Getting started in rock climbing

Where you can learn

There's no shortage of venues — indoors or outdoors — for rock-climbing novices and hard-core enthusiasts in Snohomish County.

REI at the Alderwood mall and Vertical World in Everett are two well-known places for beginning climbers to learn the ropes on rock walls. Both offer classes and expert advice as well as resource materials and equipment to get started.

Most experienced climbers recommend that those new to the sport get proper training and put in some time climbing indoors or in a controlled setting before embarking on outdoor excursions. All agree that safety is paramount.

Safety tips, Internet sources

The Everett Mountaineers' Tony Tsuboi offers these tips for those considering rock climbing for the first time:

• Put safety first and wear a helmet, especially in areas where the likelihood of rock falls is high.

• Out in the elements, be prepared for changing weather conditions.

• Tell somebody where you are headed and when you expect to return.

• Practice environmental awareness and be respectful of fellow climbers, others around you, and the land and wildlife where you are climbing.

Tsuboi recommends the following links for more information on choice climbing spots — note that many in Snohomish County are for the more experienced climber — and on the sport in general:

Index Town Wall: www.stanford.edu/~clint/index/index.htm, www.washingtonclimbers.org/Climbing/static.htm

Darrington Rock: www.seanet.com/~mattp/Darr/