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Rock climbing/ bouldering

RodneyCharltonTrotta
RodneyCharltonTrotta Posts: 14,827
edited June 2019 in Other Football and Sports
Anyone else do this. Just been to a local indoor bouldering centre earlier and loved it and will try and do it regularly.

Any tips on beginners shoes for indoor use (predominately) and where to get them and chalk etc.

Cheers 
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Comments

  • Baldybonce
    Baldybonce Posts: 9,640

  • Baldybonce
    Baldybonce Posts: 9,640
    Scotland last weekend 
  • RodneyCharltonTrotta
    RodneyCharltonTrotta Posts: 14,827
    Nice. I'm a long way off from climbing on mountains but want to one day. 

    Any idea where is good to get shoes for a novice and how much I should spend?
  • Baldybonce
    Baldybonce Posts: 9,640

  • swords_alive
    swords_alive Posts: 4,255
    Tkmax good for most things at a good price.
  • Baldybonce
    Baldybonce Posts: 9,640
    RodneyCharltonTrotta said:
    Nice. I'm a long way off from climbing on mountains but want to one day. 

    Any idea where is good to get shoes for a novice and how much I should spend?
    Your climbing centre will possibly have ex hire shoes for sale. The sizing is really weird for climbing shoes. Otherwise online.
  • RodneyCharltonTrotta
    RodneyCharltonTrotta Posts: 14,827
    Thanks mate
  • i_b_b_o_r_g
    i_b_b_o_r_g Posts: 18,948
    Are there still Decathlon sports shops in UK? They stock a lot of that type of stuff (shoes, clothing, ropes etc.), Frenchside 
  • i_b_b_o_r_g
    i_b_b_o_r_g Posts: 18,948
    ....used to be one in Surry Quays 
  • bobmunro
    bobmunro Posts: 20,842
    Baldybonce said:
    RodneyCharltonTrotta said:
    Nice. I'm a long way off from climbing on mountains but want to one day. 

    Any idea where is good to get shoes for a novice and how much I should spend?
    Your climbing centre will possibly have ex hire shoes for sale. The sizing is really weird for climbing shoes. Otherwise online.

    Tell me about it. I bought a pair but just couldn't get on with them.

    See the source image

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  • palarsehater
    palarsehater Posts: 12,296
    decathlon are pretty good, as its proper gear, £29.99 for a starter pair
  • bolloxbolder
    bolloxbolder Posts: 7,959
    Much to my chagrin, my youngest has just got in to this.
  • guinnessaddick
    guinnessaddick Posts: 28,598
    i_b_b_o_r_g said:
    ....used to be one in Surry Quays 

    One in Charlton.
  • Curb_It
    Curb_It Posts: 21,219
    It maybe in Charlton but they themselves call it Greenwich.  

    https://www.decathlon.co.uk/en/stores/sport-store-decathlon-greenwich-MS_0070207902079.html

  • swords_alive
    swords_alive Posts: 4,255
    edited June 2019
    Would go to Cotswold Outdoors. Their staff know their stuff and will offer best advice.
    Covent Garden and Orpington Nugent park and other places. The one i have used is Covent Garden and that was for walking shoes.
    This may be the type of thing you're looking for?
    https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/c/mens/footwear/climbing-shoes.html

    The blurb on that page seems persuasive to me anyway!:
    "Because we also sell indoor climbing shoes for beginners, it doesn't matter whether you're an expert climber or new to the sport, you'll find a pair that's right for you. With the perfect fit, they're designed to make maneuvering small foot holes easy and help you maintain your grip. To guarantee maximum comfort, our rock climbing shoes also feature adjustable straps and flexible soles. Discover the full collection and enjoy 15% off the full price. Shop the collection of men's climbing shoes today and get free click and collect to your nearest store."
  • RodneyCharltonTrotta
    RodneyCharltonTrotta Posts: 14,827
    Thanks @swords_alive
  • Curb_It
    Curb_It Posts: 21,219
    Cotswolds Orpington.  Ill never darken their door again... the man who served me in there a few years back, fitted me out with some blokes walking shoes which were up 3 sizes than my normal size... I made a jokey comment about being Big Foot and he replied: Well you are a big woman, so of course you will have big feet. 

    I was rendered speechless as Ian took off to the other side of the shop.

    Having said that, he was very thorough and did a good job so i bought the big flipping shoe!

    Jesus im bored today... i was hoping there was going to be some proper news to while away the afternoon.
     
  • Baldybonce
    Baldybonce Posts: 9,640
    bolloxbolder said:
    Much to my chagrin, my youngest has just got in to this.
    It's a good confidence builder for youngsters and we are lucky that one of the best climbing walls is only 10 minute walk from the Valley.
  • AddicksAddict
    AddicksAddict Posts: 15,780
    RodneyCharltonTrotta said:
    Anyone else do this. Just been to a local indoor bouldering centre earlier and loved it and will try and do it regularly.

    Any tips on beginners shoes for indoor use (predominately) and where to get them and chalk etc.

    Cheers 
    I haven't climbed for a while but I do enjoy it.  Only got up to severe level but that's still quite technical at times.

