How To Rock Climb Like A Girl

"To climb like a girl is to climb with finesse, technique, flexibility, creativity, and strength. It should appear like dancing and not look or sound like a one-armed pull up."

Sounds good! Girls (and guys, too :) ), techniques are the most important! Strength will automatically come with climbing, but techniques won't! You have to learn the techniques and practice using them. Next time when you go to a rock gym, watch the other climbers and learn their techniques! Don't learn everyone's techniques, though. Some might be beginners and don't have the proper techniques. Watch for people who have climbed for a long time. The easiest way to spot experienced climbers is that when they climb, their hands and feet don't make sounds when touching the holds on the wall/boulder. These climbers make a route looks very easy. Or if you're not sure, then just ask!

Another important factor to consider when rock climbing for girls is that unless you're a gymnast, you usually don't have a lot of upperbody strength. We all had that moment when we tried to do a pull up or a push up and didn't succeed. Don't be discouraged. Climbing is not doing pull ups with your arms and fingers! Always use your feet (use it even more if you spend a lot of money on those climbing shoes). Try walking up the wall with your feet and don't pull with your arms too much. Your leg muscles are stronger so use them!

Have fun climbing! Let me know about your experience!

First Time Climbing?

Start by searching for a local rock gym near where you live. This can be done easily by looking up on google or other search engines. Most rock gyms have all the equipment for rent, but you should wear clothes that are easy to move around in. If it's your first time climbing, you should ask a worker there to be your belayer (the person on the ground that holds and controls the rope).

Equipments that you need:
1. A harness:


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2. Climbing shoes


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Rock climbing shoes should be half a size smaller than your regular shoes. They should fit tight and shouldn't be very comfortable to walk in.
3. Chalk

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As I mentioned above, most of these equipments can be rent at any rock gym. Expect to pay about $5 for each equipment, and about $10 for admission.