No Result
View All Result
Shopee Singapore Official Blog
  • Lifestyle
    • Festivities
    • Featured
  • Home & Living
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Tech & Gadgets
  • Health & Fitness
  • Food & Drinks
  • Shopping
    • Gift Guides
    • Grocery Guide
  • Shopee News
  • Lifestyle
    • Festivities
    • Featured
  • Home & Living
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Tech & Gadgets
  • Health & Fitness
  • Food & Drinks
  • Shopping
    • Gift Guides
    • Grocery Guide
  • Shopee News
No Result
View All Result
Shopee Singapore Official Blog
No Result
View All Result
Home Lifestyle Health & Fitness

Beginner’s Guide To Rock Climbing: Essential Gear And Techniques To Get Started With

Reeve Tham by Reeve Tham
February 26, 2021
in Health & Fitness
Reading Time: 7 mins read
0
rock climbing for beginners guide

Rock climbing is becoming a popular sport in Singapore and it’s not hard to see why! It’s a fun and challenging activity and while still promising a full-body workout. But if you’re heading to a rock climbing gym for the first time, many things can seem foreign and unfamiliar. This guide to rock climbing for beginners will give you a rundown of the essential gear to arm yourself with and techniques you need to keep in mind for a fulfilling first climbing session!

Our Recommendations

Madrock Climbing Shoes
$100.42
Buy Now
Marmot Rock Chalk Bag
$12.00
Buy Now
Chalk Ball
$2.48
Buy Now
Finger Tape
$3.68
Buy Now
Pathfinder Carabiner
$4.64
Buy Now
Lixada Belay Device
$7.85
Buy Now
Climbing Harness
$12.56
Buy Now

Types of rock climbing

There are numerous types of rock climbing, both on open rock surfaces and in indoor climbing gyms – did you know that people even participate in ice climbing? Below are just three of the most common forms of rock climbing in Singapore.

1. Top-rope climbing

When you think of rock climbing, top-rope climbing is likely to be the first thing that’ll come to mind. In this form of rock climbing, a climbing rope is attached to an anchor at the top of the climbing wall, while a climber and a belayer (handles the climbing rope at the foot of the wall) is hooked onto either end of the rope. The climber ascends the wall by gripping the climbing tiles while the belayer ensures that the climber is able to climb and descend safely by keeping the climbing rope taut. There are varying levels of difficulty when it comes to top-rope climbing, from simple climbs for beginners to challenging ones for veterans.

2. Lead climbing

This type of rock climbing requires more expertise and specialised lead climbing gear to carry out. Even so, it’s one of the more popular types of climbing in Singapore. In this form of rock climbing, the climber brings the rope up with them while climbing. They clip the rope along regular intervals while ascending and this safety feature breaks their fall if they lose their grip or slip.

3. Bouldering

A crowd-favourite among veterans and beginners alike, bouldering is rock climbing without the use of ropes or harnesses. This form of climbing is done on shorter walls and climbers jump off the wall onto a thickly padded bouldering mat once they’ve completed their climbing route. Bouldering does not require as much rock climbing gear and hence it’s a convenient form of rock climbing in Singapore

Essential rock climbing gear to get in Singapore

While most rock climbing gyms have the basic climbing gear available for rental, prices can be steep. So it’s worth investing in your own rock climbing gear — especially if you’ve decided to climb regularly! Read on for some of the rock climbing gear that you’ll need for indoor climbing in Singapore. Bonus tip: Wear long pants to avoid unwanted scratches and cuts on your knees. Sports tights or joggers do the trick!

1. Climbing shoes

rock climbing for beginner madrock climbing shoes
(Credit: Korea want you)

“Are climbing shoes essential, why can’t I just rock climb in my sports shoes?” you may ask. While sports shoes can still allow you to scale a rock climbing wall, they are not the best-suited shoes for climbing. Grab a pair of climbing shoes (available on Korea want you) if you plan to climb regularly. Climbing shoes are made from a specialised rubber that increases friction between the shoes and tiles on the climbing wall. This enables you to step on tiles with greater pressure and better stability. Bonus tip: Get a pair of shoes that fits snugly around your toes and heels to allow you to step more firmly when climbing.

2. Chalk bag and chalk ball

rock climbing for beginner chalk ball and chalk bag
(Credit: Campers’ Corner Official Store, woyao1)

Most climbers will swear by the importance of a chalk bag and chalk ball. Used in all types of climbing in Singapore, this rock climbing gear is essential for absorbing excess moisture in the palms for better climbing performance. Buy a Marmot Rock Chalk Bag (available on Campers’ Corner Official Store) and squeeze a chalk-filled chalk ball (available on woyao1) into it. Lathering your palms with chalk before climbing allows you to grip better — this means that you’ll spend more time on the wall and less time falling!

