Hello All,

I'm new to climbing and over and above the need to get in shape for climbing; I need to know what a good starting kit is for a 1st time climber?

Harness, Shoes, Chalk, etc.

I’d also be very grateful if somebody can point me in the right direction for getting into shape I'd be very grateful.

Regards,

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Darren Higgins

Everyday we have is one more than we deserve...

You need a helmet, a harness, shoes, a karabiner for belaying and ATC belay device. You should be going out climbing with someone who is an experience climber and they will have a ropes, quick draws, slings if you are doing sports climbing and have cams, hexes, nuts if you are doing trad climbing.

You should join the mountain club as I think you will learn a lot there.

http://www.mcsa.org.za/cent/

Hmmm, was this posted by Drifter so he could give himself advice

Hi Darren,

- Helmet - light, adjustable & comfortable
- Harness preferably one that has adjustable leg loops
- Climbing shoes, best to buy cheaper ones (as begginers tend to scrape their feet around a lot and wear the rubber down quickly). Also make sure they are comortable!! Don't allow anyone to tell you they need to be 2 sizes below your current shoes size.
- Locking carabiner and belay device (suggest you learn with a non auto locking device to begin with)

After you have the above, a rope (60 meter is best) and set of quickdraws are what you need next to go Sport climbing (bolted routes). Should you want to go Trad climbing (no in-situ protection) you will need all of the above + Trad climbing equipment (camming devices, nuts, more carabiners).

Let me know if you got any additional questions

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Climb ZA - Administrator

Hello all,

Thanks for the replies so far. I appreciate the response.

I would like to start out climbing at a Gym and then later move on.

I currently have a pair of shoes, harness, locking carabiner and belay device all new.

My question now is can I rent the rest of the equipment from the/a gym? If so what should I be looking to rent each time?

Regards,

Darren

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Darren Higgins

Everyday we have is one more than we deserve...

that's all you need, besides a belay partner. later on you can get a dynamic rope (suggets 10.2 - 10.5 mm 60 m) to start leading with.

Gyms have top ropes to start climbing with, and when you start leading they have quickdraws that have already been placed.

Important to get some one to show you the ropes, excuse the pun. But i'm sure the gym staff can help you out, to start with.

Hey all,

Thank you for the information.

Now the issue is my weight. I currently weigh 127kg embarrassed look and need to loose a minimum 27kg’s I’d recon. I know I could probably climb at this weight, but I think it would be much easier on me if I lost at least the 27kg’s. What do you guys/gals recon?

Maybe someone could recommend a good training program (sadly I can’t even do one pull-up embarrassed look again) or maybe even somebody I could contact who could work something out for me?

I look forward to your help and comments!

DJ

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Darren Higgins

Everyday we have is one more than we deserve...

I had a similar problem

Lost 20kg by following the Atkins diet.

Hi Caveman,

I guess the obvious diet is to stop eating

But seriously, cut down on fats, everything in moderation and do 30minutes of aerobic (bike, run, swim) exercise three times a week, you'll lose the fat in no time.

Two caveats: Firstly it will depend on age - the older you are the harder it is to lose weight! Secondly it will also depend on your body shape. If you are 6'6\" built like a brick $#!thouse then it is likely that 110 kg would be a good weight. If you're 5'5\" then you could probably lose 40kg! Work out your BMI (Body mass index - check google) and see what suggested weight ranges for your height are

Then about pullups. Whilst I can do a good number of pullups I cannot climb nearly as hard as some climbers who can barely do three! Finger strength is where it is at rather than arm strength, and it will come in time.

Enjoy the climbing. They say the best climber is the one having the most fun!