Sport climbing outside can be intimidating.
It’s not comfortable to leave behind the controlled gym environment and the upward tug of the top rope in favor of leading a climb and clipping into the wall as you go. But just a few simple steps will get you feeling confident and stoked about everything sport climbing has to offer.
Editor’s note: This story details the experience of one climber. It does not provide specific recommendations on climbing techniques, anchor building, or rope management. To learn more detailed rock climbing techniques, consult a professional guide.
![A sport climber takes a fall on a rope](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/08/sport-climbing-reimers-700x467.jpg)
What Is Sport Climbing?
Sport climbing is defined by the anchoring hardware, which can be a sleeve bolt and a hanger or a glue-in bolt. These are placed by the first ascensionist, and the placement roughly defines the route’s intended path. These anchors are extremely reliable as long as they are well-maintained.
The sport climber leading a route protects themselves by clipping a quickdraw (two carabiners connected by a textile sling) to the bolt hanger, and then clipping their rope to the free carabiner before climbing further.
![Installing climbing bolts on rappel](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/IMG_2095-700x525.jpg)
![modern climbing bolt and hanger](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/IMG_0248-700x525.jpg)
How I Learned to Sport Climb Outdoors
Get Comfortable on the Wall
![sport climbing 101](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2018/09/IMG_6873-700x525.jpg)
Take a Course at a Climbing Gym
Climb Outside With Friends or a Guide
![sport climber on belay](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2018/09/2016_0102_08541900-700x467.jpg)
Buy Basic Sport Climbing Gear
![sport climber putting on shoes](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2018/09/IMG_6869-700x525.jpg)
Climb Outside With Friends to Test Your Gear
![sport climbing 101 rope management](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2018/09/kyle-rope-work-700x467.jpg)
Find a Crag and Climb On!
![sport climbing at the base of devils tower](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2018/09/2016_0102_07340200-700x467.jpg)