WARNING! Rock Climbing is a dangerous activity, no one should attempt this activity without first consulting a professional.
How to get started: An Indoor Rock Gym or Outdoor Guide Service is a great place to get started. This ever growing sport is dangerous and should be approached with caution.
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Types of climbing:Bouldering
Bouldering is a simple type of climbing and requires only a few boulder crash pads, a pair of climbing shoes, some climbing chalk and perhaps a boulder brush. No ropes or harnesses are used but a spotter is always a great idea when bouldering outside. |
Top Rope Climbing (TR)
Top Rope climbing has a simple set up and is very common indoors and outdoors in Connecticut. Many of our taller outdoor cliffs can only be climbed using a TR system or Trad climbing
Top Rope climbing has a simple set up and is very common indoors and outdoors in Connecticut. Many of our taller outdoor cliffs can only be climbed using a TR system or Trad climbing
Top rope climbing can provide some of the best climbing experiences. Beginners of all ages starting at 13 should start by taking a top rope belay class. Going climbing outside or indoor bouldering is a sure way to get injured if you are an inexperienced climber.
Lead Climbing:
Trad Climbing (Traditional)
Any cliff that you cannot simply hike to the top of, a climber must lead climb while setting protection in the rock to prevent from a ground fall occurring. Trad climbing is much more complicated and requires lots of training, practice, and experience for both the climber and belayer. Watch a video on Trad climbing below!
Sport
Sport climbing is popular inside at the local rock gyms. Similar to Trad climbing, the climber must lead climb while setting protection using quickdraws and equipment that has been bolted to the rock. Sport climbing is not commonly found outdoors in Connecticut. Currently there are only a few outdoor locations in CT with bolted sport climbing routes.
Trad Climbing (Traditional)
Any cliff that you cannot simply hike to the top of, a climber must lead climb while setting protection in the rock to prevent from a ground fall occurring. Trad climbing is much more complicated and requires lots of training, practice, and experience for both the climber and belayer. Watch a video on Trad climbing below!
Sport
Sport climbing is popular inside at the local rock gyms. Similar to Trad climbing, the climber must lead climb while setting protection using quickdraws and equipment that has been bolted to the rock. Sport climbing is not commonly found outdoors in Connecticut. Currently there are only a few outdoor locations in CT with bolted sport climbing routes.
Tips for the New Climber
Once you've become interested in the sport and are looking to climb with friends on your own, make sure your geared up with a guide, proper equipment, and have learned your basics before going outside.
Climbing outdoors will bring wonderful experiences, but in Connecticut you should be aware of all types of factors. There's rough terrain, dense forest, loose rock, unpredictable weather, and wild animals. Bring the bug spray, plenty of water, and never go alone!
This sport is inherently dangerous and we tend to let our guard down when we are away from the cliff but always be aware of your surroundings and potential risks out in the woods.
Climbing outdoors will bring wonderful experiences, but in Connecticut you should be aware of all types of factors. There's rough terrain, dense forest, loose rock, unpredictable weather, and wild animals. Bring the bug spray, plenty of water, and never go alone!
This sport is inherently dangerous and we tend to let our guard down when we are away from the cliff but always be aware of your surroundings and potential risks out in the woods.
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