Wherever you live, there is probably a great place for rock climbing nearby. This climbing place might be a mountain with huge cliff faces. Maybe this is in a tamer area, with a few natural rock faces that are 15 to 20 feet high. Perhaps you live in a place where everything is perfectly flat, but an indoor rock climbing place is open nearby. Regardless of the rock climbing options available to you, rock climbing can be both a great way to get in shape and a whole lot of fun! Before you can begin, however, you need to know a few basic purchases you have to make.

You might think that the first thing you need is a pair of climbing shoes, but actually, your first purchase should be a crash pad. Crash pads are usually small, soft pads, and they are easy to fold up and carry. These pads provide soft landing places for those times when your hands slip, or when you decide to jump down before you finish a wall. Crash pads only cost about a hundred dollars, and they are a vital part of your climbing safety.

Secondly, you will want to purchase a chalk bag. Chalk bags hang around your waist while you climb, and they are filled with climbing chalk, which is intended to help your grip. Climbing chalk is important because of your hand’s tendency to expel oils and sweat. Chalk bags cost only about fifteen dollars, and climbing chalk costs about the same. A single purchase of chalk will last you for months, so these two items are each relatively inexpensive.

Finally, it is time to purchase climbing shoes. Of course, many people think that their best bet is to purchase climbing shoes online, in order to get a good deal, but you must also understand how climbing shoes are supposed to fit. If you plan to purchase a used pair online, you should first visit an outdoor store that has experts who can help to fit you with shoes that are just right for you. While the price of climbing shoes ranges greatly (anywhere from sixty dollars to well over one hundred dollars), beginning climbers can find a good, new pair for under one hundred dollars.

Rock climbing is an excellent hobby, as it works out the whole body and allows you to enjoy the fresh air. With these few simple purchases, you will be all set to begin climbing yourself.