How To

How to Buy Your First Climbing Rope

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(3 Ratings)

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. Step 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. Step 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. Step 3

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

  4. Step 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.

Comments  

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

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.

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