Thinking of introducing a friend to the exciting world of climbing? At The Tide Climbing Centre, we know that climbing is better with friends! Whether you’re looking to help them overcome a fear of heights, find a new hobby, or just enjoy a great workout, we’ve got some tips to make that first experience memorable and fun.
1. Start with short sessions
- Your friend might be new to the climbing scene. Start with an hour and gauge how they’re feeling. Encourage breaks, even if they’re full of enthusiasm. Climbing takes endurance, and at The Tide, we want everyone to climb at their own pace.
2. Stick Together for Support
- Now isn’t the time for personal records. Your support and guidance will make all the difference. Make sure to check all egos at the door, start by climbing the same grades as your friend and help them work out beta. Remember don’t go too hard on climbing lingo and explain what it means.
3. Success Builds Confidence
- Start with beginner-friendly climbs like our V0- V2 routes. Let your friend explore different holds without pressure. Climbing is all about finding your rhythm, and the confidence from each send will make them crave the next challenge. Celebrate the wins and learn from the failures. It’s important to help friends know failing is part of the journey in climbing!
4. Share Your Chalk (and Tips)
- Climbing with a good grip is essential, so don’t hesitate to share your chalk. It’s small gestures like these that show your friend the ins and outs of climbing life. Sometimes chalk isn’t even needed, but all climbers know it gives you that extra strength you didn’t know you had.
5. Join a Group Climb or Class
- Climbing is a social experience! Invite your friend to one of our beginner classes or group events. It’s a perfect way to meet new people, find support, and have a great time together. Friendships forged on the wall make every climb at The Tide better! Our Boulder womxn nights are great for women to build new friendships.
6. Get Inspired by Others
- Remember, watching others climb is inspiring and helps all climbers learn moves they perhaps wouldn’t have thought about. Grab a coffee, a slice of cake and plonk yourself in front of the mats to sit and watch. Talk your friend through the route and moves!
7. Attend a Climbing Competition Together
- Join us for one of our climbing comps, where the energy is contagious! Climbing with a crowd is exhilarating, and seeing the talent of seasoned climbers will get your friend pumped to reach new heights. All our competitions are beginner friendly and you and your friend will leave feeling a part of a new community.
8. Teach Basic Techniques
- Start with some fundamentals like getting used to climbing shoes being tight and uncomfortable, then remember to warm up those shoes! Teach easy moves like using the rubber and front of the foot on easy climbs. How to use your centre of gravity to move easily on the wall. Remember to check out our instagram reels for quick tips videos, especially while you’re resting in between routes.
9. Highlight Climbing Courtesy
- Show them the importance of checking the wall and watching for climbers in action. Respecting the flow is essential for everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Remember if you see something unsafe to make people aware. In social climbing we are all responsible for safety on the wall.
10. Invite Them Back!
- Don’t wait—invite them to climb again soon! At The Tide Climbing Centre, we’re all about building community, so get them on our membership plan and make this the start of their climbing journey. That’s why all members get two free entries when they bring a newbie pal!
Climbing with friends isn’t just about reaching the top; it’s about building bonds, pushing limits, and growing together. We can’t wait to welcome you both back to The Tide! Ready to join? Grab a membership today and get climbing!
