Shoes: You can't wear your everyday hiking boots to climb a rock. Your shoe should be stiff and fit like a glove. Snug but not too tight. Because comfort is a concern, it's best not to mail order shoes for rock climbing, you'll definitely want to try them on first.
Harness: A harness is worn for safety and attaches to a rope so you won't fall off the rock. Your sales associate will help you find a harness that fits properly, but you'll want to be sure the harness fits comfortably around your thighs and waist.
Carbiners: These are actually hooks. You'll use these to attach different items to your harness.
Helmet: This very important piece of rock climbing equipment will protect your head from falling debris. It will also guard you against bumps and bruises if you should happen to bang against a wall. This may in fact, be the most important piece of rock climbing equipment you own. Make sure you try on your helmet prior to purchasing and that it fits comfortably.
Chalk: Rubbed on your hands, chalk will help you grip rocks. Comes in powdered or ball form.
Chalk Bag: Holds chalk and attaches to your harness.
Rope: Rope should be 10 or 11 millimeters in diameter and 50 to 60 meters long and should be able to stretch a bit under tension to protect a climber in the event of a fall.
Belay Device: This is used to hold a climber's rope. It helps the belayer protect the climber.
If you're interested in rock climbing but don't know where to start, be sure to do your research. Not only are there plenty of books available, but there are articles all over the internet. It's strongly urged that you take lessons with an experienced instructor. If you're unsure of the proper equipment, your instructor or experienced sales person can help you with this. It's better to pay extra money to ensure safety than get seriously injured or worse because you don't know what you're doing.
One of the most important aspects of rock climbing is the safety of the gear you use. Indoor rock climbing gear can save you the embarrassment of falling as well as the possibility of injury if you do. Additionally, you can use your indoor rock climbing gear to train for when you think you are ready for the outdoors.
Climbing shoes should be selected by the type of climbing you will be doing. That tattered old pair of sneakers just is not going to provide the support you need or the feel of the rocks to keep you from slipping. The type of rubber used, the curvature and heel construction of this important piece of indoor rock climbing gear all come with several options from which to choose.
Your harness and your rope are both important parts of indoor rock climbing gear that can keep you comfortable and safe. Ropes especially undergo plenty of usage and not always in a pleasant environment. They will get dirty, wet and rubbed on rocks and you will want them to maintain their integrity. The harness in your indoor rock climbing gear bag can be adjusted to fit you so that it does not dig into your muscles while you climb.
Stopping Sudden Falls While Climbing
Even the most experienced climbers know that a fall can occur at any moment and count on belay devices to stop them. An important part of your indoor rock climbing gear, it is made to allow the rope to slide easily through while climbing, but a sudden reversal makes it act like you car's seatbelt. It will instantly jam stopping your sudden descent. By controlling the handle on the belay, it can be used when rappelling as well.
Carabineers are now used in many industries, including construction, to help protect workers from falls. They can quickly attach to a rope and when attached to a climber's harness, will stop unplanned downward movement. This piece of indoor rock climbing gear is usually made of lightweight aluminum but is strong enough to halt your fall.
A helmet is an optional piece of indoor rock climbing gear that could save your life. While some do not like to wear them, they can help you avoid serious head injuries in the event of a fall. Another item you can use at home when the weather is bad or you cannon make it to the indoor wall, is a fingerboard. It attaches to the header of a door and can be used for finger strengthening to help on the wall.
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