Reddit bouldering or top rope for beginners. Discover which climbing style suits beginners best.
Reddit bouldering or top rope for beginners I know there’s a few more in the area, but those are my top choices!! We want to do some small top rope bolted sports climbing, hiking, and bike cruising in the valley. For top roping / lead climbing Vertical world Seattle and Edgeworks Bellevue are my two favorites because the walls are pretty tall and the setting is really good. Climbing gyms may require you to pass a top rope belay test, even if you only plan on bouldering. 00. Gyms may offer a day pass, or may require booking ahead for a 2-3 hour session. 6. I was with some friends that are more experienced and more in shape than me, and I mostly top roped. This article will help you map your progression to improve your skills development and focus your efforts. Also, you probably aren’t resting enough between attempts. This beginner's guide to top rope informs you with all you need to get started climbing top rope. Discover which climbing style suits beginners best. Outside of climbing i have a mostly regular gym/ exercise regimen. Im personally a fan on the camp energy harness, its pretty comfy, cheap, lightweight, and has a lot of adjustment points. Different climbing venues or areas lend themselves to different types of climbing. Start climbing today! Feb 21, 2025 · Discover the differences between bouldering and top rope climbing, including safety, physical and mental challenge, cost, and social aspects. I prefer top-rope over bouldering and currently am not planning to ever climb outdoors. Even those who don't care at all about performance on boulders. Oddly I have quite a few other pieces of equipment, like some quick draws that I won in a Vertical Life app comp, some cams, more quick draws and rope that was all gifted Mostly have done bouldering and thinking about doing some top roping and maybe lead climbing. Thinking about switching to top-rope climbing from bouldering, any advice for a beginner-intermediate boulderer? Hey there r/climbing! I've been discussing this conundrum with climbing friends offline but I'd love some impartial advice from you people. When people think of climbing, top roping is the kind of rock climbing commonly imagined by most people. I really don't know anything about climbing shoes so anything will be helpful. Climbers use the term 'climbing' as a catch all, but non-climbers are more likely to be familiar with "rock climbing" (which usually means top roping), and boulders will use rock climbing to mean climbing with a rope to differentiate it from bouldering, although to a newbie it seems like bouldering is also be a form of rock climbing. In this article we explain the pros and cons of each! Nov 12, 2025 · Bouldering vs rope climbing: Compare costs, difficulty, equipment, and safety. Generally if you go to a climbing store you can have the staff tie you in so you can feel how comfortable the harnesses are you actually put weight on the straps If you're just getting started, this is a great video to watch that will give you a full fundamental overview and training for both top rope climbing and bouldering. Since you’re climbing higher and relying on a partner (or auto-belay system), it’s also more of a team activity, fostering trust and communication. I recently went top roping with a few people that I met at the gym, who taught me the basics e. From beginner-friendly climbs to pro-level routes, these gyms are also equipped with fitness classes, yoga, personal training, saunas, co As a fellow beginner (I’ve been climbing for like 5 months) you are almost certainly doing many things wrong, like climbing with bent arms and just relying on brute strength to get through everything. Jun 18, 2025 · The beauty is that neither style is complete without the other. 13 would have maybe v7-8 moves, but a 60 foot 13 would have v4-5 moves. I've been bouldering outside before and recently did rope climbing outside for the first time in the Red. Should i be going more or less often in order to make better progress in terms of skill and strength? The Watertown (and I think Stoneham) CRG has bouldering, top rope, lead, and auto-belay too! Rock Spot is also a great one too. Bouldering and top roping are two widely enjoyed climbing styles that appeal to enthusiasts for various reasons. The only risk is if you don’t use the equipment properly, which is easy to avoid by checking before you start climbing. Just started going to a bouldering gym. 3 times a week in the gym, one full day outside on weekends for a total of 4 days. By the time you've worn out your first rope you'll know what you want your second rope to do. 8 It'll be thin and supple, but