| The first step of course is getting down the | | | | and guided environment where questions and |
| basics, not only for safety because rock climbing | | | | learning are encouraged. |
| can be a dangerous sport, but also to ease | | | | How To Find And Choose A Climbing School |
| frustration and to make the climbing experiences | | | | Depending on where you live, there may be a |
| more enjoyable. | | | | wide variety of schools to choose from or there |
| Where to begin? | | | | may be very few. Check out the mountain guides |
| There are of course a host of sources for | | | | association for a list of guides in your area and |
| information on climbing, from websites to books. | | | | their accreditation. |
| From knots to lingo, the beginner should be able | | | | The American Mountain Guides offers a list of |
| to find out as much information on climbing as | | | | certified guides and accredited schools at their |
| they can absorb and retain. | | | | website. |
| Climbing School? | | | | Likewise the British Mountain Guides Association, |
| Many climbing gyms offer classes on basic | | | | and the Canadian Mountain Guides Association, |
| climbing skills and it can be a safe and supportive | | | | both provide similar information. All affiliated |
| environment to learn in. Additionally, depending on | | | | countries association websites can be found at |
| where you live, climbing schools are becoming | | | | the International Federation Of Mountain Guides. |
| more popular. A climbing school is usually part of a | | | | In addition to schools that are accredited, look for |
| guiding business and is simply a separate guided | | | | schools that offer small class sizes and a good |
| excursion for beginners. Guides will often spend an | | | | instructor to student ratio. |
| hour or two going over the basics before the | | | | The more one-one-one instruction time you can |
| group heads to the outdoor destination. | | | | get the better. Some schools also offer classes |
| The benefits of the climbing school are great. | | | | by age, gender, or special needs. Call the school to |
| One, you're outdoors and climbing on real rock, | | | | find out what is available. |
| what could be better? Two, you're in a supportive | | | | |