🧗🏻‍♀️ Beginner Rock Climbing Tips (From Someone Who Was Terrified)

I was absolutely terrified the first time I tried rock climbing! Not just a little nervous, gripping-the-wall-questioning-my-life-choices terrified. I wouldn't go give feet off the ground.

But then I did. And it turned out to be one of those experiences that quietly changes a person.

My husband has been climbing for over 10 years. I said I would never go with him, but after he ran my first marathon with me, I thought, let me give it a go.

He never pushed me, never asked me, I decided on my own, which with something like this and my personality was the perfect tactic.

Somewhere along the way, I stopped being the person who was terrified and became someone who climbs!

🧗🏻‍♀️ My Climbing Timeline (From Terrified to Outside)

June 19, 2024

On my very first climb, I showed up nervous, unsure, and convinced I wouldn’t make it very far. I didn't but I tried and that is what I had set out to do for my husband at first but then turned into much more.

July

I got to the top for the first time! That moment, touching the top. It completely shifted something in my brain. I realized I could get past fear, the hardest part in my opinion. With my husband and friends cheering me on, I unlocked the climbing bug.

August

I joined a gym and got top rope certified. This is when it went from trying something new to committing. My husband and I got a family gym membership and I never looked back.

September

I entered my first climbing competition. Which is wild considering how scared I was just a few months earlier! I love internal competition, it is why I love running so much. Climbing is no different. There is always a way push yourself to grow stronger and more confident.

By the end of September I was climbing 5.10s comfortably. What I use to think was impossible started to feel normal!

Halloween 🎃

My first attempt at 5.11-, not graceful. Not perfect. I love pushing myself with each new route.

November

My first ATC climbs were while traveling to Washington State. We were able to try some new climbing gyms. Each one with their own differences. One we had to use ATCs and it was a fun way to push my climbing knowledge.

June 7, 2025

My first outdoor climb. A full circle moment. From a terrified beginner to climbing outside on real rock! We spent the summer outside and I was glad to be there.

October 6, 2025

I had the idea to have a climbing centered holiday card. For our 1 year wedding anniversary we hiked to the first spot we climbed outside together and took some epic shots that I will cherish forever. Check out our 2025 climbing themed holiday cards HERE! 

 🧗🏻‍♀️ Beginner Climbing Tips

• Wear comfortable clothes. Use what you have to start. But make sure you get a good harness and climbing shoes.

• Start with easy routes, when you feel confident move up!

• Take breaks. This was hard for me. I love pushing myself, but rest helps you recover and grow stronger.

• Ask for help. I have a great climbing community who cheers me on and points out great tips along the way. Your local gym can help you find yours!

In the end, it turns out climbing wasn’t just about climbing. It was about doing something that scared me and staying long enough to see who I became on the other side. Plus great wedding arms! 💪🏼

💌 I write about moments like this! Trying new things, starting over, and figuring it out as I go!
→ Join my email list