Hi, Im Chris
I just recently "fell" into the wall/ rock climbing world. It startted at wonder wall a few months ago at a kids party held there, now my 2 boys and I are hoocked, the boys have the harness's etc I'm still hiring, but I'd like to progress from wall to the real thing, where and how do i do that?

Hi Chris,

Get yourself a 'how to rock climb book' read it and have your kids to check it out too.
Do a rock climbing course to become competent in climbing...
Meet other climbers / join the Mountain club (you will learn much from other people)

Buy the necessary gear so that you and your boys can go out to the crags together:
In short:
Harness
Belay device (with locking biner)
2nd locking biner
Rope (60 meter)
Helmet
rock shoes
chalk bag
A few quick draws (the guy at the shop will be able to tell you how many depending on where you plan on climbing)

I think that everything!?
Enjoy


Also check out the Getting Started article

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Climb ZA - Administrator

Thanks for the info, I'm gonna speak to the guys at wonder wall this weekend. I know the wall is not like the real thing, but should I practice on them abit longer before going out to the real thing?

If you've been climbing for as short a time as it sounds, gaining some more knowledge and strength at the gym might bot be a bad idea

But as long as you know what you are doing, you can go and climb outside - just make sure you know how and when to back off a route (without leaving too much gear behind
Going out to the crag for the first time is best done with others who can show you around.

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Climb ZA - Administrator

Its best done with others (that come with recomendation) who can show you around.

too true

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Climb ZA - Administrator

Hey Chris,

Climbing at the gym might be good for starters but you need to get on real rock for the ultimate experience! I'll be climbing with mates at Strubens Valley on saturday if you are interested in checking it out wont mind giving you guys the low down in the basics. Maybe just n toprope for now. Anyway let me know. Pierre': :0836329863.

Yup! Get on that rock as soon as possible!
I only climbed indoors for the first time a year after I got hooked.
Best is to read up as much as you can, and when you're confident you can keep yourself and partner(s) safe at all times, use the gym to get hold of others with whom you can go out and do the real thing, then do as much as possible of that.
Don't be scared to ask questions, and don't ever think you know everything.
There's always more to learn
Welcome to the game!

Hi Chris,

I also have two boys (6 and 9). they both enjoy climbing in the gym, not too keen on going out to rock, but i always drag them with, even if i have to bribe them with coke and chocolates. they are very keen to go when there are other kids around.

buzz or sms me when you want to go out - 0823369639.

Jeromy

Hey guys,
Thanks for all the advice, I will get some reading done and stick to the walls abit and then try the great out doors. thanks jeromy and Pierre for the invites, Ive promised the boys to go fishing on saturday and to wonder wall on sunday, But I will be in contact soon.