beefy and durable enough to last you a I also recently switched to top rope from bouldering due to a foot injury. (I'm an experienced belayer including in lead, and not picky about your skill level) Eta: I'm in Chinatown but don't mind taking the bus/metro to It is possible to strength your way through many problems, but some problems are so beta intensive that technique will play a larger role in reaching the top. Reddit is great for specific questions but any suggestions on a resource that helps you graduate your knowledge in steps? For a beginner I would recommend getting the cheapest rope that's climbing rated you can find. Climb consistently to build up a base level of forearm endurance and recovery. Being a strong climber doesn’t just mean putting on as much muscle as possible, but rather maximizing your strength while minimizing your body weight. Hey I’m knowledgeable about the area (my local climbing area) and an experienced outdoor sport/trad climber, PM me if you would like someone to show you around and teach outdoor climbing basics. Reddit's rock climbing training community. This means you might have to climb with slightly sore We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Oct 7, 2025 · We tested 27 of the best climbing shoes on boulder problems, sport climbs, and trad routes—and then narrowed it down to 15 top-rated pairs. Dedicated to increasing all our knowledge about how to better improve at our sport. Which gym do you recommend? If you would like to come climb with me today or tomorrow, send me a message! I prefer top rope but I'm open to bouldering as well. Jan 4, 2024 · Top rope climbing is a beginner-friendly style of climbing where the rope runs from the climber's harness up to an anchor system at the top of the route and back down to the belayer on the ground. To embark on this journey, it's crucial to grasp the fundamental mechanics, gear requirements, and the pivotal step of obtaining top-rope certification in a climbing gym. Already had climbed a few time occasionally, but now I bought my first pair of shoes and plan on going more regularly. Your first rope should be a 9. Today’s climbing gyms are modern, massive, and packed with adventure — offering bouldering, top-rope, and lead climbing walls for all skill levels. Don’t forget to check out our climbing rope deals. Bellevue has really good bouldering too but some of it is closed atm. Jun 1, 2025 · Discover the differences between bouldering and top rope climbing, including pros, cons, and tips for beginners to choose the right path. I've really enjoyed the top roping and so was thinking of doing a beginners top roping course. Feb 8, 2020 · Check Out Our List of The Best Climbing Starter Kits. These are the best Rock Climbing Gear Packages for Sport, Trad, and Bouldering!. But what is it exactly and how can you start? A top rope is Choose from topics like top rope climbing and belaying to bouldering, movement and technique. ( if anyone knows any good subreddits to ask what shoes to buy, let me know) I have been climbing for about 2 years, but only bouldering and top roping indoors, and I have only ever used a typical ATC belay device, which I am very comfortable with. Decent enough amount of self-belay routes, which I have found were a nice way to get my kids into enjoying the climbing (and learning to check harness as the clip in, etc (of course I double-check)). Been climbing for almost 4 years. Should you wait for the soreness to be over to climb I think spending your first few months focused on establishing the basic techniques of climbing (using your toes, moving your feet, keeping your body into the wall, etc) will be far easier progressing through the lower top rope routes then struggling on beginner boulder problems Reddit's rock climbing training community. The highest grade I completed was a 5. Most beginner's at my gym use the maxim equinox because its the cheapest rope that the local MEC carries. Just did my first top rope solo, would love to get some feedback on the system I used. Ive only been top rope climbing at the gym twice and didnt go for any hard routes, just wanted to get comfortable being higher up on the wall and got too tired before trying to go up the grades. Great for: Climbers who enjoy longer routes and heights Beginners looking for a supportive, secure experience Dec 5, 2024 · Explore the key differences between bouldering and top roping, including their setups, safety, skill development, and community aspects. Kalymnos seems to be the biggest climbing spot in Greece, is it a good place for a beginner to practice and develop? I do top rope as well as bouldering and hope to someday do lead climbing, so I might get a harness rather than