Where should I be?

So, i started climbing a few months back. I'd been on a few climbing trips before but nothing big. Beginner stuff. Anyway, I worked at a scout camp teaching climbing over the summer and I didn't really climb a whole lot. I mostly belayed and taught safety stuff. So obviously I'm not very experienced. The thing is, climbing just comes naturally to me and I feel like I'm EXTREMELY good for my experience level. I've been able to climb a 5.11d lead at a gym. But my question is; what's the average? where are most people at when it comes to climbing as a beginner? What grades do most experienced people climb. I love climbing, and I want to keep working and improving. Thanks!

Gym climbing rarely translates to LEADING outdoor routes. Do you lead in the gym or TR?

If you know how to lead you could probably lead some easy 10 routes outdoors that play to your strengths. 10's in styles you are weak in will probably spank you. Trad climbing is a whole different beast that you will want to follow/learn for months or even years before you start leading.

I'd say average is 5.12c/d
You are behind and somewhat suck, although some are worse than you.

It all depends on your age group and the softness of the routes in your gym.
If you are under 13 y o and your gym is soft you are doing below average. If you are over 13 y o and your gym is stiff you are doing above average. The key is no matter what or where you stand or should stand is to keep climbing...A lot. The more you climb the better you get. If it comes naturally and you like it nothing should stop you from climbing pretty much all the time.

Tanner Anderson wrote:I feel like I'm EXTREMELY good for my experience level.

^ LOVE that! And no, 11d in the gym as a beginner is not advanced or any big deal. I coach kids that climb 5.13 in the gym in their first year.

adam brink wrote: ^ LOVE that! And no, 11d in the gym as a beginner is not advanced or any big deal. I coach kids that climb 5.13 in the gym in their first year.

I also know a lot of gym rats that have never climbed a 12.

Chris Schmidt wrote:Gym climbing rarely translates to LEADING outdoor routes. Do you lead in the gym or TR? If you know how to lead you could probably lead some easy 10 routes outdoors that play to your strengths. 10's in styles you are weak in will probably spank you. Trad climbing is a whole different beast that you will want to follow/learn for months or even years before you start leading.

lol years of following? I guess I'm doing it wrong… I lead my first trad climb the first day I ever saw/touched a cam….

It isn't rocket science. Be safe, read a lot, forget grades, have fun.

Tanner Anderson wrote: I mostly belayed and taught safety stuff. So obviously I'm not very experienced.

Tanner Anderson wrote:The thing is, climbing just comes naturally to me and I feel like I'm EXTREMELY good for my experience level.

Full of awesomeness. Do you climb shirtless with a beanie and prefer free soloing?

Where should you be?

Under a bridge?

Chris Schmidt wrote:Gym climbing rarely translates to LEADING outdoor routes. Do you lead in the gym or TR? If you know how to lead you could probably lead some easy 10 routes outdoors that play to your strengths. 10's in styles you are weak in will probably spank you. Trad climbing is a whole different beast that you will want to follow/learn for months or even years before you start leading.

LOL! That is some comedy GOLD!

To answer the OP, 5.12D or you are weak.

You should probably be at the gym, cranking that 11d.

Tanner Anderson wrote:So, i started climbing a few months back. I'd been on a few climbing trips before but nothing big. Beginner stuff. Anyway, I worked at a scout camp teaching climbing over the summer and I didn't really climb a whole lot. I mostly belayed and taught safety stuff. So obviously I'm not very experienced. The thing is, climbing just comes naturally to me and I feel like I'm EXTREMELY good for my experience level. I've been able to climb a 5.11d lead at a gym. But my question is; what's the average? where are most people at when it comes to climbing as a beginner? What grades do most experienced people climb. I love climbing, and I want to keep working and improving. Thanks!

Meg Ryan wrote:Do you also run a climbing blog about life in the vertical world?

The part about being a beginner and yet teaching climbing is classic. Within all great trolls is a basic truth. It is like the layers of a tasty onion.

Shit, sorry. Fourth wall and everything.

Please continue.

Man, there are a bunch of jackasses here. Jack ass is the word. Don't listen to them. This is typical. You are doing just fine. Keep climbing and don't pay attention to anybody. Post your progress if you wish. Trust me I know how this people are....at least when it comes to Internet they are just trying to outsmart each other. Kinda like in highschool. The blog they are referring to is written by some kid. It is pretty comical so if you decide to read it remember everything you read on the internet is just one person's opinion. The kid that writes the blog is pretty opinionated but hey everyone is entitled!

NAMBLA is gonna become my favorite slang. Search "greatest...blog....ever..."

Ben Beckerich wrote:linky linky? I must see this blog

http://rockclimbinglife.wordpress.com/

Chris Schmidt wrote:Gym climbing rarely translates to LEADING outdoor routes. Do you lead in the gym or TR? If you know how to lead you could probably lead some easy 10 routes outdoors that play to your strengths. 10's in styles you are weak in will probably spank you. Trad climbing is a whole different beast that you will want to follow/learn for months or even years before you start leading.

When people tell me what they climb inside I don't even listen most times...no matter how hard or soft they climb. My opinion is that inside climbing helps keep you strong and physically prepared, but has little to do with how well you'll perform outside. That of course is if you aren't going back and forth between the two. I've watched people go outside for the first time and thrutch on a 5.4 because there was no tape or outward facing holds.

The reality is though...who fricken cares. Climb what you climb, what makes you happy and progress at your rate. Everyone is different, has different skills, different ape index, height etc. Climb as hard as you want without hurting yourself and don't base your climbing on a reflection of others. That will diminish what climbing is all about. Been quite happy climbing long trad moderates, because that is what I really enjoy and what makes me happy.

Be happy in your work pear.

Thanks Scott! That's really good advice! And thank you to everyone who gave me some good insight into climbing better. I really appreciate it!

Say off Supertopo. You will drop 2 number grades by creating an account.

If you hang out here long enough you will also learn "Bill Wa" is really a crazy chick that just won't go away. How many account names is this now eleanor?