Our fifth episode of Amateur Hour, where we’re not experts, but we have a little more experience than the lay person on various topics. This episode, we’re giving an introduction to scuba diving! Check out our first episode here where we introduced ourselves and various topics on back country camping.
In this episode, it is Damian who is the one that has zero diving experience and has all the questions. Rob has his Open Water and his own gear for 20 years, while Ian has been diving for 10 years and has his Advanced Open Water and his Wreck Diving. Both have their licenses through PADI.
Damian has his well founded reservations of scuba diving, especially into the unknown. The lakes in around Ontario and typically very dark, with some exceptions, are also very clear waters. What got Ian and Rob into diving is specifically that, the unknown. The flora and fauna is something everyone typically sees on land. But only few get to be up close and personal of the flora and fauna under water. All of this is so different than the life forms you’d see on land and the experience is just one of a kind.
Ian swimming through wrecks in Northern Bali
The experience is also unbelievable, to be neutrally buoyant and floating and suspended in space while observing the odd life forms from a close-ish distance, relative to the size of the organism. You get to see sharks and abundance of sea life, corals, giant kelp forests, ship wrecks and go exploring through them. Things you may not otherwise find on land!
Despite the amazing experience you could garner from diving, it is a higher barrier to entry and can be cost prohibitive. You’ll also typically need boats to reach better dive sites, dive masters/guides who’re familiar with the tidal area, and a crew to operate the boat while you’re out diving, especially in a drift dive. The cost is also higher in North America for getting trained up, though usually at resorts in the Caribbean’s and South east Asia (both regions where Rob and Ian got their licenses) are typically cheaper. However, you still need to get there, which in itself is not very cheap.
However, once there, we would suggest to do a “try – a – dive” with Padi; you’ll be with a personal dive master/guide who will walk you through everything and will not stay far away from you during your dive. This is a good way to try it out before committing a couple hundred bucks to getting your Open Water!
All this information and more, with the introduction to scuba diving episode!
If you enjoyed the introduction to scuba diving amateur hour, you may want to check out:
Our fourth episode of Amateur Hour, where we’re not experts, but we have a little more experience than the lay person on various topics. This episode, we’re giving an introduction to overlanding! Check out our first episode here where we introduced ourselves and various topics on back country camping.
In this video, we explore topics such as:
What is overlanding: And differences than just 4×4
One involves camping and one doesn’t! But which one?
Upgrades: What are you first upgrades you should make?
Probably not what you’re thinking and can be less expensive than you think!
What kind of vehicle?
Spoiler alert, don’t take a Jetta (sorry Volkswagen). But you still could!
Other additional equipment that should be included as part of your first purchases – winches, recovery gear, lights?
What should I prioritize?! I need it all!
Making friends and finding groups. Because I’m lonely…
How to find trails and which apps to use to highlight information for you. This will answer the key thing to know: is my vehicle enough for the trail?
Have a mentor, connect with people you know, or try reaching out (I know, can be pretty nerve wracking and vulnerable to ask for help).
Mechanic skillsets:
Don’t go to places where you’ll screw up your Jetta, I mean, car; I mean, truck…
(We rag on Jetta because Damian took it out overlanding. BUT it held up great!)
You’re more of a mechanic than you think!
Watch the video, below, for more information!
To get you started, Damian’s 3 main tips to getting an introduction to overlanding
Know your limits, recognize you’re new to something
Bring a friend in a separate vehicle who can call for help
You don’t need thousands of dollars of gear to overland. There are campsites where you don’t need a crazy jeep.
Enjoy the video below!
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Welcome, fellow climbers, to your ultimate guide on the best rock climbing shoes for beginners. Whether you’re just starting your climbing journey or looking to upgrade your gear, choosing the right pair of shoes is crucial for your comfort and performance on the wall. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the top five rock climbing shoes that are perfect for beginner climbers, while also discussing what to look for when selecting the ideal pair. Let’s get started!
