Climb Philly Part 1: Beginners, Getting Started Indoors

This two-part post focuses on the best ways to get into Philadelphia-area climbing during the off-season. We'd all love to be outside right now, but if you're just getting into the sport, want to hone your skills, or lead climb like a pro and want some serious skills lessons, area gyms have some fantastic options. If you're not based around Philadelphia, odds are your local gym will have similar classes to help you hone your skills indoors.

Part 1 of the Climbing Philadelphia series focuses on indoor climbing classes for absolute beginners. These classes are all geared towards folks who have little to no climbing experience, but are more than ready to learn! All are great options, and each comes with unique features.

on belay at Go Vertical, way back in 2008!

Getting Started Class, Go Vertical - This class is for beginners, and involves 2+ hours of instruction with a Go Vertical instructor. You'll learn climbing basics, the basics of top-rope belaying, and have plenty of time to practice what you've learned. A belay test is still mandatory after the class for self-sufficient climbing, but the class includes two day passes (without gear rental), which makes coming back easy! Costs $65/person. 2 hours in length. Includes gear and 2 additional day passes. 4:1 instructor ratio. Reservations required. More info here.

Intro to Climbing Class, Philly Rock Gyms - Also for beginners, PRG instructors teach basic rope skills, knot tying, and basic movements. The class lasts three hours. A belay test is mandatory after the class for self-sufficient climbing. Costs $42/person. 3 hours in length. Includes gear. Reservations required. More info here.

Deluxe Intro to Climbing Pack, Philly Rock Gyms - A longer version of the Intro to Climbing class, complete with an extra hour of small group instruction and two return visit day passes with equipment rental. Costs $75/person. 3 hours in length. Includes gear. Reservations required. More info here.

Basic Climbing Class, Doylestown Rock Gym - A four week class, one session per week, focused on helping new climbers become completely self sufficient in the gym. The class focuses on belay skills, climbing technique, and safety.  Costs $50/person. 6 hours in length. Reservations required. More info here.

Local outdoor adventure group TerraMar Adventures will also, on occasion, offer a chance for Philly area folks to get together and learn as a group. TerraMar guides work with local gyms to set up group climbing events that are beginner-friendly. They're also a great way to meet like-minded outdoorsy folks! Keep your eye on the event calendar here and here.

Of course, one of the best ways to get try a new sport is to, ahem, ask your friends if they'd be willing to take you under their wing for a day! Climbers are, in my experience, a unique breed. If you know someone who climbs, and aren't ready to fork over the dough for a lesson on your first trip to the gym, enlist the help of a climbing friend. Most, if not all, will be more than willing to help! And a climbing lesson can also make the perfect holiday gift. Give the gift of a new experience!