Learning to Climb Indoors

When I first started climbing one year ago, I expected to find an extensive body of literature related to the science of climbing; instead, I found a surprising lack of such material, perhaps because the sport itself is relatively young. The most notable exceptions were Eric's publications; namely, the excellent books "Training for Climbing" and "How to climb 5.12", both of which are mainly targeted towards relatively experienced climbers. This new book brings the same rigorous scientific approach and wealth of information to the hands of beginners, and represents an invaluable learning tool for anybody approaching a climbing gym for the first time. In a readily understandable way, Eric explains everything one needs to know in order to become proficient, making no assumptions as to age, fitness level or prior climbing experience. In addition to describing climbing equipment, moves, techniques and strategies, Eric covers such aspects as nutrition, mental and physical training, safety, and even includes tips on how to build a custom home climbing wall. Other useful learning tools are the brilliant visual representations of how vectors of force act in each particular climbing move (superimposed on pictures of climbers in action), and the inclusion of a large number of drills, which I haven't found in any other book on this subject. If you are considering exploring this wonderful sport and joining a climbing gym, this is definitely the book to start with and read again and again as you progress to more advanced levels. Once you become more comfortable on the wall, the above mentioned "Training for Climbing" and "How to climb 5.12" will then give you the more advanced tools you need to progress towards the highest levels of climbing performance.