A Girl’s Guide to Rock Climbing
Ever since I discovered you through the internet and your blog, I have been completely hooked on all that is Steph Davis (in the least stalker-ish ways). Haha.
I go to the University of North Carolina in Asheville, and it is home to a lot of outdoorsy people. I have always had a love for camping, but it wasn’t until recently that I’ve absorbed myself in all that is outdoor sports. I’ve never been an athletic girl, so it came as a surprise how fast I fell in love with so many different sports. Now, I’ve only dabbled here and there being that I’ve only been at the school for 3/4 a year. This winter break, I had signed up for my school’s outdoor trip for an Everglades canoeing trip. That was absolutely wild! I went canoeing through the Everglades for a week, and it was one of the most liberating events I have had in my entire life. I met a few people on the trip that were avid rock climbers, and though it really never struck me as something I’d be interested in…as soon as I started doing research on it, I knew. I just knew what I wanted to do with my life. I came across multiple people online whose lifestyles involved rock climbing, skydiving, BASE jumping, etc. And that is how I found you!
Now that I’ve introduced myself a little bit, I’d like to ask you a few questions related to all of this:
Where do I start if I want to pursue this lifestyle? What are some tips for a beginner to know about rock climbing? How can I spend my money in the most efficient way (not throwing it away on unnecessary equipment and the such)? Any other tips?
I am so incredibly inspired by you! I’ve only just learned about you a week ago, and I feel like I’ve found what I’ve been missing in my life. The things you do make me giddy; I think of how I could be doing just as many wild things as you are! Also, I’m a vegan. So you can imagine how thrilled I was to find out that not only were you a vegan, but a vocal vegan. I’m stoked to know that YOU care so much to respond to your loving fans. I feel so much love in your blogs. It just shines through you!
May your days be beautiful in the future. I know the weather is getting so much nicer. -squeals-
Much love,
Lauren
Dear Lauren,
Thanks for your sweet letter 🙂 Are there climbing programs at school that you can join? If so, I think that is the easiest way to start, and that’s what I did at University of Maryland when I first started climbing.
The absolute essential for starting to climb is a pair of rock shoes that you like and that fits you well. Everything else you can borrow or share, though you’ll probably end up wanting your own harness and chalkbag. Size your shoes tight–and comfortable enough to walk around the base of the climb for 10 minutes, but not comfortable enough to walk around the crag for an hour. Don’t buy the “beginner model,” though! If your shoes work better, you will climb better. If the salesperson shows you intermediate or advanced models, choose from those–there’s no disadvantage to starting with those, and tons of advantages as your footwork starts to improve.
I hope you have great adventures!!
Steph
