Learning to Climb Indoors

by Eric Horst

The essential handbook for every beginner, Learning to Climb Indoors is the most complete book available on indoor climbing—now revised and in its third edition!


Veteran climber, performance coach, and renowned author Eric J. Hörst gives you all the information you need to get started and have fun. From what to expect on your first visit to a climbing gym to in-depth instruction on climbing techniques, tactics, strategy, and taking your indoor climbing skills outside, this guide will take you through your first few days—and years—as a climber.

Hörst covers basic gear, fundamental safety techniques, and the importance of personal one-on-one instruction at the gym. Chapters on mental control, physical conditioning, and self-assessment round out the training. And as you progress, advice on advanced techniques and tactics will help you conquer the steepest walls. This revised and fully updated edition includes a new section on youth climbing as well as more information on taking your indoor-climbing skills outside onto real rock. Full color photos round out the package to make Learning to Climb Indoors an indispensable resource for new climbers.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2019

Reviews

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started rock climbing recently and was hoping for advice on how to approach the different levels, ways to improve, and also get a better grasp of the vocabulary specific to the sport. I picked up some good advice for how to structure time spent in the gym, some useful concepts around fear management and how fear can impact your climb, and learned some new terms. There was quite a bit of fluff though - lots and lots of info about taming your brain, chapters on lead climbing and outdoor climbing despite his repeated warnings that you really need to learn about that activities in person from a qualified instructor. This book was informative, but openly addresses that it's hard to describe technique in writing - I will definitely continue learning about the sport using YouTube or in-person classes going forward.

[Dennis Law · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skipped Chapter 8 since I am still novice to the sport

[Stephen Rynkiewicz]

Climbing is a surprising sport; legendary Chicago reporter Charles Nicodemus spent years desk bound and heavyset, then retired to Colorado and climbed rocks. A climbing gym team outing introduced me to the sport’s problem-solving athleticism. This primer clearly explains the argot, technique and mental game. Note the conditioning exercises: 1 in 4 climbers develop tennis elbow.