Are you an outdoorsy, rugged person who is eager to trek into exotic places and tackle the face of some sheer rock? Don't worry if you're not.  After all, traveling to exotic spots costs lots of cash that many people just can't afford. However, many people still enjoy rock climbing from the indoors at places like dedicated rock climbing venues, fitness centers, and athletic gyms.  While not many people are willing to risk the dangers of falling from a real rock extension, lots of people do have the desire to learn this heart-throbbing sport in the complete safety of indoors.

As with any sport, rock climbing, whether indoors or outdoors, requires specialized equipment.  Since this sport has become so popular, the selection of climbing gear is extensive and a novice may wish to engage the advice of someone experienced with the sport when first buying equipment.  However, there is a minimum set of equipment that everyone needs for the sport of rock climbing that includes a harness, locking carabiner, a belay device, and climbing shoes.  Novices might consider renting these items until they are certain that sport is suitable for them.

First of all, do you plan on doing top rope climbing or lead climbing?  Then, you need a harness ~ a piece of safety gear worn by you for your protection.  Inspect your harness's stitching and tie-in points every time you climb.  If your harness shows signs of wear, get rid of it now rather than
watching it become too safe for use.  Harnesses are made of nylon so it should be stored in a clean, dry spot away from sunlight to prevent it from degrading.

Next, do you want to be hitched safely in place onto a rope? You must have several carabiners ~ oval or D-shaped hitching devices with a spring gate that are fastened onto a climbing rope.  Although construction workers use a carabiner, you don't want to use the same construction-grade carabiners. Instead, you'll use a carabiner for climbing that is much lighter, made from lightweight aluminum, and designed for easy operation by one hand.

Have you seen in movies how actors rappel down the face of a cliff using a rope tackle?  This equipment is called a belay device, or a rappel device.  Many indoor rock-climbing venues use already installed automatic belay systems.  By controlling the amount of slack on the rope, the climber can
control his rate of descent.  Should the climber loose control, like during a fall, the belay system will lock into place.  Another type of belay device set-up is a two-person unit.

Lastly, your foot grip is crucial while rock climbing. According to many climbers, climbing shoes, such as slip-on or lace up, are the most important piece of equipment.  The shoe's thick sticky rubber soles provide the grip against rock surfaces and the plastic construction provides flexible
support for the foot.  A well-fitted climbing shoe doesn't cause the seam to impinge anywhere on the foot and won't cramp toes.

Pica Struttura