How to Start Rock Climbing in Austin

Written by: Anne Riddle-Cruz

Step Onto the Pads: How to Start Rock Climbing in Austin

Austin is one of the best climbing cities in the country. You can find lots of great, easy to access outdoor climbing spots nearby, and a rich camaraderie at the local climbing gyms. The climbing community is full of friendly people that all share a love of difficult play and pursuing personal growth, so beginners are always welcomed and celebrated here. You don’t need a ton of preparation to start climbing, but here are some basic tips to guide you through your first steps.

Step 1: Find Your Local Austin Neighborhood Hub

Bouldering Project Austin has two locations: Westgate and Springdale. Membership grants access to both world-class facilities. 

Springdale: Our first Austin location spans 50,000 square feet of sprawling climbing, fitness, yoga and coworking areas. Recent renovations mean that the climbing areas feel fresh, there’s plenty of space to train in the fitness areas, and you can unwind after a climbing session with a sauna cold plunge circuit. Neighborhood spots like Bambino Pizza, Stargazer Cocktails & Coffee, and Sa-Tén, are walking distance and make it easy to step out and grab a coffee after a yoga class or break up your climbing session. 

Westgate: Located in Southwest Austin, this facility has plenty of climbing terrain to roam. There’s a ton of variety among the angled walls, vert, and a top out boulder, plus dedicated yoga, fitness, and coworking areas. Westgate has a smaller, neighborhood gym feel, and it’s located near some great outdoor climbing along the Barton Creek Greenbelt.

Step 2: What to Bring and Wear

At Bouldering Project, we have everything you’ll need to start climbing — no need to bring or buy any expensive gear. We provide specialized rock climbing shoes and chalk for you to rent, which is all a beginner needs to get onto the wall. Wearing comfy athletic wear will help you reach and stretch while you climb, and you’ll want to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. A spare pair of socks can also be helpful when wearing rental shoes.

Step 3: Reading the Walls via the Circuit System

During your first visit, our staff will show you around the facility and introduce you to our circuit system. The circuit system is designed to introduce you to different styles and types of movement without needing complicated jargon. Bouldering Project uses color-coded circuits to organize routes (called ‘problems’) into ranges of difficulty. Yellow climbs are typically the easiest, red climbs slightly more challenging, and so on. Some routes might challenge your upper body strength, while others might require balance or footwork, so it’s worth trying lots of different climbing within each circuit.

Step 4: Build Confidence with a free Intro Class

You’ll be ready to hit the mats as soon as you’re wearing a pair of climbing shoes, but an Intro To Bouldering class will best set you up for success on the wall. These free, interactive classes are taught by Bouldering Project’s dedicated coaches, and you’ll learn foundational techniques to help you get the most out of your climbing session. Plus, our classes are a great way to meet other beginner climbers and find your own pocket of the Austin climbing community.

Step 5: Prepare for outdoor climbing

Austin is lucky enough to both have a deep climbing culture and lots of great outdoor climbing spots. Climbing gyms like Bouldering Project both help you train and build your confidence before you climb outside, and offer an indoor refuge during the months when it’s too cold or hot to be at the crag. You can even rent crash pads from either Bouldering Project locations for just $15 for members and $20 for non-members to make your first outdoor session even easier.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Flow in Austin

The best way to get started rock climbing is to just make a trip to the gym and give it a shot. Once you start climbing, you’ll quickly make a home in the Central Texas climbing community, and you’ll find that it’s much more engaging and fun than a traditional workout. 

Start your Austin rock climbing journey today by grabbing a day pass or signing up for an Intro to Bouldering class at Bouldering Project Westgate or Springdale.

About the author: Anne is a Social Media Coordinator at Bouldering Project. When she’s not working or climbing, she’s probably exploring swimming holes or riding her bike.