A Beginner's Guide to Choosing a Rock Climbing School

The first step of course is getting down theand guided environment where questions and
basics, not only for safety because rock climbinglearning are encouraged.
can be a dangerous sport, but also to easeHow To Find And Choose A Climbing School
frustration and to make the climbing experiencesDepending 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 forassociation 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 ableThe American Mountain Guides offers a list of
to find out as much information on climbing ascertified 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 basicand the Canadian Mountain Guides Association,
climbing skills and it can be a safe and supportiveboth provide similar information. All affiliated
environment to learn in. Additionally, depending oncountries association websites can be found at
where you live, climbing schools are becomingthe International Federation Of Mountain Guides.
more popular. A climbing school is usually part of aIn addition to schools that are accredited, look for
guiding business and is simply a separate guidedschools that offer small class sizes and a good
excursion for beginners. Guides will often spend aninstructor to student ratio.
hour or two going over the basics before theThe 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