While there is a few more things to cover about the gear that you will use, we need to go ahead and get started out climbing. We have all of the basic gear that you will need to climb. So get your experienced climbing friends together and get out and climb. My suggestion is to start out in a climbing gym. Especially now, in the cold weather. maybe that is just me, looking for a little warmth and comfort, but it also gives the beginner a better first experience.

The climbing gym has walls that are designed just for the beginner. the holds are very large and easy to use. The wall for he beginner is an easy slope. The great thing here is that, unlike the outdoor experience, there are plenty of opportunities to test just where your natural ability to climb ends. They have a wide selection of skill levels right there, in one place. So you are not forced to begin to learn to climb on a tough route and your more experienced partners can still climb at a challenging level to them.

Do not worry too much about technique on this first experience. Just focus on the new way to balance yourself while climbing. Getting this balance right is more important, right now, than how you are putting your feet and hands on the holds. This is a sport that is abut graceful moves and balance. There will be times when brute strength is needed. Still, to be the better climber, you will need to learn this balance.

This challenge is just like learning to ride a bike, to use a very well worn out saying. Start out with a wall that you know you can climb. This may sound stupid,, but do the some of the easiest climbs first. By doing these you can experiment with different ways to balance yourself against a vertical surface instead of a horizontal one. A few climbs in the easy section and you will be ready to move on to something that will look more like a challenge to you.

Good luck with your first rock climbing experience. I hope that it goes well and you will become an avid climber.

The Climbing Harness Company is a great site for free information and great deals on Rock Climbing Gear.
Another useful guide to climbing can be found here