How to Start Mountain Climbing

Little else can give you the satisfaction or exhilaration that climbing a mountain does. In this article you'll learn what kind of climber you want to be and what you will need to achieve your next milestone. So read on and you'll be a mountaineer in no time!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• good shoes/boots
• harness
• carabiners
• rope
• nuts
• gloves or finger tape
• pulleys
• ascender/descender
• bolts and anchors
• backpack/ haul bag
• belay device

1. 
    

   First, decide what aspect of mountaineering you'd like to try (hiking/trekking, ice or rock climbing). Next find a school, organization , or climbing group. There may even be a rock wall at your local gym or rec center that you can practice on for a small fee. Read to learn all that you can about: training & conditioning, alpine/expedition, bouldering, hiking and trekking, ice & mixed climbing, rock climbing, safety, and skill & technique. Patience here is key, you don't want to rush out prematurely, and find yourself stuck between a rock and a hard place, or worse. Here are just a few places you can start:
   Climbing School USA
   Alpine Ascents Mountaineering School
   Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's The Climb to Fight Breast Cancer
   Mountain Madness
   Mountain Zone
   Total Climbing

2. 
    
   Check and re-check

   Make sure that you have all the necessary equipment and supplies. Refer to "Things You'll Need" list above. Make a gear checklist. Now would be a good time to make sure that you'll have everything you'll need in the event of an emergency. Safety gear is crucial and can save your life. Take things like: a raincoat, GPS, extra water, protein bars, dried fruit and mixed nuts, signal flares, a cellphone, a helmet, headlamp, knee & elbow pads, ice/heat packs, and a first aid kit.

3. 
    

   Plan an expedition. Get a buddy/climbing partner. Always remember to check weather conditions and to let someone know where you'll be going.

Tips & Warnings

• Never hesitate to take a guide with you.
• Always give an approximate area you will be in, and time you will be back to someone you know. This will make it easier for help to find you in case of an emergency.
• Climbing is dangerous!

[worldclimb]

on 11/3/2009 A GPS is a handy back up but learn how to use a map and compass first. Read the Freedom of the Hills, but only after taking a course or two.