3. Finger tape

rock climbing for beginner climbing finger tape
(Credit: mayrecords.sg)

Climbing finger tape (available on mayrecords.sg) is primarily used around finger joints to prevent joint pain. As these tapes are tougher and more durable than medical plasters, they are also a suitable substitute for plaster if you get cuts or skin tears while climbing.

4. Carabiner and belay device (for rope climbing)

rock climbing for beginner carabiner and belay device
(Credit: pathfinder.sg, lemontree outdoor sport)

To belay a rock climber, you’d need a carabiner (available on pathfinder.sg) and belay device (available on lemontree outdoor sport). The carabiner allows for convenient attachment and detachment from the harness while the belay device provides added friction and support to allow you to belay a heavier person without difficulty.

5. Harness (for rope climbing)

rock climbing for beginner climbing harness
(Credit: Sea’s House)

Climbing harnesses (available on Sea’s House) are necessary safety devices for all types of rope climbing. Usually made from webbed nylon, climbing harnesses are able to support the weight of the climber as they descend from the wall. Climbing ropes are also attached to the climber via a carabiner onto the harness.

Rock climbing tips and techniques for beginners

While you’ll be able to walk into a rock climbing gym and climb right off the bat, climbing inaccurately can lead to arduous and tiring sessions that are just no fun. Take note of some of these simple yet effective rock climbing tips and techniques for beginners and you’ll improve your climbing ability in no time!

1. Keep your arms straight while climbing

rock climbing for beginner with straight arms gif
(Original source: Bouldering Bobat / YouTube)

One of the most important rock climbing tips for beginners is to climb with extended arms. When gripping onto rock climbing tiles, you should always ensure that your arms are kept straight. Keeping your arms straight and your chest away from the wall prevents your arms from being overworked. It’ll also allow you to climb for longer without feeling fatigued. With time, you’ll also find that rock climbing with straight arms feels more natural and comfortable than climbing with bent arms.

2. Fall safely (for bouldering)

rock climbing for beginner falling right gif
(Original source: Central Rock Gym / YouTube)

Letting go off the climbing tile and falling from the top of a bouldering wall can be terrifying. But if you follow these simple tips, you’d be able to fall safely and unharmed. When falling from a bouldering wall:

  • Land on your feet or backside
  • Never break your fall with your hands — this can lead to wrist and finger injuries
  • Don’t resist the falling motion — roll on your back if you need to before coming to a safe stop

3. Step on climbing tiles the right way

rock climbing for beginner proper footwork gif
(Original source: Bouldering Bobat / YouTube)

While it may seem like rock climbing is all about upper body strength, proper stepping and footwork is equally as important. Stepping accurately is a valuable rock climbing tip for beginners. You should always be stepping on climbing tiles with your toes. By doing so you’ll be able to step with greater force, easily pivot your foot and reach for higher climbing tiles. Relying on your feet while climbing is a must. By incorporating these simple techniques into your climbing, you’d experience an improvement in your climbing ability almost immediately!

Put this rock climbing guide for beginners to the test!

With this guide to rock climbing for beginners, you’re now ready to scale to new heights during your next climbing session! Is it your first time heading to a climbing gym? Be sure to check out this roundup of some of the best climbing gyms in Singapore (for both adults and kids). Otherwise, if you’re looking for interesting cardio workouts to try in Singapore, this guide to the best HIIT classes in Singapore will point you in the right direction. Are you a newbie to the gym life? Take a look at this beginner’s guide to using gym equipment and make sure you’re using gym equipment the right way!

ShareTweet
Previous Post

A Step-By-Step Guide To Planning A Memorable Livestream Wedding In Singapore

Next Post

7 Bread Makers For Loaves You Never Knew You Kneaded

Reeve Tham

Reeve Tham

A climbing enthusiast and football fan, you'll often find him hanging out in a climbing gym or watching football matches with friends. He also enjoys a good cup of coffee and loves Japanese food.

