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General Climbing Discussion

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Newbie to Rock Climbing Route Advice Needed 26-May-2009 At 4:56:08 PM foreverabumbly

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Trad climbing is where you place your own gear on lead - nuts, hexs, cams etc.

Bolted routes, like those that you would lead in the gym are called sports routes. Beginner sport routes like the ones you are looking for do not exist at Arapiles. Nor does Araps have colour coded holds showing the way.

realistically, if you dont even know what trad is, then you dont have the skills or knowledge to be climbing outside by yourself yet. Indoor climbing and outdoor climbing are completly different. Do not expect that after a few months of climbing in a gym that you would have the skills to be safe on a real climb.
Just because a waiving of a wand turned pinochio into a real boy, doesnt mean that by doing a lead belay course at the gym will turn you into a real climber.

I guess this is coming across harsh, thats because I am. I would hate to see you turn into a statistic. Find out what climbing really is, find someone that knows what it is and learn from them. If you cant find someone willing, then pay for a guide or instructor (not just a gym staff) to teach you.

Or go to Nowra, thats basically an outside indoor gym anyway ;)