Having never been rock climbing before - how hard is it actually to get into?
I suppose it really depends on where you live (the author mentioned using climbing to get out of the gym, but I think that's the only place I ~could~)
I suppose it really depends on where you live (the author mentioned using climbing to get out of the gym, but I think that's the only place I ~could~)
In fact, my local bouldering gym has a co-working space, I set up with my laptop and jam out in javascript all day, with periodic breaks for climbing. It's great. One of the gyms around here even has a weekly "startup night."
Personally, I'm partial to bouldering, where the walls top out at about 12-16 feet, and there are no ropes (18-24" padded floors for accidental landings), so I can do it without a partner.
If you're talking specifically about top rope problems, a great way to up your game is to gain a reputation as a really good belay partner. It sounds weird, but spending time on belay teaches a whole lot about tempo. In my experience (I'm a mediocre climber), tempo is the biggest thing that separates novice climbers from mediocre climbers.
Otherwise, climbers tend to be extraordinarily friendly people. If you're stuck on a problem, feel free to ask someone for beta (advice on a problem). There is some etiquette involved (ie - don't ask someone who is on belay), but as long as you're humble, you will find climbers who will help you solve problems you once thought were insurmountable.
As for being helpful, I couldn't agree more. The culture is much nicer and more inclusive than any other sporting group I have seen.
http://brooklynboulders.com/brooklyn/?prompt-location
https://www.fastcompany.com/3023162/at-this-coworking-space-...
As someone that used to climb, gym climbing is very boring and repetitive compared to outdoor. There are loads of different types of rock for starters that require different styles of climbing. Indoor tends to be very strength oriented and less about problem solving / subtle balance. (I am sure there will be some people who have counter examples, but in general I think this is true).
Whitewater kayaking is even more fun though.
Climbing outdoors I would recommend finding someone who is experienced. Outside is more dangerous and you should really know what you are doing or be with someone who knows what they are doing. Depending on where you are you can hire a guide to do this for you if you don't know anyone.
Another option is bouldering. This is where the routes are low enough to the ground where you don't need ropes. The routes (boulderers call them "problems") are often a series of moves where each is technical. Depending on where you are you can probably find a bouldering gym near you that will rent you shoes to get your toes wet. You can also find bouldering problems outside.
Climbing with rope or bouldering are both great activities. I would highly recommend both!
You can start in the gym. As you make friends with other gym climbers, you can tag along with them for outdoor climbing trips. I started with just a harness, shoes, and a gym membership. When I started climbing outdoors more often, I bought more gear gradually, and gradually learned more techniques from other climbers. Then I was able to take new people out, climb internationally, etc.
Outdoor climbing is more dangerous than gym climbing, and requires more knowledge. Not everyone starts climbing in the gym, but you'll want to go with a more experienced climber your first few times outside either way.