We strongly recommend doing a climbing course with a qualified instructor or company before you head out.
Outdoor climbing is very different to indoors, so expect a few surprises. When you first head out you'll probably be strong, but short on outdoor technique. Some of the quarries and the climbs at Churchman's have big, juggy holds that feel a bit like the gym. Plenty of other climbs, including slabs and boulders, are a different thing altogether.
Rock climbing needs footwork and movement you can't learn in the gym. You often have to find your own way up - there's no coloured plastic to follow out on the rock. And often you're relying on friction rather than any clear hold to stay on.
Give it a go anyway. At first you'll find very few obvious holds - the rock just doesn't form many helpful features to pull on. On a lot of routes you have to read the terrain and milk everything you can from it, right down to single crystals. The grades can feel harsh too, especially if you're leading. You might crank 22s in the gym and still get humbled by a 17 like Teddy at Darlington. There are plenty of testing routes at the lower grades on Perth rock, so don't despair - hang in there.
Frequently asked questions
Extract from the CAWA Perth Guidebook 2002.
What gear do I need to get started near Perth?
I want to start leading, but it seems too scary. Why are the bolts so much further apart than in the gym? Is it safe?
Is it OK to add holds to routes by chipping or gluing the rock?
Why are some bolts so difficult to reach from stances?
Can all bolts be trusted?
Is it safe to go climbing with someone I just met recently?
Is it OK to add a bolt to an existing route to make it safer?
Why can't I get a bracket on some hangerless bolts?
Start with a course.
The safest way onto real rock is with a qualified instructor. See what courses are coming up, including member rates through our providers.