need to cut off the circulation to your toes, either. Your best bet is to talk to someone who climbs. Climbing is like most other things; having the right equipment can make the difference between a very fun expereince or a very forgettable experience. Good luck! __________________ CJ ...<>< 03 DC TRD Tacoma 4wd with a bunch of junk. SOLD 1964 Chevy Biscayne, 230 I6, lowered, satin black, old-school legit. Just wheel the stupid thing!!! But do it responsibly, ok? My band: Road Worn Saints

08-08-2005, 06:22 PM	#10 (permalink)
4RUNR Guest Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: North Pole Posts: 1,619	I always cringe when I see little kids ask to climb the 50 foot wall in a store like Dick's. Moms standing there cheering on as a high school kid holds the safety rope. Your life in 2005 not dangerous enough?

08-08-2005, 07:38 PM	#11 (permalink)
rngrchad Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Currently reside in Ohio Posts: 858	Indoor climbing is a good time....just please tell me why every belayer feels the need to yell beta non-stop on everymove of the whole climb. It got to the point I just don't climb indoors anymore, I can't stand dedicated belayers telling me what color hold to grab, or what hold not to grab, acting as if I were on a routesetting competition.Phew...ranting anyhow just be relaxed and don't get into that whole indoor "climbing" : "grab the slopper w/ your left hand, now smeer the wall while flagging with your right foot, don't touch the natural hold its cheating, now do a 6ft dyno to that tiny crimper and once you hit that you've gotta match on the next green sidepull => it goes on and on and on and on,andonandonandon....................but by all means, ignore all that yada and have a good time. That's what climbing is all about and if getting outdoors means you gotta go indoors first, then by all means do it! __________________ 2008 Tacoma TRD Access Cab v-6. 97 regular cab tacoma 33x9.5bfg at, 4.10 gears, custom sliders, custom rear bumper, 4xinnovation tube doors, lockright. 1983 SA Axle Frameoff Restore. CB: Connex 3300hp Radio driving a FatBoy Amp doing around 1000watts on AM. Antenna: Monkey Made MM5 -=NO BAMA 08 =- Last edited by rngrchad; 08-08-2005 at 07:40 PM.

08-09-2005, 10:50 AM	#13 (permalink)
data Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arkansas Posts: 1,915	Wow, thanks for all the great input and suggestions. I was supposed to go tonight, but it has gotten moved back to Wed. night. I can't wait. __________________ 98 Limited 4x4, Rockstomper skid, Rockware Front bumper, Warn HS9500i, 1" RB BL, Tundra coils front & OME HD rear, Nuke quick discos, diff drop'd, 305/70/16 Baja Claws, Electric Locker, couple of battle scars, but nothing major :)

08-09-2005, 12:25 PM	#14 (permalink)
dlbrunner Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: phoenix Posts: 1,141	If you rent shoes bring a pair of very thin liner socks. panty hose thin. I don't wear socks with my shoes, it gives a much better feel of the rock (or wall). Climbing shoes are supposed to be tight, I wear a 12 normally, but I squeeze into 10.5 for climbing. I would not advise going barefoot in rental shoes, kinda gross, so bring some thin socks and you will be able to get into small shoes __________________ Duncan -------------------------------------------------- Current: 95 4X4 SR5 V6, Yakima tracks/rack installed. Aisin hubs. Sonoran Steel IFS Truss. Cobra CB(finally!) Desired: 66 FJ45 shorty EX's: 89 4X4 V6 Downey'd 72 FJ40 W 350/SM465 powertrax, "Billy"

08-10-2005, 08:27 PM	#17 (permalink)
data Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arkansas Posts: 1,915	Well I went tonight and it was really fun. Some of them were marked, but I'm not sure how hard they were because I don't know the scale rating. Hopefully I'll be going back soon. I might break down and by some shoes, any suggestions on what to buy or where to get these from? __________________ 98 Limited 4x4, Rockstomper skid, Rockware Front bumper, Warn HS9500i, 1" RB BL, Tundra coils front & OME HD rear, Nuke quick discos, diff drop'd, 305/70/16 Baja Claws, Electric Locker, couple of battle scars, but nothing major :)

08-10-2005, 08:52 PM	#18 (permalink)
rngrchad Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Currently reside in Ohio Posts: 858	Data, 5.10 Spires are arguably one of the most comfortable "just getting into climbing" shoes. The are ugly as can be, and not extremely good on thin edges but they make up for all that with their comfort. My friend, comfort is the name of the game with climbing. THe more comfortable your feet are, the more fun you will have while on the rock, and you will get better faster. I still own a pair of 5.10 spires, they last a really long time, take a beating, and are comfortable. If that is what your looking for check them out. If your looking for an extremely technical rock shoe for bouldering or sport then you should go w/ anasazi's or the like. __________________ 2008 Tacoma TRD Access Cab v-6. 97 regular cab tacoma 33x9.5bfg at, 4.10 gears, custom sliders, custom rear bumper, 4xinnovation tube doors, lockright. 1983 SA Axle Frameoff Restore. CB: Connex 3300hp Radio driving a FatBoy Amp doing around 1000watts on AM. Antenna: Monkey Made MM5 -=NO BAMA 08 =-

08-10-2005, 09:02 PM	#19 (permalink)
EWAYota Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Richland, Washington Posts: 4,596	are you looking for shoes just for indoor or you gonna do some outdoor too? i'd recommend going to your local REI and see where they suggest you go for shoes. once you get there tell them what your looking for, and you don't need to get the top line. try on a few pairs, remember you want them tight, toes curled a bit is fine. they should have a small board or even maybe a wall that you can see how they feel when your gripping. if you get into it, check out www.summitpost.com whether it for rock climbing, hiking or mountain climbing you can find spots in your state or close by and theres a forum too so if you are in search of a climbing partner or something. __________________ DJ 1994 Pickup 22RE, Engnbldr 261 cam, 5 speed. Tires that go around and around... Preping for SAS...... Originally Posted By Fustercluck "Proof that Gangus did not spontaneously generate....he has relatives." Originally Posted By Tacoclimber "My two year old better get a job, soon..." Reply Posted By Oly884 "I hear coal mining is a great career." Myspace

08-11-2005, 02:18 PM	#20 (permalink)
data Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arkansas Posts: 1,915	i checked out REI and they have some nice stuff. I'll probably go ahead and just get my own shoes for right now. I think I'm addicted. I'm ready to go back! __________________ 98 Limited 4x4, Rockstomper skid, Rockware Front bumper, Warn HS9500i, 1" RB BL, Tundra coils front & OME HD rear, Nuke quick discos, diff drop'd, 305/70/16 Baja Claws, Electric Locker, couple of battle scars, but nothing major :)

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