using a rental and I will need one of things progress outside. Do whatever is more fun for you though, having more fun will bring you the most satisfaction in climbing. Is top rope climbing just like belaying or is it different somehow? Sorry if any of these questions seem stupid or obvious. Beginner climbing in Yosemite? I'm very new to climbing, and don't do it often enough, but I'm trying to get to the gym and outside more often. This creates a continuous loop that protects the climber in case of a fall. I've been bouldering for the past 3/4 months and I'm at a level where I can do most V4 problems at my gym. Or you can boulder (no ropes, no harness, low climbs, land on crash pads). For context, I’ve been climbing for over 20 years since I was a child and have never injured myself climbing. What were the mistakes you made as a beginner? Small, big, form, etiquette? Hopefully it's not all horror stories of falling poorly! It's really hard to equate the grades of bouldering and rope because if a route is 30 feet, a 5. 11 and lead 5. Any tips for outdoor climbing? Im pretty How do I improve my technique? bouldering for about 4 weeks slowly working my way up, but I feel like I’m learning some bad habits that won’t help me in the long run, plus can’t wait to buy shoes. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Each offers distinct challenges and experiences tailored to different skill levels. The cost for the test is about $10. The gym juggles the now-usual brand of offerings: birthday parties, youth camps, and adult classes, plus a multitude of top rope and lead routes alongside a small bouldering area. Outdoors is rock/projects. Better to bring a friend for this. I’ve been climbing about 5 years but sporadically (took a full year off for the pandemic + months off throughout for various injuries). Background- 10 years of climbing outdoors, two years climbing retail, and I'm an AMGA guide. 5-3 hours on training days, 6-8 hours outside (but not a ton more actual climbing time) V6 short project, V7 occasionally, V8-V9 limit projects. That’s why bouldering is more approachable to beginners. Good routes that are changed frequently; decent area for climbing routes and a great bouldering area. Boulderers who never touch a rope miss out on the flow and endurance that come from sustained climbing. tying figure of 8 knot, stop knot, belaying etc. Check with the gym at least a week ahead in case reservations are needed. The solution is still my favorite sport climbing shoe that I have tried, precise and makes me feel confident on even the smallest feet. Bouldering improves my ability to think about how to get through a crux on ropes. trueHi all! I'm from Canada, visiting Singapore for two days and would like to rock climb. In addition, a good stretching and warm up routine will also probably help. g. Jul 29, 2025 · We tested 30 top-rated climbing shoes in the gym, crag, and bouldering to find the best rock climbing shoes for beginners and mid-level climbers, with winners from La Sportiva, Five Ten, Black Diamond and Evolv (Climbing 10d onsite outside) I stopped route climbing in the gym and swapped to bouldering for training as having no consistent belay partner was causing large issues for consistency. The people I know who progress pretty quickly at lower grades on rope split time between bouldering and roped climbing-- progressively shifting towards more bouldering as a percentage of training as their roped climbing grades have gone up. Wanting to hear some suggestions on what you all climb on. Like what type of rope to get and what not. 10. However, I am looking to get into lead climbing and potentially start going outside once I'm comfortable with the basics of lead (and when New England winter allows it lol). Although technique is especially important for bouldering, it does not mean it is not useful in rope climbing; Rope climbing simply places a heavier emphasis on endurance. You're in the right place, as we’ve dissected everything you need to know to kickstart your top-rope climbing I’m pretty new to climbing (can top rope 5. Apr 25, 2025 · Rock climbing has exploded in popularity across New York City, New Rochelle, Long Island City, and beyond. 