As a Bay Area native, I’ve always been aware of the rock climbing scene, but I thought it was exclusively for millennial tech bros and their Silicon Valley salaries. I don’t think I’m alone when I say that, at some point this year, I felt like I woke up to find out that everyone I knew had started rock climbing. Maybe the San Diego air just has that bouldering scent in it because, soon enough, I was invited by some friends to UC San Diego’s free climbing gym, the Outback Climbing Center at Canyonview Aquatic Center.

Since I heard that there was a free gym at UCSD, I had been meaning to try my hand at rock climbing, but I was never quite able to will myself to trek across campus for it. Admittedly, part of what was stopping me was just the idea of walking in and not knowing where to start. While I’ve only been climbing for a little over a month now, I have found my footing — and believe I’m able to give some valuable advice to newbies. If you’re looking to get into rock climbing, here are a few pointers that may help you feel more comfortable as you start your journey!

Tip #1: Wearing the right clothes

If you’re anything like me, picking the right outfit can feel like a life-or-death decision. Luckily, there’s no strict dress code for rock climbing. When you first make your way to the gym, you’ll definitely see your fair share of performative guys in baggy jeans with a carabiner on their belt loop. For me, loose — but not too baggy — linen pants and a cute tank top do the job! Keep it comfortable and wear clothes that you can move around in because you’ll definitely be stretching your limbs in every direction once you’re on that wall. 

And if you’re worried about shoes, don’t be. The OCC has free rental climbing shoes for every half-size starting at 4.5. I’d recommend trying a size or half a size smaller than your regular shoes so that they fit snugly, but not too tight that they feel like a sick version of foot binding. 

Tip #2: Avoid the rush!

While the OCC is equipped with five different walls and is much larger than the average college climbing gym, it still has its limits. To avoid overcrowding, it utilizes a waitlist system to get in once the gym begins to fill up. I realized early on that some times of day are doomed to have at least a 20-minute wait. Additionally, for those of us who are a bit self-conscious, it can just be nerve-racking to try a new climb when the gym is at its peak capacity.

Avoid going to the gym between 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays if you want to swerve around those rushes. Early mornings at around 10 a.m. are when you’ll find the most mellow vibes and the smallest crowds. If you’re more of a night owl, getting in your climbs after dinner and before the OCC closes at 10 p.m. could be the move.

Tip #3: Take it slow and have fun!

Improving at rock climbing takes time. As you try harder climbs, don’t be discouraged if you struggle a bit. If you see someone speed through a climb you couldn’t quite figure out, use it as motivation and learn from their techniques that you hadn’t thought of before. 

It’s important to give yourself breaks between climbs. You may not realize it right away, but climbing can be extremely strenuous. Take a seat, grab some water, and socialize a little. Who knows, you may even nonchalantly get your climbing crush’s Instagram in the process!

The rapid pace of college classes, club activities, and looking for summer internships can make life feel like a constant game of catch-up — every minute not working on something feels like time wasted. Let the gym be a place where you forget about all your other responsibilities, even if it’s just for a few hours. Whether you’ve always wanted to try rock climbing or are just looking for a new hobby, I hope these tips are that final push to get you over to the OCC. Happy climbing!