Hi there I'm new to the forums and pretty much new to everything else. I really want to get into climbing and mountaineering, but i have absolutely NO experience. What I've seen and read about mountaineering, climbing to the top of the world seems amazing. I'm not even a very active person, but i want to make big changes to my life. But i have no idea where to start! At the moment I'm a student with very little money to spare, I'm also quite busy. However i feel determined to become a decent climber, to see the world. I'm 20 years old, although I'm not that old i feel time is running out for me, i need to start making changes and getting involved as soon as possible.

So could anyone push me in the right direction? like I've said i have no experience what so ever and need to know exactly where to start. Do i join a climbing club and work my way up and advance my skills from there? do i go off on my own? How did any of you get into climbing/mountaineering and at what age did you start? how many years was it before you started pushing yourself to new limits?

If anyone could get back to me with some information that would be great.

Regards, Will B

Get into a hiking club and start hiking. Probably also find a rock climbing group and get some knowledge and experience with that. Sounds like you need to first get into shape and learn some of the basics - like hiking, camping, rock climbing, and ice climbing. You also need to do some of these things to see if you really want to pursue this.

willb wrote: I'm 20 years old, although I'm not that old i feel time is running out for me, i need to start making change ...

You gotta EASE into the change - it's NOT going to happen overnight.

Seems with THIS upcoming generation, the PRESSURE to achieve is stronger than it ever was before. Gotta take things ONE step at a time ..

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-rkJmRiFug[/youtube]

You know, a couple months bringing up your basic fitness level, not only would help your entry into mountaineering, but would be really good to develop healthy life patterns for the rest of your life. Read about fitness and diet, start going to the gym, and doing cardio and strength training, perhaps start running if you have time. Then, in a couple months you will be ready for hikes and small climbs in your area (except of course it will be winter). I think they have lots of hills in Northern England/ Southern Scotland that I am sure are really nice hikes. It would be great to do these with someone or a group, but even if you go alone, get yourself out there. A year of easing into this will be pleasant and will set you up for the next step. Reading about climbing and fitness are very helpful in the motivation department. Good Luck.

Hi Will. I am 26 and I know what you mean about feeling like you're running out of time because I've felt like that before, but it is actually pretty silly. Don't feel like you have to play catch up with people who have been climbing since they were little kids. Anyway, I came to climbing and mountaineering via hiking and backpacking. To me, the wilderness experience (including treating it with the utmost respect) has always been more important than anything, and being a physical guy with a taste for exploration, one thing sort of led to another. As far as mountaineering goes, I may be a bit biased, but people who approach that activity from a background in hiking/backpacking/wilderness travel are at a much bigger advantage than people who come from a purely rock climbing background. Not that you shouldn't start climbing, but don't forget about the other stuff. My advice is to start hiking. If there is backpacking or back-country camping (no huts) in the UK, do that too. If you want to really boost you fitness, I have really been enjoying trail running. And because you guys invented rock climbing and there aren't as many big mountains in the UK, I would try that as well. Best of luck.

Hi guys, thanks for the great replies. At the moment my life is really lacking direction, ive had to make some really difficult decisions with Uni and my desired career and in truth im scared about what path my life is taking. I feel like time is running out for me to decide what to do. I've been attracted to climbing, hiking, mountaineering through reading books and watching documentary's. I also have urges to be around nature more, living in the city the past year makes me realize how much i miss my small town and its countryside. I want to get out there and prove to myself that i can live a more varied and interesting life. I will look for some hiking groups, one benefit University brings is clubs and societies ! I will also sign up for the gym and try get there at least once a week. The main thing worrying me at the moment is how much getting into and following this hobby will cost, i have no income apart from my student loan, which most of which goes on living anyway. And finding a part time job is proving ever more difficult.

Once again thank you very much for the information and suggestions, most appreciated.

I'm Studying in the city of Leeds (leeds met Uni).

Are you suggesting that I jump straight into climbing in north wales?!

willb wrote:Are you suggesting that I jump straight into climbing in north wales?!

Will: I think what Stef is saying is that he is willing to take you out climbing and teach you some stuff. If I were you, I'd take him up on that...

Man id love to, but i don't think id have the courage right now to say 'right im off !' I cant drive, i have no equipment or anything ! I could perhaps use pub transport, i do know a guy in bangor i could stay with.

Hmmm sounds very adventurous !

Your University outdoor/climbing/mountaineering club is the best way to get your foot in the door. Dont be shy either. there are always people that LOVE teaching people and would be offended if you didnt ask for help.

Mel?

WHat everyone else said. Although I favor working those vanity muscles at the gym, to some extent. Doesn't do a lot for you but in my experience I have been 100% injury free short of falling off loose rocks. Am I heavily experienced, no, but the other several people that I drug with me always bitched about something hurting. But their company was appreciated, having said.

Willb,

You received lot's of good advice and offers in the posts responding to your request. I suggest also getting a copy of the book, "Freedom of the Hills" for general mountaineering information. Many refer to it as the "Bible" of mountaineering, it's definitely a comprehensive, general reference. Read it cover to cover once and then keep it handy as a reference. There are also other books that cover narrower, more specific topics on mountaineering and climbing.

Read this page, it should help give you a good understanding of what climbing is about.

http://www.summitpost.org/alpinism-101- ... #chapter_4

Don't make excuses like I did in my life.

Don't get married. Don't even think about getting tied down. Do something for yourself, and you'll be patting yourself on the back for it later.