5 - 2 hours before exhaustion and ripped skin makes me stop. I started splitting my time between top rope and bouldering at my gym. I was thinking of spending October/November somewhere to essentially just climb all day every day. We are really lucky to live in Boulder, Colorado for the incredible rock climbing opportunities. You won't be discerning enough to tell the difference between it and a tip top Petzl 8mm. Also surprisingly durable for a high performance shoe, lasted 8 months before I resoled them could have probably pushed it another month or 2. For more of our top climbing gear recommendations, check out the Best Climbing Ropes. Feb 2, 2025 · There are significant differences between bouldering and top rope climbing from safety to health and cost. All designed to help you gain the skills and confidence to start climbing on your own. I’ve been going about once a week to allow myself to recover before going again. May 5, 2025 · Top-rope climbing, a popular choice for recreational climbers, offers a safer alternative to lead climbing. Best climbing shoes for beginners?? I'm looking to buy a good pair of climbing shoes for beginners! Here's all the information that may (or may not) be helpful: I've been climbing for 4 weeks and am climbing 5. I've been climbing for around 8 months and I was wondering what is the best climbing shoes for a beginner/intermediate climber. Anyways, I'm a female in my early twenties, and I started bouldering in September 2014. So it makes sense to start climbing in certain areas first. Vertical world's bouldering is just okay imo. 2. climb a couple storeys high with rope and harness. I can typically go for about 1. Dec 4, 2022 · Top rope climbing is one of the safest styles, making it perfect for beginners. Top roping is super safe because you’re attached to a rope. 8s. Feb 21, 2025 · When it comes to indoor climbing gyms, Seattle’s Vertical World launched the concept in 1987, attaching holds with glue to vertical pieces of plywood. Regarding rope climbing, if the gym does not have any self-belay system than you might need a partner and you should start learning basic safety procedures for lead or top-rope climbing belaying. I was wondering how many times per week to target. It is a popular form of rock climbing that is relatively easy and fun way to get into climbing. Shoe recommendations for beginner/intermediate top rope climbing. Roped climbing in any form takes more equipment- harness, rope, helmet, belay device and eventually QuickDraws and stuff to make anchors if you are going to sport or top rope outside. And are there any outdoor climbs you'd recommend for beginners in the Washington/Seattle area? Also I have questions about the difference between top rope climbing and lead climbing. 8 / 5a as of now) and am heading to Greece this fall to visit a friend. It was rough for a while, and I was getting super frustrated because I had to rest even on easy 5. Rent shoes, chalk bag, harness (if rope climbing). So this is a bit of an expansion from an answer in the Friday new climber thread- I thought I'd put this together in a little more depth and give people the chance to ask questions and give feedback. I started bouldering about a month ago. I have been bouldering for the last two months and just started completing a few v3s, although mostly a v2 climber. They have one in South Boston and one in Dedham. At this point I’m projecting V5/V6 (have yet to send a V6) and generally top rope 5. e. Bouldering grade VS Sport Grade (and what to expect) Stumbled across this article and found it quite useful/interesting as I'm a sport climber who basically uses bouldering as a tool to get stronger. 8 routes. I’ve mostly focused on bouldering this year but in the past have focused on sport climbing. From the start, you can top-rope, i. Jul 24, 2025 · We’ve pulled together our top suggestions for the best climbing ropes for beginners, along with your essential buying guide so you know exactly what to look for when purchasing your first rope. God damn it was so much fun. May 15, 2025 · Top-rope is typically less physically intense than bouldering but requires more stamina. Top-ropers who skip the bouldering area often lack the explosive power needed when routes get steep or the holds get small. My biggest concern is to avoid overuse injury, as my forearms muscles/tendons are currently sore for a good 4 days after a session. You will get a little intro lesson on how to tie in to the rope and how to belay. This is purely speaking from a sports perspective but beginner = able to top rope belay, climb top rope, intermediate = lead / clean / multipitch, expert = long multi pitches/mixed + trad/big wall In bouldering, it’s no surprise that a leaner build is generally favored - just look at all the top climbers. The Southie one has bouldering and top rope, I think. I'm looking to get into climbing, and was wondering if anyone could recommend good gyms around Boston and the Greater Boston Area? I don't know anyone else who climbs, so I'm limited to gyms that have good bouldering or autobelays, at least for now! Im decently close to Metrorock Everett, but Ive heard it's more top ropes, and im worried I won't get much out of it as a solo climber.