From Zero to Climber: Beginner-Friendly Tips to Start Your Journey

Interested in taking up climbing, but not sure how hard it will be to start from scratch? Well we have good news– it’s easy to get started! Soon you’ll be on your way to enjoying the many benefits of climbing, including physical fitness, mental challenge, and social connections. Here are our top tips for the complete beginner. 

Start with the Right Gear

Luckily, you don’t need to purchase fancy equipment to get started. While there is a whole world of awesome climbing gear to explore down the road as your skills level up, you don’t need to purchase any of it to get going. Gyms offer inexpensive rental packages that include everything you need, so you can try the sport out without making a big financial commitment. 

To begin experiencing the thrill of climbing, you’ll only need a pair of climbing shoes and a bag of chalk.  Our staff can provide the best shoe and fit for your personal needs to get you started on the right foot.  We also have a well stocked gear supply store for all of your progressing climbing needs as you move into other aspects of the sport.

Tip: Ask a staff member any questions you have about gear! They’re experienced climbers themselves, so they can help you make sure you’re fitted properly.

Learn Basic Climbing Techniques and Lingo

Beginners can quickly pick up basic techniques and climbing lingo. For a head start, consider taking a beginner’s class, such as our Intro to Climbing. You’ll learn climbing basics in areas like movement and efficiency, hold types, footwork, and techniques specific to both bouldering and roped climbing. Your skills will build with practice, which will boost confidence over time.

You don’t need major upper body strength to start. Many people assume that you have to be super strong to be good at climbing. While building up your physical capacity will help you progress, climbing is more about technique than brute strength. Good footwork and balance are key to making climbing easier.

Tip: Give Shakira’s advice a try, “the hips don’t lie.” Use your hips! 

Tip: Learn terms like “crimp,” “jug,” “beta,” and “top out” to help you feel more confident. Check out our handy glossary of common climbing terms.

How to Find the Easiest Routes

You can find climbs designed for beginners in both indoor and outdoor climbing. With that said, a good climbing gym takes care to provide beginners with lots of support, including offering a range of beginner-friendly climbs that gradually increase in difficulty. Routes are clearly labeled so you can find exactly what you need. If you’re completely new to the gym, ask a staff member to point you in the right direction!  

Tip: Look for routes labeled with lower grades (e.g., V0-V2 for bouldering or 5.5-5.7 for top rope). Each climbing route, or problem, is identified by a specific starting hold and a V rating that indicates its difficulty. For top rope and lead climbing, our preset ropes indicate the routes. For bouldering, the problems are color-coordinated and marked with a difficulty rating.  (Check out our Grey problems, which are all beginner friendly routes)

Take Your Time and Enjoy the Process

One of the reasons climbing is so addictive is the thrill of watching your own progress. In climbing, progress feels tangible—whether it’s reaching the top of a route or refining your technique. Seeing yourself get closer to your goals is far more motivating than a typical gym workout! Remember to have patience and celebrate small wins.

Tip: Track your climbs to see your improvement, for example with a journal or a climbing app. If you climb at Coeur, you’ll be able to do this with the KAYA app. [link to post]

Bonus Tip: Get Connected

The climbing world is a uniquely welcoming and encouraging community, and a climbing gym is a great place to connect with other climbers. It’s fun, and you’ll learn from one another, too!

Tip: If you want to accelerate your climbing skills even more, consider joining our adult league! Open to all skill levels, it’s a great place to hone your technique by competing against others each week. Our points system makes it a level playing field for both beginners and advanced climbers. Enjoy the camaraderie and build friendships with other climbers, and celebrate your progress alongside others.

We hope we’ve convinced you that climbing is approachable and rewarding, even for the complete newbie. With the right mindset and some beginner tips, you can enjoy this amazing sport, and you just might discover your new passion!

Ready to jump in? Come visit us at Coeur Climbing! Below, you’ll find everything you need for your first visit, including signing the waiver and FAQs. Interested in an intro class? See our current schedule.