Getting into Outdoor Rock climbing? ?

Question

I've recently gained an interest/ addiction to outdoor rock climbing since a trip with my camp last year. I know a place to go rockclimbing but I am new to the entire gear and training thing (belay devices, climbing shoes, ropes, repel devices ect.), but really want to get started somehow.

Do any outdoor places possibly provide all of these things for rental at a specefic price? Because that would make things soo much easier.

I live in eastern MA if that helps and really want to find someway to get into this

Answer 1

You should try to learn as much about rock climbing gear as possible before starting to buy equipment - you will learn what you like and what gear is right for the type of climbing you do as you climb. I would suggest taking a rock climbing course - possibly continuing education or community college class - these are not very expensive, you will learn a lot, and meet a lot of people you can climb with.

You can also learn a lot about gear, climbing, and setting anchors from the books "How To Climb" and "Climbing Anchors" by John Long - I recommend them.

Gear can be purchased in phases (the first being the cheapest):

1. Personal Gear for Gym or climbing w/ others - harness, rock shoes, chalk bag, belay device, locking biner, etc ($200 - $300)

2. Top Rope Gear - rope, locking biners, slings / anchor webbing ($200 - $300)

3. Sport Lead Gear - 20 quick draws ($400)

4. Trad Lead Rack - cams, nuts, slings, biners, etc ($1000+)

Don't be afraid to look for deals on the web:

http://www.mountaingear.com/

http://www.rei.com/category/4500002

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/

Good Luck

Answer 2

I have never heard of any crag that will rent you climbing gear on the spot.

The only place to rent rock climbing gear is in an indoor climbing gym.

I'm all for training and learning to climb indoors, it makes everything a lot easier and it your new skills will easily translate to outdoor lead climbing.

Go to a gym, learn the ropes, the etiquette, the technique, make some climbing friends, plan a trip with those who are experienced and have a great time.

Welcome to the climbing community, and good luck!

Answer 3

You said you were from eastern mass, if you are close to Everett, newburyport, or woburn, there are rock gyms there with many people available to help you get going. Also there are groups that climb at Quincy quarries (south of boston), Crow hill (leominster), and other smaller crags. Check with the local AMC chapters, they always have newbie classes and outings.

Have fun, climb safe and learn the properly way from people that know.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, the reason why outdoor rock gear is not rented, like how skiing gear is rented, is because the liability risk is far too high.  The vendor would have no way of knowing how the rope has been handled, or what forces the protection gear has been subjected to.  I don't know of a single rental shop that will rent rock climbing gear for outdoor use.  You have basically two choices  1) either buy your own gear (do NOT buy USED climbing gear!), or 2) find a rock climbing partner(s) that have gear and are willing to let you join.   You can probably find such partners through internet rock climbing forums, or maybe through local indoor rock climbing gyms. The 3rd alternative is costly, but might be a good way to introduce you to outdoor rock climbing and techniques in using gear---and that is to get instruction, either group or private.  

You live in Massachusetts, so you're surrounded with a lot of good places for outdoor rock climbing.  Check out the link for places where you can climbing.  Check the neighboring states too.