Rock Climbing: Taking the Fun Outdoors | Get Out: A Guide to Adventure

My name is Megan Martin. I am a professional rock climber, and today we're going to talk about transitioning from the gym to the crack. One of the main reasons someone would want to transition from climbing in the gym all the time to climbing in a crack is because it's really just a whole experience versus just getting your train on in the gym.

There are a lot of great apps that climbers can use to find the crags outside. I use these tools all the time. If I don't know exactly where I'm supposed to go, looking up Mountain Project on my phone, I can tell you exactly where to get there, and it's super easy. So, you really want to pad the area in a way to keep yourself as safe as possible.

Sometimes there's some trial and error. You might fall and take a semi-bad fall and be like, "Okay, clearly we need this place covered a little bit more than this other part," right? Or maybe next time we need to bring three more pads. If you are spotting, you really need to be paying attention to the climber the whole time and help them feel safe.

I think to start on that pocket, like gas on Cross, talk about what you guys need to focus on before the climber starts climbing. And then, while they're climbing, reassuring them with "I've got you, I'm with you," those kind of words are definitely helpful to the climber.

It's really important to make sure you bring enough fuel and water for your entire day. I always find it really easy to just pack a handful of bars because they're really high in nutrition, and they can give you enough energy for your approach, the climbing, the hike out, and then you're set.

Sometimes you have to grab really sharp holds, and you might rip your skin. You'll start to get used to it, and your skin will definitely get tougher, and you'll figure out ways on how to keep it in its best shape. Sometimes you're really high off the ground, and you feel pretty exposed, so you have to get adjusted to getting through those uncomfortable situations.

It's important to push yourself, but it's also important to know your limits so that you don't find yourself in a situation that you're not prepared for. If you remember proper safety and you can prepare yourself mentally and physically, you'll set yourself up for a successful day at any crag.