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Below, you'll find extensive information on leading
Build a Simple Climbing Wall articles and products to help you on your way
to success.
Build a Simple Climbing Wall
If you're a true blue climber or just want the convenience of being able to climb at home, then you may want to build a simple climbing wall of your own at the house. You could either designate an area outside for an outdoor climbing wall or cave, or if you're brave, build a simple climbing wall indoors in one of the rooms of your home. It may hurt the resale value, unless you can find a family as into climbing walls as you are! Most climbers want to build a simple climbing wall, but never actually put their thoughts into motion. Here are some great ideas to help get you started building your own climbing wall.
Decide Your Location
The first thing you need to do is decide on your location. If you are building indoors, choose a room away from basic living areas as the noise and chalk may make some messes. If you'd rather build a simple climbing wall outdoors, then you will have to find a way to weatherproof your climbing wall.
Decide on Your Shape
Next you will need to decide what kind of shape would work best for you. Some people prefer caves, or small and short three sided rooms with holds on the walls and ceiling. Others prefer just a straight wall, wide and short, or even tall and narrow, though the taller you make it the higher chance you have of getting hurt in a fall.
Find Adequate Support
If you are making an outdoor climbing wall, you will need underground support as well as beams and bolts to ensure that it doesn't fall down when you first start climbing, or flex with your weight and cause you to fall off. Look at using heavy duty marine board or other waterproof heavy duty board. Painting an outdoor wall will also help to weatherproof your wall. With an indoor wall, you will need to frame out a wall and run joists for support. If you're unfamiliar with building, you may want to hire someone to come in and build your dream wall.
Purchase Holds
You will want to have a large variety of holds when starting out. The larger variety the better. A good rule of thumb for spacing your holds is to have one hold per every square foot of your climbing wall. The most common maintenance you will need to perform is to tighten and inspect the bolts. If you're not careful, holds will loosen and start to spin, which can be dangerous for you while climbing.
Make a Fall Zone
As with any climb, make sure to keep yourself safe. If building an outdoor climbing wall, then spread wood chips or other cushion for yourself in case of a fall. With an indoor wall you could use old mattresses or carpet pads to help break your fall and prevent injury.
Always remember that safety comes first when you decide to build a simple climbing wall. Good planning before you start building is the key to creating a safe and usable rock wall which you can use for years to come.
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