🧗Episode 1: What to Do Before Your First Indoor Climbing Session?

What to wear, what to bring, and how to prepare for your first session!

Covers the essentials: clothes, shoes, chalk, hydration, and safety basics. Learn what to expect before even stepping into the gym.

So, you’ve decided to give climbing a try—amazing choice! But before you even set foot in the gym, there are a few things that will make your first session much smoother (and way more comfortable). These aren’t random tips—they’re solutions to the little problems that can make your first session uncomfortable, or even unsafe.

First, let’s talk about finger nails and jewelry. Clip your fingernails and toenails before climbing. Long nails can break painfully against holds, and toenails press uncomfortably in snug climbing shoes. If you wear rings, necklaces, or earrings—leave them behind. They can snag, get scratched, or even cause injuries. If you have constructed or acrylic nails, you’ll need to be extra cautious—climbing is not their best friend! If you wear a smartwatch or fitness tracker, be aware that it might take a beating. Mine has plenty of scratches from bumping into the wall—so if you’re attached to your gadget, consider taking it off before climbing.

Clothes: Choose something flexible, breathable, and not too loose (you don’t want your pants falling mid route!). Leggings, athletic shorts, or fitted joggers work great. For tops, go with something you can move freely in plus a decent sport bra! Don’t wear your nicest gear—climbing walls are rough and can snag fabric. And don’t forget to tie up long hair so it’s not in your face while climbing. If you decide to wear shorts, remember the walls can be pretty rough and can cause scratches.

Shoes: Most gyms offer rental climbing shoes, and that’s all you need at the start. They should feel snug (sometimes a little uncomfortably so), but that’s normal. Don’t wear socks that are too thick—thin socks will help you feel the holds better. I would not advice to use rentals without socks but your own pair later, definitely!

What else to bring:

  • A water bottle (you’ll sweat more than you expect).
  • A light snack if you’re climbing for longer than an hour (banana, energy bar).
  • Chalk (eventually). Some gyms do provide chalk, others don’t, check your own gym’s policy. Chalk keeps your hands dry and helps grip holds.

And lastly—insurance check. Not the most exciting tip, but important. Many basic health insurances don’t automatically cover climbing (or indoor bouldering) since it’s considered an “extreme sport.” Make sure you’re covered before you go too far down the rabbit hole.

👉 With this checklist, you’re ready to walk into the gym prepared and confident. In the next episode, we’ll talk about gym etiquette and climbing jargon so you don’t feel totally lost on your first visit.

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Why Climbing for Beginners?

Starting out in climbing can feel overwhelming — new terms, unfamiliar gear, and a wall that looks impossible to scale. Climbing for Beginners exists to make that first step easier. Here, you’ll find simple guides, practical tips, and encouragement from someone who was also learning along the way, and still learning! No jargon, no pressure — just a friendly place to help you start climbing with confidence.

  • Start Simple

    Clear, beginner-friendly advice without the jargon.

  • Learn Together

    Written from the perspective of a fellow climber still enthusiastic of learning.

  • Climb with Confidence

    Practical tips to make your first steps on the wall safer and more fun.

What You Get

Explore the Smart Start series – your quick guide to getting started with confidence. Each episode breaks down the essentials into clear, practical steps, so you can focus less on confusion and more on enjoying the journey.

 

 

  • Clear Guidance:

    Breaks down essentials into easy-to-follow steps.

  • Confidence Boost

    Helps you start without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Support

    Encourages questions and provides answers to keep you on track