Climbing Tips For Beginners From Tiffany Levine And Jason Campbell

Climbing Tips for Beginners

From Tiffany Levine and Jason Campbell

Publication Date: April 1996

While at RockQuest in Cincinnati compiling information for another article, I had the unexpected opportunity to talk to Tiffany Levine and Jason Campbell, two of the top five climbers in the US. So, I asked them for advice they would give to beginner climbers. Tiffany pointed out the need to learn technique, "if you're shaky or you can hear your foot tapping the wall while looking for holds, go back and take a class or a clinic." She suggested slowing down, climbing easier walls until you have developed good habits. Jason pointed out the difference between being challenged and being scared: if climbing becomes too stressful and you are not relaxed, then you should go back and work on better techniques.

Before climbing outside, Tiffany suggested learning to lead indoors. By learning how to deal with anchors and with quickdraws, you can make the transition to outdoor climbing more easily. Learning to read topographical maps will also help you know what to expect on the way to the site and while climbing. She also said to go with experienced climbers and practice safety. How does a beginner meet experienced climbers? Put your name and number up on the bulletin boards asking for partners, mingle with other climbers while you are in the gym.

Jason said the most important thing was to learn to good belay techniques. Learn to belay competently and people will be more willing to take you with them. Safety should be the number one issue for beginners.

They also stressed the need to ask other, more experienced climbers for help, saying there was no need to be shy, that everyone was a beginner at one point. By making an analogy between climbing and school or gymnastics, Tiffany said that when you want to learn something, you go to a teacher or a coach, the same is true of climbing.

While I was a little intimidated to be talking to this pair, I must admit that they were more than gracious interviewees and gave many good tips, which could be followed by climbers of any level. My favorite quote from Tiffany was: "A good attitude and enthusiasm is your best climbing partner. With a good attitude, even if you only climb 5.9, 5.13 climbers will want you with them." My favorite quote from Jason? "Don't take it too lightly (safety)...but don't take it too seriously (climbing).