Get into Tough Zone: - Climbing
Tough Climbing is one of those activities where you need to have training and experience before venturing out on your own. Dangling from a rock face, a long way up in the air with only a rope to stop you from falling, means you need to know how to use that rope properly.
However, climbing is an activity that is easy to get into and get the right expert tuition to head you off in the right direction. Throughout the UK, and in many other countries, there are plenty of climbing clubs. Some are informal groups of friends, others are part of large outdoor pursuits organisation. The important thing is that all of these groups offer the chance to meet experienced climbers.
A technical manual and a few online videos can teach you to climb...but learning from an experienced and qualified instructor will teach you how to climb safely!
Learn the techniques, practice them in a safe environment, then you're ready to practice in a more adventurous setting out in the wild with someone experienced.
Over time, you can become the expert and go off on your own or lead others, but starting off slowly and carefully is essential. Take your time and learn properly.
Climbing takes a good amount of strength. It is worth finding some exercises that can help develop your core strength as well as your arms, hands and legs.
However, depending on how ofter you climb you may find that these muscles develop well over time without any additional training.
You may find you start working muscles in your body that you've rarely used before and feel some aches and pains after a long climb, this is normal but do be careful to build up your fitness and not expect yourself to be able to take on long challening climbs straight away.
The amount of equipment you need may vary depending on the type of climbing you do. Many climbers slowly put together a rack of equipment and then pick and choose the pieces you need for a particular climb.
Some pieces such as a helmet, harness and rope are pretty essential, but again you may choose to buy different ones for different situations.
Whilst learning how to climb, you'll also need to learn how to look after all of your kit! It will be there to keep you safe and must be cared for, cleaned and stored correctly.