Rock climbing is a great sport, but some people may be hesitant to get into it. I’ve created this list to outline some of the pros and cons of rock climbing so that you can decide if it’s for you!
The pros of rock climbing are that it’s a fun way to both meet new people and get a really good workout in. You’ll also get to experience some beautiful locations. However, it does take up a lot of time and money, and mistakes can lead to some pretty bad injuries.
Given how rock climbing has exploded in popularity in recent years, it’s not surprising that many climbers (including myself) think there are a lot of pros to the sport. Personally, I love the mental challenge that climbing provides, and the fact that no two routes are every the same. However, the sport isn’t for everyone. Cost can add up quickly, and there is an inherit level of risk that comes with climbing. In the rest of this article, I outline the pros and cons of rock climbing to help you decide if it’s something that you want to pursue!
Pro: It’s fun!
This is probably the main motivation of anyone who takes up an activity, and it’s the reason that most people love climbing: it’s just really fun.
As I said, I find climbing fun because of the variety of different movements that you get to experience. No two routes are ever the same, and there’s nothing more enjoyable than feeling strong as you pull through a tough series of moves. Additionally, climbing both gives you an opportunity to meet new people and spend time in nature, both of which I get to later.
This reason can also vary from person to person. Not everyone will agree with me as to why climbing is fun, but everyone you meet at the gym has their own reason for being there.
Pro: Unique Physical Exercise
Another massive pro of climbing is the health benefits that come with it. On a per-minute basis, climbing is one of the most physically challenging activities out there. If you want to get your daily exercise requirements in but aren’t big on running or going to the gym, climbing can be a great choice.
One of the reason’s it’s so easy to work out climbing is that it doesn’t feel like a workout, given how fun it is. I’ve had to drag myself to the gym to lift weights before, but I’m always excited at the opportunity to go for a climb, and that makes it easier to go every day.
Pro: Socialization
As I mentioned, climbing is a great way to meet new people who share a common interest. In fact, there’s basically no limit to the depth of a relationship you might form with someone you meet at the climbing gym.
Sometimes, the socialization comes in the form of a casual chat with someone who you’re working a route with. You might never see them again, but it’s always nice to meet friendly strangers. Other times, you’ll start climbing consistently with people and form deep and meaningful friendships that may last the rest of your life. One of my friends met her boyfriend at the climbing gym, and they just recently moved in together!
Pro: Experience the Outdoors
Finally, climbing is a great way to experience nature. Although gyms are growing more and more popular, the ultimate goal of many people is to get to climb outdoors. This can lead you to some stunning locations.
Enjoying the outdoors while climbing takes many different forms. Some days you might just be hanging out at the crag, getting to spend a few hours in nature; other days, you might go on bold multipitches that take you high into alpine environments, where few people ever get to go.
Pro: You Get to See Inaccessible Places
Adding to my point above, climbing gives you the ability to get ‘off the beaten path’ and see places that most human beings simply can’t access. Whether it’s a 400-foot waterfall, a cave on the side of a cliff, or a hidden view point, climbing gives you a way to get away from the crowd and find little pockets of nature that few others get to experience.
Con: Cost
Now, with all of that being said, there are still some downsides to rock climbing. The main one that I would point out is the cost.
Although it’s not very expensive to start (you can rent the necessary gear for about $40), the running cost of climbing can add up. A gym membership will be anywhere from $60-$100 a month if you want to climb frequently.
On top of that, gear is a black hole of expenses that you can pour your life savings into. While you don’t need to buy all the fanciest gear, it’s certainly tempting, and it’s not impossible to spend $10,000 or more on climbing gear throughout your life.
Finally, gear wears down and needs to be replaces, adding to your annual cost.
Con: Danger
Probably the main disadvantage that people associate with climbing is the danger. Now, this isn’t as big of an issue as most people think; I spent a lot of time arguing with non-climbers about how dangerous the sport really is. I firmly believe that, if you do everything correctly, climbing is incredibly safe, and you can go your entire life without serious injury.
However, people mess up, and every now and then an unpreventable accident does occur. Hitting the ground, rockfall, wildlife encounters, and weather are all things that can pose a danger to rock climbers, and you need to be careful at all times to avoid serious injury, or even death. While it can be very safe, I think most climbers would acknowledge that their sport is more dangerous than, say, badminton.
Con: Strain on Your Body
The flip side of the physical benefits of climbing is that it can start to wear you down pretty quickly. Your shoulders, hips, and fingers are all areas that will be under repeated strain from climbing and could start to develop long-term problems. Tendonitis and early-onset arthritis aren’t unheard of, and long-term lingering injuries happen if you don’t take care of your body.
Con: Time
This one isn’t a disadvantage for everyone (the casual climber can go ahead and ignore this section), but climbing has a way of taking over your life as you get more into it. Balancing work, social life, and the sport you love can be hard, and it’s difficult to find time for other things when you’re climbing a lot. This gets especially bad as you start to get more into the sport and want to begin training.
Really, at this point, a good portion of my life revolves around climbing. My closest friends are people I climb with, my vacations are all climbing-centered trips, and I spend my free time writing articles about climbing. It’s not necessarily bad, because I love the sport, but it’s something to be aware of.
Is Rock Climbing for Me?
So, with all of that said, you may be wondering whether rock climbing is the sport for you. The only way to know for sure is to go out and try it, but I hope this article provided a little bit of guidance!
If you’re an adventurous person looking for a fun, engaging form of physical activity, rock climbing may just be the thing for you. If, however, you’re more risk-averse and you’re looking for a casual hobby, climbing may not be your cup of tea.
Whatever your decision, make sure to do it safely and not feel pressured into doing anything you don’t want to do!
