Tell me about rock climbing, climbing walls, lessons, gear, etc., especially in NYC

i think i really fell in love with climbing last night at the gym, like this sublime awesome feeling
it's funny because i always start each climbing session feeling a little rough and wondering why i do this in the first place because it's damn challenging and kind of harsh sometimes (to ego and to body). but after warming up on a couple of climbs, all is well and i'm happy and invigorated! i guess i've felt that with other sports/activities, but this is different. in a weird way, it's kind of like writing... or at least the way i write, process-wise.

anyway, yesterday i conquered a new climb and one i'd tried before a couple of weeks ago and couldn't get past 3/4 of the way - a 5.8 but a tough one, for me anyway, because it was much more technical and balance-y than other 5.8s i had less problem with. i've been learning more technique stuff and playing with balance so what was awesome was that i only fell once, didn't take other than coming back from the fall, and actually climbed rather quickly. yaay! also i just have to say, it was also awesome to be climbing that route right after a guy taller and much stronger than me had a super rough time making it even halfway up. brains over brawn y'all! ;)

i don't think my upper body has ever been this strong? it's like i can't believe that going climbing once a week has such an effect! but climbing is intense. my legs were already strong but getting stronger too. and my balance is getting better. it's an interesting thing to notice, these changes.
tried a 5.9 today, totally fell off in the first couple of metres. lol. one step at a time. (my friend said it wasn't the easiest of 5.9s, but hey.)

Holy Moses a live feed of Tommy Caldwell and Ken Jorgeson attempting to do El Capitan's Dawn Wall in a single push, all free:

http://www.rockandice.com/lates-news/watch-the-final-push-of-the-dawn-wall-live[

hello thread. I just started bouldering. I love it! I'm a bit crap at it though but I want to get better. already fed up of renting shoes though so I'm thinking of buying some and it's all a bit daunting. they can be expensive, but I don't want to buy cheap and pay twice, you know what I mean?

Is this our catch-all/only climbing and bouldering thread?

I stated bouldering a couple of months ago (indoors) and am absolutely loving it. Going once a week with a wee group of friends for a couple of hours. It's so challenging (both physically and also in terms of fear/confidence on a tough climb), but so satisfying as well.

Watching loads of climbing videos while working and am itching to try some outdoors stuff. Probably should try to hook up with some more experienced folks to do so a few times without having to invest in expensive bouldering mats.

Anyone else here on ilx into their bouldering?

I tried this a few years ago, mostly cause I had a crush on a guy who was really into bouldering. Not for me :)

gbx to thread if he ever sees this!

PS I'm a long way from NYC.

ilx Glasgow climbing crew representing.

bouldering is great! i haven't done much climbing in the last couple years, for reasons, but bouldering is a great way to get into it

would imagine there'd be loads around glasgow?

I go bouldering about 2-3 times per week in the gym, and occasionally outdoors. I am still working on a system to allow me to use a harness again— I have a permanent colostomy as of a few years ago, which makes climbing harnesses a wee bit intense/scary— but I continue to boulder v6-v7 indoors and about v4+ outdoors. I love it and the months away from it during the pandemic made me realize how integral it's been to feeling in touch with my body over the years.

I guess there must be quite a few good spots around Glasgow, yeah, but I've not been out into the outdoor climbing world yet, so not sure exactly where's best. I only know a couple of possible places - The Whangie (https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crags/the_whangie-193) and Auchinstarry Quarry (https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crags/auchinstarry_quarry-226) though not sure how much at each is decent for bouldering and how much is more for roped climbing.

We do have this purpose built outdoor bouldering area close to me, which I really need to try if I ever get a free daytime with decent weather. Should be a perfect place for a first try at outdoor stuff. https://www.climbscotland.net/where-to-go/get-outdoors/cuningar-loop-boulders

I’m now at projecting V8s and V9s, and sending most of the former. Stronger than I’ve been in years, I think because my husband started climbing and didn’t know anything, so I had to teach him. It’s been a really nice and fun way to hang out, and plus I’ve moved up a full grade since he started— something about running laps on easier problems to demonstrate movements and issues to him has really made it!

went to the tallest indoor walls in PA today and had a nice time

Seems the most appropriate thread...gets started about a minute in. Wowzers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdV6H3gTd3E

omg

Funny, went bouldering yesterday outdoors and nearly sent my first outdoor V5, did a V4s and a bunch of V3s! climbing outside is much more difficult than in the gym, humbling and fun.

here’s another guy sending the V5, he makes it look deceptively easy but he also has a few inches on me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEEGfFu5qEk