A lot of people may say that climbing is a ”solo” sport. After all, it’s mostly you against the rock. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need a climbing partner.
For the most part, having a partner may be the difference between survival and death in case of an accident. Plus, you also have plenty of benefits like having someone to share the experience with and develop deeper bonds.
So, how to find a climbing partner? Well, that’s what this article is going to cover.
Asking Families and Friends
As you may know, climbing can be a risky activity. Having enough proper equipment will help a lot, but why stop there when you can have a climbing partner that will provide you with another layer of safety.
You can start by asking your families and friends. Maybe you have a few that already does climbing as an activity. Or, maybe you have a few interested in the sport but haven’t gotten into it yet and maybe are waiting for someone like you to start.
Either way, the most important thing here is that there’s already a good level of rapport with families and friends, which would mean a lot.
Check the Local Gym
There will be a local gym with bouldering or climbing facilities in most places with good climbing spots.
Such kinds of gyms are not only great for practicing your moves and skills, but you can also find your climbing partner effortlessly.
You only need to meet and talk with some random people in such gyms. It’s only a matter of time you meet someone you can easily vibe with and boom! You now have a new climbing partner.
Social Media Accounts
When it comes to finding a climbing partner, you are not stuck with doing it offline. Take advantage of social media sites.
The major ones include Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can start by posting some of your exciting climbing photos with a caption of “anyone looking for a climbing partner?” or something similar.
Facebook is especially helpful because it has groups. You only need to join a couple of climbing groups that are based in your local area. Posting to the group that you are looking for a climbing partner will usually get you a couple of responses.
Online Forums
Although online forums are not as popular as they used to be, it’s still an excellent resource for finding a climbing partner.
Perhaps the most popular one right now is Reddit.com, and you can usually find a subreddit for climbers that are situated in your local area.
If you are lucky, dedicated “old school style” website forums that specially cater to your local area may exist. You’d also want to hit those.
Community Involvement
There are plenty of community-related activities in the popular climbing places that you can attend, like community sessions or meet-ups. You’d want to be proactive in seeking and joining such community activities.
Aside from finding the right climbing partner for you, you also get to meet with other same-minded individuals. You can also discuss new climbing techniques, helpful tips, and how to hone your skills efficiently.
Be Helpful
There are people out there who want to enjoy climbing but don’t have enough gear. Be on the generous side when it comes to lending those gears that you are not using.
It’s all about networking. The more you help people, the larger your network will grow. Once you have a good-sized network, it’s effortless to find a climbing partner that you can fit into your schedule.
Share Your Knowledge and Skills
If you know someone who is interested in trying climbing, then give them time to teach what you know. If you help them grow, then they can quickly become your climbing partner.
Additionally, since you are very attuned to the person’s capabilities, it’s easier for you to trust that person or adjust the climbing difficulty so both of you will be on the safer side.
Local Gear Shop
If there’s one thing that every climber needs, then it’s climbing gears. Hence, it’s also a great resource for finding your next climbing partner.
You don’t have to stalk the shop as that would be creepy. In most cases, the climbing gear shops will have a board where you can post your interest in finding a climbing partner.
You can also notify the local staff that runs the shop. You can leave your contact details, and they can likely help you link with other people looking for a climbing partner.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
The tips mentioned above should help you find a climbing partner. However, not all people that will respond to your request will be a good partner for you.
In fact, there are a few crucial red flags that you should watch out for when screening potential climbing partners.
- Safety Issues – it’s always best to keep in mind that climbing can be dangerous. Hence, it’s paramount that you take safety precautions seriously. If your potential climbing partner doesn’t take safety precautions and gears seriously, then that’s a major red flag.
- Ego Issues – confidence is always a good thing for a climber. However, having too much confidence will also likely get you into trouble. Both you and your partner must be honest about your skill levels and only tackle difficulties that are not “way above your heads.” If your potential climbing partner has the habit of taking too much risk for your comfort, then that’s a red flag.
- Communication Problems – just like any partnership, good communication is essential. This is especially true if you are climbing in which you could be putting your life at a certain amount of risk most of the time. Good communication between you and your partner can help reduce the risk as much as possible.
Final Thoughts on How to Find a Climbing Partner
While you can certainly do climbing on your own, it’s highly advisable that you do it with a partner. Not only it reduces your risk, but it’s also more enjoyable for most people.
If you have no climbing partner at the moment, below is a short recap of where you might find them or what to do to find one.
- Asking Families and Friends;
- Check the Local Gym;
- Social Media Accounts;
- Online Forums;
- Community Involvement;
- Be Helpful;
- Share Your Knowledge and Skills;
- Local Gear Shop.
Lastly, it’s best that you screen out your potential climbing partners. The major red flags to watch out for are no or little respect for safety precautions, ego-related problems, and poor communication compatibility.