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

[aella_irene]

Another London climber *waves* I go to the Castle, up near Manor House station. Both top roping and bouldering, various types of lessons, and a cafe at the top which does wonderful organic food. Lots of routes, changed regularly, but not too regularly, and for a decent spread of abilities.

[wpadmirer]

Jealous! You have a cafe in your gym? JEALOUS.

[rydra_wong]

I can second the rec for the Castle too -- it's one of the other places I sometimes route-climb, depending on who I'm climbing with and where the group consensus dictates that we go.

Further to travel if you're coming from West London, but it's a nice place.

[allochthonous]

I was looking at the Castle and it seems to have lots of good things said about it, but it's such a schlep over from where I'm based that I think I'll stick to the Westway at the moment. But if it's something I end up doing a lot of, I definitely intend to take a polygamous approach towards climbing walls!

[ridicully]

I'll third the Castle rec!

[aella_irene]

Oooh, do you go? What time of day?

[ridicully]

Mostly Wednesdays and Fridays in the later afternoon/early evening.
But with occasional early afternoons on other days thrown in.

You?

[aella_irene]

Late afternoons/Early evenings Tuesday and Thursday, sometimes Fridays, but my normal bouldering partner fences then. Sometimes weekends.