Related Posts

Healthy Eating - 11 Best Keto Meal Delivery Services
Health & Fitness

Healthy Eating: 11 Best Keto Meal Delivery Services

by Rajveen
January 27, 2025
person running on treadmill at home
Health & Fitness

Run Like The Wind With These 11 Best Treadmills In Singapore

by Janica Ng
January 4, 2025
24-hour gym in singapore: anytime fitness bukit panjang outlet, featuring the powerlifting zone
Health & Fitness

Workout Anytime At These 24 Hour Gyms In Singapore

by Shermyn Tan
March 21, 2025
(Credit: Jonathan Borba / Unsplash [Cropped])
Health & Fitness

From Flab To Fab With These 27 Best Personal Trainers In Singapore

by Rajveen
December 27, 2024
affordable activewear in singapore [featured]
Health & Fitness

14 Affordable Activewear Brands As Good As Lululemon And Gymshark

by Iris Tan
November 12, 2024
best electric toothbrush singapore
Health & Fitness

Shine Your Pearly Whites With These 15 Best Electric Toothbrushes

by Pei Shi
September 19, 2024
woman stretching on a reformer machine, with a beautiful scenary in the background - featuring one of the best pilates studio in singapore
Health & Fitness

13 Best Pilates Studios in Singapore to Stretch Your Limits

by Shermyn Tan
September 5, 2024
featured image ocbc arena indoor basketball courts singapore
Health & Fitness

15 Indoor Basketball Courts In Singapore To Shoot Hoops At

by Bryant Tay
March 21, 2025
Next Post
mayer marketing best bread makers

7 Bread Makers For Loaves You Never Knew You Kneaded

skincare routine for oily skin

13 Must-Have Products For Every Singaporean Who Has Oily Skin

cameras for beginners cameras for beginners comparison guide

Camera Comparison Guide: The Best Cameras For Beginners

Recommended

upcoming musicals singapore

9 Upcoming Musicals And Theatre Shows In Singapore (2025)

by Caryn Tan
January 24, 2025

For them aura points.

xlash eyelash growth serum review

Longer Lashes In 1 Week — Thanks, Xlash!

by Caryn Tan
October 11, 2024

You grow, gurl!

Korean Bag Brands

Seoul-Searching For The 10 Best Korean Bag Brands In Seongsu

by Jaia Corral
February 21, 2025

Cool girl energy only.

caseharden bag review

Caseharden Review: Do They Have It In The Bag?

by Caryn Tan
January 21, 2025

The hottest brand in Bangkok now.

Trending

new chinese dramas featured image

New Chinese Dramas: 65 Best Series To Watch In 2025

by Iris Tan
May 8, 2025

It's good being a couch potato.

(Credit: Spencer Davis / Unsplash)

Upcoming Concerts In Singapore 2025 (Don’t Miss Them Again!)

by Caryn Tan
April 29, 2025

Got your tickets yet?

15 Best Mattresses To Live Your Sleeping Beauty Dreams

by Shermyn Tan
December 10, 2024

Snooze without the booze.

ice skating rink singapore

Glide Around At Kallang Ice World, Singapore’s Only Ice Skating Rink

by Caryn Tan
November 13, 2024

Some n-ice time with your kids.

Popular

jazz bar best live music bars singapore

24 Best Live Music Bars To Get Your Groove On

by Rachel Tan
November 15, 2024

Dine and unwind!

best singapore gifts for overseas friends

Local Pride: 45 Best Singapore Gifts For Your Overseas Friends

by Caryn Tan
April 10, 2025

Majulah Singapura!

(Credit: Yarrrrrbright / Shutterstock)

13 Best Garment Steamers In Singapore To Remove Those Creases

by Caryn Tan
March 21, 2025

Full steam ahead!

what to eat in tanjong pagar

From K-Town To Cafes: 35 Food Options In Tanjong Pagar

by Caryn Tan
June 12, 2024

More than just KBBQ.

karaoke system

Sing Your Hearts Out At These 13 Best Karaoke Bars

by Caryn Tan
April 29, 2025

Unleash your inner Mariah Carey

Shopee SG Blog

Lifestyle & Shopping Recommendations by locals, for locals

Category

  • Entertainment
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Featured
  • Festivities
  • Food & Drinks
  • Gift Guides
  • Grocery Guide
  • Health & Fitness
  • Home & Living
  • Lifestyle
  • Others
  • Parenting
  • Shopee News
  • shopeesg
  • Shopping
  • Tech & Gadgets
  • Travel

Follow Us

Recent Posts

  • Wicked Musical Review: A Story Worth Melting For May 9, 2025
  • Things To Do In JB For Your Next Getaway: 21 Places To Visit May 8, 2025
  • New Chinese Dramas: 65 Best Series To Watch In 2025 May 7, 2025

Copyright © 2025, Shopee Singapore Blog

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Lifestyle
    • Festivities
    • Featured
  • Home & Living
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Tech & Gadgets
  • Health & Fitness
  • Food & Drinks
  • Shopping
    • Gift Guides
    • Grocery Guide
  • Shopee News

Copyright © 2025, Shopee Singapore Blog