What to Look for in a Rock Climbing Shoes
Before we dive into the specifics of each shoe, it’s essential to understand what features to consider when selecting the best rock climbing shoes for you. In our second episode of Amateur Hour we explained more about talking about rock climbing shoes! The market can be over whelming with the amount of products out there. Some, what I call “myths” are “beginner” vs. “advanced” shoes. I characterize it as purpose function shoes. If you’re predominantly bouldering and doing steep sport routes, you’ll want more aggressive shoes. If you’re doing crack and slab climbing, much less aggressive. But also depends where it is you’re climbing. There is no “real” best rock climbing shoes!
If you’re in Southern Ontario on limestone the best rock climbing shoes for beginners may look a lot like crack climbing shoes, easy soft and pliable leather that allows the foot to move. This is where I would start. Leave the more aggressive “shark fin” types of shoes later, as they do require a bit of getting used to in climbing shoes.
For a new climber, I would suggest prioritizing comfort and fit, looking at toes, width and then heel cup. Everything will come later, ie knowledge of the rubber, shape and shoes used for what climbing. The below are a few suggestions that should cover most feet shapes and size.
However, in short, choosing the best rock climbing shoes in around your street shoe size; don’t worry too much about how tight they should be as you’re learning, or much your toes are curled; if they hurt too much, you won’t have fun climbing! And this defeats the purpose of enjoying the sport!
Best Rock Climbing Shoes for You
Here’s a breakdown of what to look for:
The best rock climbing shoes for you will last for several adventures!
1. Fit and Comfort: When it comes to climbing shoes, fit is paramount. Some argue either you should go super tight where your toes curl under your feet and others argue to keep it loose and flat. As a beginner, the best rock climbing shoes for you is to look for a shoe that snugly wraps around your foot without causing discomfort or pain, otherwise you won’t enjoy climbing at all! Women may prefer shoes designed with a narrower heel and lower volume to accommodate their foot shape.
2. Type of Climbing: Consider the type of climbing you’ll be doing most often. Are you primarily indoor bouldering, or do you plan to tackle multi-pitch routes outdoors? Different types of climbing require different shoe designs, so choose accordingly. Most who start climbing tend to start bouldering or begin with indoor routes. If this is you, the suggestions below are targeted for indoor routes.
3. Closure System: Climbing shoes come with various closure systems, including lace-up, Velcro, and slip-on. Each has its advantages, with lace-up offering a more customizable fit and Velcro providing quick adjustments. Choose the closure system that best suits your preferences and needs. My preference is lace up system.
4. Rubber and Sole: The rubber and sole of a climbing shoe determine its grip and durability. Look for shoes with high-quality rubber compounds that offer excellent friction on the wall. Thicker soles provide more support for long climbs, while thinner soles offer increased sensitivity and precision. But as a beginner, don’t worry about this too much for now. Understanding that the rubber is a key part of the climbing performance will come as your grow as a climber.
5. Budget: As with any gear purchase, consider your budget when selecting climbing shoes. While higher-priced shoes may offer advanced features, there are plenty of affordable options available for beginner climbers.
Recommended Shoes for Beginners
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La Sportiva Tarantula: Explorations choice! This is the best rock climbing shoes in this context. Laces generally fit better as they have more points of contact over your feet to ensure better a closer fit. Available in both men’s and women’s versions, these shoes offer the same great features as the original Tarantula with the added benefit of a customizable fit.
Why We Love It:The La Sportiva Tarantula Laced provides unbeatable comfort and performance for climbers, with the added customizable fit of a lace-up closure system.
La Sportiva Tarantula Original: They are your go to for introduction to climbing and are not yet ready to drop some coin into your shoes! These will probably be the most comfortable shoes and as they break in, it will fit even better!
Available in both men’s and women’s versions, these shoes feature an asymmetrical shape and sticky FriXion rubber for excellent grip on a variety of surfaces.
Key Features:
FriXion rubber for superior grip
Asymmetrical shape for enhanced performance
Velcro closure for quick and easy adjustments
Why We Love It: The La Sportiva Tarantula strikes a perfect balance between comfort and performance, catering to the needs of climbers.
