How to Buy Your First Climbing Rope

The rope is the most important piece of climbing equipment you will own, so choose it well.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Credit Cards And Loans
• Climbing Gear
• Climbing Harnesses
• Climbing Helmets
• Climbing Ropes
• Climbing Shoes

1. Get a "single dynamic lead rope" certified by the UIAA, the International Moutaineering and Climbing Organization. Dynamic ropes are stretchy to help them absorb the impact of falls.

2. Buy a durable one that can stand a lot of thrashing - beginners tend to accidentally abuse ropes as they learn the climbing game.

3. Buy a rope at least 50 meters (165 feet) long. Ropes shorter than 50 meters are dangerously short.

4. Purchase a rope 11 millimeters in diameter. These are best suited for beginners.

Tips & Warnings

• Ropes that have a soft, subtle feel when brand-new are not the most durable. A stiff rope will be more durable.
• Always use a rope that is certified by the UIAA as a climbing rope.
• Never use towropes, clotheslines, sailing lines or any other type of rope for climbing.
• Rock climbing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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on 8/8/2006 Almost no one climbs with 11 MM anymore. If you want a bigger than normal rope to abuse, 10.5 or 10.2 now serves that purpose.