It can be intimidating when getting into a new sport or hobby. And it was very much the case for me when I started to climb indoors.
When I went to a rock gym for the first time, I was with a good friend who had been a couple times. Both of us being new to it, we had no idea what was socially okay or frowned upon. As I started to go more, and mostly by myself, I learned things the hard way. Aka the embarrassing way.
Doing exactly what I shouldn’t and getting called out for it.
Thankfully most climbers are super nice about things. Instead of shaming me, they helped and taught. If you’re like me and want to know some of the basics, here we go!
Head on a Swivel
Always be aware of where you are. Whether your climbing, belaying, or just watching.
By being mindful of your surroundings, you don’t get in anyone’s way or put yourself in a dangerous situation. The best example of this is one of the times I went climbing with some family. It was their first time and in awe of everything around them. The giant steel building, massively tall walls, and people doing things you don’t commonly see. Climbing.
Walking through the gym one of them accidentally stepped in front of someone. Someone else walked in front of a belayer/under a climber. And another one dropped their climber, while belaying. (They got distracted by someone else climbing a harder route and stopped taking in the slack.)
Thankfully that last experience flipped the switch and we were great for the rest of the session.
Sharing is Caring
Rock climbing, especially indoors, is commonly a social activity. To be respectful, and respected, don’t dominate a route. Not only will other people want to try it, but there are other routes that can’t be done if you’re hogging the wall.
If the gym is crazy busy for some reason, and people are waiting to climb the route you’re on, avoid unnecessary breaks. Most people are patient and willing to give you space, so you don’t feel pressured. However, if you’re needing to take a break every 5 seconds, then it’s best to call it and reattempt the route when your well rested.
Beta Spraying
A beta is the sequence of moves a climber makes on a route to get to the top. Beta spraying is when you give someone advice or instructions on what to do without them asking for it.
Seasoned rock climbers will understand you’re trying to be helpful, but this gets annoying real quick. Part of the joy that comes with rock climbing is figuring out how to make it up the wall on your own. And beta spraying diminishes that.
More often than not, there’s more than one way to climb a route too. (Aka, there can be more than one beta.) As a climber figures out how to finish a route on their own, they improve. Beta spraying also hinders growth.
Spotting
I took a weightlifting class in high school one year, and that was the first time I heard of the term “spotter.” These are the people who hover close to the person lifting in case they can’t complete the lift on their own. A spotter provides support that prevents injuries and damage to equipment.
The same goes for rock climbing.
If you get asked to spot for someone, they want you to stand below them as they climb and help control their fall and/or descent. You see this more outside where there aren’t perfectly placed crash pads everywhere. But it can still happen indoors.
Don’t Make a Mess
This one is pretty basic. Keep your bag, chalk, shoes, and other gear together and tidy.
Most gyms have cubbies or other storage areas for your stuff. Please don’t be the person who comes into the gym and lays out all their stuff in the middle of the gym like it’s their bedroom.
Another way to be clean and considerate is to take care of any chalk spills. Or if you get blood on a route, then quickly wash and disinfect the hold. If you rent shoes or a harness, return them in the proper spot when you’re done. If you see a stray piece of clothing or gear, take it to the staff or the lost and found.
Communicate
A critical part of rock climbing is communication. We can’t read each other’s minds. Even when we’re attached to the same rope and paying extra attention to the other person.
So, when you’re the climber and you’re ready to climb, clearly state it. When you’re the belayer and you’re ready to belay, clearly state it. Continue the strong communication for the rest of the climb.
This is the usual back and forth when you’re about to climb.
- Climber: “On belay?”
- Belayer: “Belay on”
- Climber: “Climbing”
- Belayer: “Climb on”
If you’re climbing and need a break, loudly and clearly state “break”. Say “take” if there’s slack in the rope you want taken in. Say “falling” if you’re about to fall. Say “lower” when you want to go down.
On the opposite spectrum, deliberately ignoring someone or listening to music so loud that you block everyone out is not a good idea. If you’re tired, frustrated, and want to be alone, then vocalize it. If you need music playing, then just have one ear bud in.
Outside of the safety aspect, talking with others is a great way to encourage, learn, and teach one another. One of the best parts of climbing.
Other Safety Tips
Make sure to read and follow the rules that your local gym shares.
Don’t interfere with a belayer. It’s okay to want to help someone struggling. But taking the rope from them can lead to accidental drops, confusion, and future distrust.
The Recap
If you have any questions at all, feel free to comment below. I’ll respond to you as soon as I can.
If you’re wondering what gear you need to start climbing indoors, this article will help.
Enjoy the beauty and freedom that comes with rock climbing. Don’t let any unknowns keep you from going out. Ask someone at the gym if you have any questions about a route, technique, or a strange word you hear. Most climbers and staff are more than happy to help.