by Theresa A. Ludwick Begin Your Ascent Mountain climbing is an exhilarating sport with great rewards, awesome photo ops and a truly satisfying sense of accomplishment. Some climbers find each experience a transcendent one; a spiritual as well as physical triumph. Certainly, in our age of mechanized success, climbing a mountain of any size under your own steam leaves a larger mark on your soul than driving up an auto road or hitching a ride on an aerial tramway.

The best thing about mountain climbing is, if you’ve got two working feet, you’re in the running for a fun and challenging sport. Even so, it’s a sport beginners can be woefully unprepared for if they do not couple idealistic zeal with knowledge. The sport of mountain climbing is rife with stories of tragedy due to lack of preparation and respect for the natural environment. There are two basic levels of mountain climbing: non-technical and technical. Non-technical is defined as simple hiking, with occasional scrabbling over rocks or streams. Technical climbing includes rock or ice climbing, and requires more equipment. Both endeavors demand preparation and knowledge for a safe and enjoyable experience. Are Your Boots Made For Walking? The very first thing for the beginning mountain climber to consider is the boots he or she wears. A good pair of appropriate and well-fitted boots will make or break your experience. Find a reputable outdoor equipment store ( REI is a great one, Mountain Equipment Co-op is another), and invest in your mountain climbing future. It’s important that you break your boots in well before you begin a climb of any substance, or you’ll be miserable on the trail. The ability to read a map and compass is imperative before entering the beautiful but unforgiving wilderness. Even if you plan to stay strictly on the trail, familiarity with your surroundings will contribute to your overall safety. You might consider taking a mountaineering or orienteering course to ensure preparedness. Food and water will keep you going when your enthusiasm begins to wane or your body to complain. Energy gels, bars, and dried fruits are easily packed and loaded with punch. The need for water needs no explanation; just make sure you bring plenty. Do not go it alone. The worst things happen when climbers and rock jocks think they don’t need anyone. It’s just not true. Unless you’re climbing that mole hill out back of the house that you’ve been exploring since you were six, having an equally-prepared partner will reduce the danger level and give you someone to high-five when you both accomplish the goal. There is a plethora of mountain climbing clubs and organizations that are usually eager to welcome new members. Let someone know where you’re going. Leave a written agenda of your plans with someone you can trust to inform appropriate authorities in the event that you don’t return at the appointed time. Don’t rely solely on mechanical or technological gear, which are subject to failure. If your interest goes beyond basic, non-technical climbing and hovers somewhere over rocks and ice, be prepared to invest more of yourself and your resources. Rock climbing calls for a wide range of equipment, depending on the extent of your interest/obsession. The same applies to ice climbing. Either pursuit demands a higher level of fitness than that of the average couch potato, and the gear required for safe and proper climbing can inflict a measure of pain on your pocketbook. Before making such an investment, try your hand (and foot) on an indoor climbing wall. If you find the experience whets your appetite for a greater challenge, enroll in a class, where you can learn the terms, skills, protocols, and techniques of safe rock and ice climbing: balance, friction, belaying, knots, tying, rappelling, anchors, ropes, face climbing, crack climbing, and a whole lot more. Mountain climbing is one of those pursuits that takes life to the top in more ways than one. Do some research, make some calls, rearrange some priorities, and embark on a sport that will bring you face to face with both your outer world and your inner self. Check our our section on rock climbing for more info on this type of adventure!