Seeking advice!

[allochthonous]

I've been reading this community with envy for a while and finally decided to take the climbing plunge (hopefully not literally) this weekend.

I've tried climbing a couple of times before and loved it but for various didn't take it any further; now I have a bit of time I'd like to try indoor (and eventually outoor, although this may not be the time of year for it...) properly. I am effectively a complete beginner and wondering where to start.

I've been looking at beginners classes and I am a bit confused with the variety of introductory sessions available for indoor climbing. Some walls offer six-hour beginners sessions while some are happy with an hour-long induction session before they let you start climbing. Would you recommend doing a short induction first, or going straight for the longer sessions (given that I'm pretty sure I'll enjoy it)?

Also, if anyone has experience with climbing walls in London, and recommendations which to go for and which to avoid, I'd love to hear about it!

Comments

[emperor]

I'd expect the longer introductions will teach you to belay safely, which is a useful skill if you want to do any roped climbing. They might also be a good way to meet potential climbing partners :-)

[allochthonous]

Having rung a couple of places, you are quite right! I'd like to try roped climbing (and find a climbing partner!) so will definitely give one of the longer courses a go.