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. Instead of going out into the woods somewhere on your own, make some climbing friends or find a local guide to point you in the right direction.
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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 it's always a good idea to have a friend properly spot you 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.
Two Types of Lead Climbing:
Trad (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 (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 you purchase a guide book, climbing equipment, and learn your basics before going outside.
Being outside in nature will bring wonderful outdoor experiences, but in Connecticut you will run in to all types of issues. There's rough terrain, dense forest, loose rock, animals (especially in areas not often traveled). I have seen bears on many occasions, snakes, deer, all types of bugs and insects so be prepared! Bring the bug spray, plenty of water, a map or guidebook and never go alone! But if you do, bring a cell phone, and make sure you tell a family member when and where you will be climbing.
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 Connecticut woods.
Being outside in nature will bring wonderful outdoor experiences, but in Connecticut you will run in to all types of issues. There's rough terrain, dense forest, loose rock, animals (especially in areas not often traveled). I have seen bears on many occasions, snakes, deer, all types of bugs and insects so be prepared! Bring the bug spray, plenty of water, a map or guidebook and never go alone! But if you do, bring a cell phone, and make sure you tell a family member when and where you will be climbing.
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 Connecticut woods.
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