    Re the shoes, go to a specialist shop like Snow and Rock.  You want them to be tight but not so tight you can't walk.  I wouldn't bother with chalk until your up to hard very severe, although others may have a different view.
  • AddicksAddict
    AddicksAddict Posts: 15,780
    Baldybonce said:
    bolloxbolder said:
    Much to my chagrin, my youngest has just got in to this.
    It's a good confidence builder for youngsters and we are lucky that one of the best climbing walls is only 10 minute walk from the Valley.
    I didn't know that, I'll have to go before some home games.
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  • RodneyCharltonTrotta
    RodneyCharltonTrotta Posts: 14,827
    Thanks all.
  • McBobbin
    McBobbin Posts: 12,051
    My eldest loves climbing, in particular those clip and climb walls you get... Cost a bomb, but tempted to have a go myself (despite my strength to weight ratio suggesting I'd topple one of the fuckers if I wasn't too weak to get off the ground). Eldest is a waif like 8 year old, but very strong. With proper tuition on wall, she could go far.

    There is a bouldering centre at fairlop waters we want to try. About half you can free climb, rest need a rope.

    As for shoes, the advice I got was wear a pair that crunch your toes up into a ball because that's what you'll want when climbing
  • The Prince-e-Paul
    The Prince-e-Paul Posts: 6,688
    Just move to Sheffield. Five inside climbing / boulder centres and outdoor gritstone, limestone, slate, trad, sport or bouldering within 30 minutes. Been climbing about 20 years. Very good exercise. Great bunch of friendly folks and can be continued well into 70's. Even being over weight doesn't stop anyone. Very much recommend climbing to destress and improve mental health and general we'll bring.

    The best shoes are a bit more expensive (£70+) and should be TIGHT, not really for walking far in. I've been all over country and climbed in many countries. 
  • The Prince-e-Paul
    The Prince-e-Paul Posts: 6,688

    As for shoes, the advice I got was wear a pair that crunch your toes up into a ball because that's what you'll want when climbing
    Literally anyone can climb. Even those scared of heights can overcome it. It helps to be subtle but don't think its all about upper body strength because it is more about balance and a desire to keep going up 👆🏻 my mates daughter used to be in he GB team and I've seen the World Champion climbing at our local Awesome Walls entre. It is really good for kids confidence, you can see them grow in one session. 


    The shoes need to be like a pair of ballet slippers tight as if you are standing on a hold the size of a peanut then you want all of the strength in the tip of your toes. Indoor is a great way to get fit for out doors. Best thing about outdoors is its totally free. Just get shoes, harness and a boulder mat, or for trad climbing a rope and rack and away you go. It really isn't that expensive and remember the kit will last you years. If you want any tips go on a site like RockFax. 
  • MrOneLung
    MrOneLung Posts: 26,835
    McBobbin said:
    My eldest loves climbing, in particular those clip and climb walls you get... Cost a bomb, but tempted to have a go myself (despite my strength to weight ratio suggesting I'd topple one of the fuckers if I wasn't too weak to get off the ground). Eldest is a waif like 8 year old, but very strong. With proper tuition on wall, she could go far.

    There is a bouldering centre at fairlop waters we want to try. About half you can free climb, rest need a rope.

    As for shoes, the advice I got was wear a pair that crunch your toes up into a ball because that's what you'll want when climbing
    fairlop Just has  some boulders - doubt you need ropes although you do see some people kitted out in shoes and chalk bags etc 


  • Oggy Red
    Oggy Red Posts: 44,954
    For those beginners keen to get out onto the hills ....... I've just come home from a few days walking in the Lake District with friends, mostly now of my own age around our 60s or so.

    We got to the top of Scafell .....  none of us hugely experienced in this sort of thing, and certainly  not as young and anywhere near as fit as we used to be.

    You just need to be active, reasonably fit, not too overweight and not already carrying an injury.

    More than anything, you need proper footwear, waterproofs just in case and to pick a day with decent weather .... don't take risks.


    Plan beforehand. Pick an easy route to start with and not too long. A good map is essential, plentiful water and a reasonably nutritious packed lunch. It'll always take longer than you think.

    Don't rely on phone signal or GPS but obviously take your phone anyway. 
    Do tell someone beforehand where you're going.

    If this is your first time, go with someone who knows what they're doing or join a hill walking group.
    You'll learn a lot from them.


    Always helps to first do a bit of general distance walking to increase your stamina and get comfortable with what you're doing. 

    As our American cousins say, "the view from the top is awesome" ...... but can be truly rewarding -you'll feel that sense of achievement!


  • McBobbin
    McBobbin Posts: 12,051
    Thanks @MrOneLung do you hire the helmets there?
  • MrOneLung
    MrOneLung Posts: 26,835
    No they are just their cycling helmets as we go over there for a ride and stop off at the boulders and the playground that are there. 

    Its not an organised park, the boulders are just there for people to climb on. My boys are 8&6. Your girl would like it, but not sure would travel too far just for the boulders though. 

    They do do have a high ropes course there but not looked into that yet. 
  • McBobbin
    McBobbin Posts: 12,051
    Their grandparents live in clayhall/barkingside so it's a local as it gets. Cheers, might give it a try
  • harveys_gardener
    harveys_gardener Posts: 7,038
    An old boss was into climbing b4 the advent of indoor centred and used to go to some sandstone cliffs Tunbridge Wells way.

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