So, I’m interested in getting into rock climbing/a climbing gym. I had a bit of a discussion about this in a previous thread. My main concern is my build. I’m 31 years old, 6’5, 260ish lbs and have size 16 extra wide feet. I do lift weights 3-5 times a week so I’m physically strong. I also climb around shit at work semi frequently, which is where I decided I think I’d enjoy it. I’m nervous about if a gym will have equipment that can support me and if it’s really a sport/hobby that works for an ogre like me. How do I find a “good” gym amd what makes it “good”. Past experience with Brazilian jujitsu taught me that every gym has its own culture you have to navigate and choose. Is climbing the same way?

  • theskyisfalling@lemmy.dbzer0.com
    25·
    9 days ago

    Mate. You ain’t that big.

    I don’t know what country you are from but you weigh in around 118kg which really isn’t that much in the grand scheme of things and unless you are going to go to a sketchy as fuck place you are going to struggle more with getting a pair of shoes to fit you than your weight.

    Just look for a bouldering center near to you, where I’m from you don’t need to pay memberships or anything like that. Just find a place, probably book a time slot then rock up and try it for yourself.

    Every place I have been supply shoes to rent but that may be more where you have an issue so may be worth asking ahead if they are able to supply you with ones your size. The shoes make a lot of difference to your experience so I recommend using them.

    Every place I have been will supply you with a brief tutorial if you haven’t been there before with their rules and then you just knock yourself out and climb. Maybe they do have their own “culture” if you go regularly and start climbing with other people but this is nothing like martial arts. You don’t need a partner and that trust of training and sparring with someone you can just climb by yourself and have fun. I’ve been many times and bar the staff not spoken to anyone at all so if there is some kind of culture I never experienced it :D

    Go give it a try man, it is fun!