How to Solo Rock Climb

With solo climbing, you climb by yourself, using only your feet and hands. All that great gear you own is left behind. Challenging, yes, but it's also the most dangerous way to climb. There are some things you can do to keep your solo climbing fun and safe.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure you've had some experience climbing before your first solo climb. This isn't for beginners or intermediate climbers. Expert climbers have died while solo rock climbing due.

    • 2

      Pick a place to climb that is well below your skill as a climber. Choose a place that you've already climbed with safety equipment so you're familiar with any inherent risks.

    • 3

      Consider using a rope connected to a self-locking device. This still qualifies as solo climbing, since you're alone without any other equipment. It has an official name, "roped soloing," and is much safer than pure solo rock climbing.

    • 4

      Think about deep water soloing. This is also a little safer than pure solo rock climbing since you're climbing cliffs above oceans, which may provide a cushion if you slip. After the climb, you're supposed to deliberately fall into the water, creating a huge adrenaline rush.