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What Rock Climbing Taught Me About Engineering

flatiron.engineering

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Re: What Rock Climbing Taught Me About Engineering

#21

Post by collyw »

Eric_WVGG wrote: post #5
kzisme wrote: post #2

Having never been rock climbing before - how hard is it actually to get into? I suppose it really depends on where you live (the author mentioned using climbing to get out of the gym, but I think that's the only place I ~could~)

I've been a gym climber for about ten years, never felt any urge to take it outdoors. Great community, very easy to get into, addictive as hell. In fact, my local bouldering gym has a co-working space, I set up with my laptop and jam out in javascript all day, with periodic breaks for climbing. It's great. One of the gyms around here even has a weekly "startup night." Personally, I'm partial to bouldering, where the…

You are missing out if you don't go outside.

As someone that used to climb, gym climbing is very boring and repetitive compared to outdoor. There are loads of different types of rock for starters that require different styles of climbing. Indoor tends to be very strength oriented and less about problem solving / subtle balance. (I am sure there will be some people who have counter examples, but in general I think this is true).

Whitewater kayaking is even more fun though.

Re: What Rock Climbing Taught Me About Engineering

#22

Post by hluska »

ferentchak wrote: post #10
snakeboy wrote: post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Wow, that sounds like the perfect set up, yet I've never heard of anything like it. Where is this place?

I know of a great one in Boulder and another in Denver. ;) Also the top rope gyms often times have sections like this around here, in my experience as a novice it can be hard to find problems(routes) that are easy enough for me to solve.

Are you talking about bouldering problems or top rope problems?

If you're talking specifically about top rope problems, a great way to up your game is to gain a reputation as a really good belay partner. It sounds weird, but spending time on belay teaches a whole lot about tempo. In my experience (I'm a mediocre climber), tempo is the biggest thing that separates novice climbers from mediocre climbers.

Otherwise, climbers tend to be extraordinarily friendly people. If you're stuck on a problem, feel free to ask someone for beta (advice on a problem). There is some etiquette involved (ie - don't ask someone who is on belay), but as long as you're humble, you will find climbers who will help you solve problems you once thought were insurmountable.

Re: What Rock Climbing Taught Me About Engineering

#23

Post by ferentchak »

gizmo385 wrote: post #14
ferentchak wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I know of a great one in Boulder and another in Denver. ;) Also the top rope gyms often times have sections like this around here, in my experience as a novice it can be hard to find problems(routes) that are easy enough for me to solve.

Wait what climbing gym in Denver has a working space?? I might have to switch my membership :)

DBC has a dusty table and a couch if that counts. I would recommend working a hundred feet at Wit's End with Scott instead though.

Re: What Rock Climbing Taught Me About Engineering

#24

Post by ferentchak »

hluska wrote: post #22
ferentchak wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I know of a great one in Boulder and another in Denver. ;) Also the top rope gyms often times have sections like this around here, in my experience as a novice it can be hard to find problems(routes) that are easy enough for me to solve.

Are you talking about bouldering problems or top rope problems? If you're talking specifically about top rope problems, a great way to up your game is to gain a reputation as a really good belay partner. It sounds weird, but spending time on belay teaches a whole lot about tempo. In my experience (I'm a mediocre climber), tempo is the biggest thing that separates novice climbers from mediocre climbers. Otherwise, cli…

Most of the top rope gyms have challenging bouldering problems for my skill level since it really isn't their focus so it was hard to learn without doing the same problem over and over. Which was why I was recommending going to a gym that focuses on bouldering if you want to learn it. Just more fun stuff to monkey around on.

As for being helpful, I couldn't agree more. The culture is much nicer and more inclusive than any other sporting group I have seen.

Re: What Rock Climbing Taught Me About Engineering

#25

Post by Cozumel »

Eric_WVGG wrote: post #5
kzisme wrote: post #2

Having never been rock climbing before - how hard is it actually to get into? I suppose it really depends on where you live (the author mentioned using climbing to get out of the gym, but I think that's the only place I ~could~)

I've been a gym climber for about ten years, never felt any urge to take it outdoors. Great community, very easy to get into, addictive as hell. In fact, my local bouldering gym has a co-working space, I set up with my laptop and jam out in javascript all day, with periodic breaks for climbing. It's great. One of the gyms around here even has a weekly "startup night." Personally, I'm partial to bouldering, where the…

Rock climbing indoors is like camping in your living room, you're missing the entire point of it!

Re: What Rock Climbing Taught Me About Engineering

#26

Post by gizmo385 »

ferentchak wrote: post #23
gizmo385 wrote: post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Wait what climbing gym in Denver has a working space?? I might have to switch my membership :)

DBC has a dusty table and a couch if that counts. I would recommend working a hundred feet at Wit's End with Scott instead though.

DBC is where I currently have my membership, but I didn't know Wit's End was there! Might have to check that out sometime! Thanks :)

Re: What Rock Climbing Taught Me About Engineering

#27

Post by [deleted] »

ferentchak wrote: post #24
hluska wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Are you talking about bouldering problems or top rope problems? If you're talking specifically about top rope problems, a great way to up your game is to gain a reputation as a really good belay partner. It sounds weird, but spending time on belay teaches a whole lot about tempo. In my experience (I'm a mediocre climber), tempo is the biggest thing that separates novice climbers from mediocre climbers. Otherwise, cli…

Most of the top rope gyms have challenging bouldering problems for my skill level since it really isn't their focus so it was hard to learn without doing the same problem over and over. Which was why I was recommending going to a gym that focuses on bouldering if you want to learn it. Just more fun stuff to monkey around on. As for being helpful, I couldn't agree more. The culture is much nicer and more inclusive tha…

[deleted]
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