next trip/boramae park

[djoung89]

Hi, I'm Daniel and I'm trying to get into rock climbing. It looks really exciting and after my first try I've been really wanting to try it again. I don't think I can make it to the camping trip this weekend as I go camping but am willing to go rock climbing with you guys on the next trip!

Also, I'm planning on visiting the boramae park wall tomorrow so I can sorta practice/get the hang of it (litterally). Any advice on gearing up as to what I should buy for future climbing?

-Daniel

[dusty]

hey daniel,
it's good to hear you're enjoying the sport. basic essentials to start with are going to be rock climbing shoes and a harness. you may want a belay device, but that can come later because you'll likely be able to borrow from the person who teaches you how to use it. learning how will also help you to know what kind of belay device you prefer. (note: a be-lay device is what a person uses to safely send a person up the wall and bring them down)

for shoes, i would suggest something that fits very snug. i generally prefer 1 full (US) size smaller than the shoe i normally wear. for me, i wear 11.5, so i but 10.5 climbing shoes. they should fit tight enough that the knuckle of your big toe will be white after wearing it few a few minutes, but not too tight that you don't feel like you can stand in them for 5-10 minutes.

since you're just starting and don't know exactly what kind of climbing is your style, i would suggest getting an all-around shoe, which is usually fairly flat on the bottom or with a very slight downward curvature of the toe. i would suggest velcro or lace-up to start with, just to be sure they will stay on if you end up with a larger size. (note: if your shoes are made of leather, they will tend to stretch out a little. so if they're really tight when you first get them, they may stretch out to be perfect within about 10 hours of use)

for harnesses, just get one that fits right. ideally, you will have a little room to either loosen or tighten your loops when you're wearing it at a perfect fit. the waist belt should sit just on top of your hips. i personally prefer petzl because they're lightweight, comfortable for longer uses, and have a special buckle that you don't have to double back.

places you can get stuff: the best place with the most selection and highest likelihood of deals is: jongno-5, near dongdaemun and dongdaemun stadium. there are dozens of little shops in this one area and they always seem to be keen to make a deal. there is also a place in ui-dong, at the base of insubong, down an alley way.

good luck with your first purchase!

[shanja]

Hey Daniel,
Great to hear that you wanna get started in climbing. Like Dusty said, getting the basics of shoes and a harness (and chalkbag) is your best 1st step. Here are a couple of links that might help you decide on what you want, where to get it and so on.
Try these KOTR links for some more help too:
http://www.koreaontherocks.com/forum...s-for-you.html
http://www.koreaontherocks.com/forums/t1122-shoes.html
http://www.koreaontherocks.com/forum...-shopping.html

[Sirius Am I]

Hey Daniel, Im looking to do more climbing around Seoul and would be up for meeting you at Boramae park sometime, when do you go?

[djoung89]

I try to go there about once a week, usually on Wednesdays. My next trip will be next Wednesday, either in the day time (before 2:30pm or around dusk 4:30pm). Msg me if you can make it!

[Sirius Am I]

I work from 1pm to 8pm so those times don't really work but let me know if you go early in the morning or on a weekend