What do I need to get started in the sport?

Probably the best place to start climbing is at an indoor wall, most cities have at least one and London has 3, with The Castle being particularly friendly. Check thebmc.co.uk for locations. All walls have equipment hire, so you won’t initially have to buy anything. If climbing is for you then the first things you need to buy are some rock boots, and a chalk bag, expect to pay around £80 for both of these. 5.10 make the ‘stickiest’ climbing boots, so give yourself the best chance!

A Blagger’s Guide… So I can sound like I know what I’m talking about!

Here are some things worth knowing. The basic kit is - A chalk bag: chalk is used to stop your hands from getting sweaty. Sweat decreases friction and loosens your hold on the rock… not good. Rock boots: smooth soled shoes that give high friction and grip. They should be tight fitting (but not too tight) so your foot doesn’t slide around inside. Harness: worn around the waist and legs, it should be comfortable and secure, just in case you end up hanging on the rope for a while. Quickdraws: used to link the rope to the rock wall. A quickdraw is a length of very strong tape with an aluminium clip on each end known as a karabiner. Cams: these expanding metal devices are put into cracks on the rock with the rope secured to it. These should hopefully stop a falling climber from hitting the ground. Belay device: your trusted friend on the ground will hold your rope and you if you fall, they will take the weight and save you a nasty landing. Not as scary as it sounds, the belay device causes frictions on the rope and means that it is easy to slow someone’s descent and hold their weight. The GriGri by Petzl is one of the best.

Good places in the UK to try out the sport

For a beginner it’s always best to start out on an indoor wall. Most cities now have climbing walls, but if you get the chance try to head to one of these, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable and the walls are the best in the UK: The Castle in London, The Foundry in Sheffield, Awesome Walls in Liverpool, Ratho in Edinburgh, Leeds Wall and Manchester Wall.Outdoors there are many places to begin climbing, book a course at your local wall or get someone with a lot of experience to take you out.

Is there a basic fitness level required at entry level?

Anybody with a decent level of fitness can get started, though the fitter you are the easier it will be. Climbing involves lots of thinking as well as physical effort and so is a great way to get fit as you don’t even realize you are exercising!

Any big events coming up that we should know about?

Deep Water Solo Festival in Dorset every August.

Websites we should know about relevant to your sport?

The British Mountaineering Council: www.thebmc.co.uk