La Sportiva Finales are considered “better” in some circles and have been known to be a little bit more “aggressive”. Without getting into too much technical detail, the Finale’s will have better edging performance and will fit tighter.
available in both men’s and women’s models. These shoes feature an unlined leather upper that molds to the foot over time, providing a customized fit and enhanced performance on the wall. The downside is that if you have wide feet, these may feel tight and take a while to get used to the tightness.
Key Features:
Unlined leather upper for a customized fit
Vibram XS Edge rubber for superior grip
Lace-up closure for a precise fit
Why We Love It: The La Sportiva Finale offers exceptional performance and versatility, making it an excellent choice for climbers who are looking to improve their skills.
The Black Diamond Momentums came a little later to the rock climbing shoe game, but they did come out with a decent quality entry-level shoe. Major difference is that this is synthetic and does not stretch as much as the leather shoes and the rubber is known to not be as sticky with their brand of rubber compound.
These shoes are designed with both men’s and women’s versions, ensuring a comfortable and precise fit. The neutral shape and flat last provide ample support for long sessions at the gym or out on the crag.
Key Features:
Neutral shape for all-day comfort
Engineered knit technology for breathability
Velcro closure for easy on and off
Why We Love It: The Black Diamond Momentum combines comfort and performance, making it an ideal choice for beginner climbers
Scarpa Helix are probably my favourite shoes, and arguably the best rock climbing shoes I’ve ever bought. They are super comfortable, sticky and great for crack climbing as well, available in both men’s and women’s models.
These shoes prioritize comfort with a flat last and padded tongue, making them ideal for long days at the crag. The suede leather upper molds to the foot over time, providing a customized fit.
Key Features:
Suede leather upper for a customized fit
Flat last for all-day comfort
Velcro closure for easy on and off
Why We Love It: The Scarpa Helix offers unbeatable comfort and performance in a stylish package, catering to the needs of climbers looking to climb in sport multi-pitch and cracks
In conclusion, selecting the best rock climbing is very subjective, but is essential for a successful climbing experience. Whether you’re a beginner climber or a seasoned veteran, choosing a shoe that fits well and meets your needs is key to enjoying your time on the wall. With the options outlined in this guide, you’re sure to find the perfect pair to take your climbing to new heights. Happy climbing, everyone!
Ian is the Subject Matter Expert in this case, having started climbing in high school. Launching outdoor climbing for over 10 years of climbing, getting into trad and vertical ice, then having gone to the Himalayas, climbed in Southern Africa, United States, Canada and Korea. Read up on Ian’s post on Rock Climbing in Korea, here! Damian with a close second on climbing experience with getting out in Southern Ontario and British Colombia. Rob… well, he’s the one who needs climbing shoes!
Welcome to our first episode of Amateur Hour where we discuss things with a bit more knowledge than the general person, but not as professionals. Our common denominator is back country paddling and what about the ruggedness of the back country caught our love for adventure. In this episode, we discuss why we camp, how we got into it all our adventuring and what we’ve learned through our years. More than that, we discuss our gear, stoves, food packing, water purification and a lot of other topics.
It’s a jammed pack topic that we love to discuss and have so much more to say! Over the years of knowing each other (at least 2 decades and counting…), and having some amazing trips together as 3 besties, we have a lot to share on tips and tricks! We all started off differently in where we gained our camping experiences. Using camping as a starting point to discuss and introduce our passion for other outdoor adventures seem only natural. As camping is the basis of most activities that we do and the knowledge base in which have transferable skill sets (ie reading the weather), it’s easy to apply it to other activities. Gear is a big part, but also knowledge base, and personal comfort level are crucial to enjoying the back country as well.
Follow us as we also learn more skill sets and set out to complete more adventure projects. We have a lot of ideas of what we want to do in the future and places to explore, discuss, recommend! It’ll be super fun to share it with you!
Enjoy learning more about us, from us, and our perspective on adventure on back country paddling, and of course, why we camp!
If you’re curious to learn more about us, visit our about page here!
