I think like in any sport it depends on your goal. Competent indoors? Outdoors? Do you want to lead climb?

Climbing was my primary sport up until a few years ago. I got a late start to the sport, and the only caution that I would give, is that is is very hard on your tendons and joints.

If you climb recreationally and go once in a while you will be fine. We were pretty hard core, and I always had sore hands, wrists and eventually developed a shoulder problem.

I think that with climbing in order to be safe and "competent", you need to be slightly fanatical, because you have to keep you climbing head in the game.

If you climb indoors this would be less of an issue. It is great fun, and a good workout. If we had a gym closer, I would still do that part of the sport. Sore hands and all! I sure miss it.

As you can see....I miss this terrible, and have lots to say...feel free to shoot me a pm if you want to chat more....

Ruth