Q&A for How to Rock Climb

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Question

What happens if I fall while bouldering?

Dove

Community Answer

Bouldering walls are only 15 feet high and located above a squishy mattress. As an inexperienced climber, you will also have a spotter, so no reason to worry!

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Question

What if I fall and fell to the floor because the ropes came lose?

Berriana

Community Answer

This shouldn't happen, your belayer will have you safely, and these ropes are checked regularly to ensure that they aren't going to break.

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Question

What do the climber and belayer say to each other to communicate when the climber has reached the top and wants to be lowered back down?

Dove

Community Answer

There is. Before you climb, you ask, "On belay?" After your harness and knot are checked and your belayer's is checked, he'll say, "Belay on." You say, "Climbing," to which your belayer will reply, "Climb on." At any point, if you wish to take a rest, say, "Take!" At the top, say, "Ready to be lowered!" to which your belayer will respond with "Lowering!" At this point, you lean back, put your feet against the wall, and put both hands on your harness as you are lowered.

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Question

What if there's no harness?

Dove

Community Answer

That would be bouldering, where you climb with no harness, about 15 feet up above a cushy mattress.

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Question

What if I fall from the harness?

Community Answer

This situation should not arise. You will have been properly fitted for a harness and double checked for a snug fit.

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Question

How can I hold on to smaller grips? They are difficult to use to support myself with.

Dove

Community Answer

Often these holds are intended for your feet, or a technique called bumping, where you use the hold for just a short amount of time to give yourself a boost in order to get to the next hold. One of the best ways is often just to avoid them. Work your feet up, use the edge of the wall, or smear.

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Question

How do I climb upside down?

Community Answer

This is not recommended generally, as it is dangerous. It is recommended that you do not attempt this unless the wall is specifically made for that purpose and know precisely what you are doing. There is a technique called a "bat hang," where you hang from your feet on a big hold but you go right side up again right after; you do need to know how to use this technique properly though, so have an expert train you first.

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Question

Does rock climbing break my ribs? I’m thinking about taking up rock climbing as a hobby.

Ninjawarrior

Community Answer

Most likely not. It is possible if you take a very bad fall you can, but it is very unlikely, especially if you follow proper safety guidelines. As long as you have a belayer you trust, are always double-checking that everything is correctly in check (the knot, your carabiner locked, harness is tight, belay tool is placed the correct way, etc.), and using mats for bouldering, you won't break any ribs.

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Question

At my gym, they have auto belays, are these safe to use?

Ninjawarrior

Community Answer

Yes, auto belays are very safe. Make sure to double check your harness is tight, and you are clipped in (or that you tied your knot correctly if needed), with the carabiner locked.

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Question

Which muscle groups get used in the bat hang?

Mahika Kumar

Community Answer

To do the bat hang you will need a lot of strength in your feet. In order to do it, you have to hook your feet on a hold and hang. It's not fun if you fall on your head.

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Question

I am almost 11 years old. I can do levels v0 and v1 and once I did 5.8. Is that considered good or bad? Also, is it normal to be really sore the day after I climb?

Mahika Kumar

Community Answer

That is actually pretty decent if you have just started! It takes time to improve significantly and usually you will accelerate through to higher levels of climbing until you are really stumped. For me personally, I’m working on v4s and 5s and I mostly project 5.11s. Being sore is totally normal too! Just make sure you are stretching properly and not straining your muscles. Be safe and have fun!

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