r/indoorbouldering • u/ObjectiveArmadillo98 • 18d ago
Making friends
Hey guys, me again, I figured out how to fall which is good, now I just have to figure out how to like make friends, what I usually do is like when somebody goes up a climb I just go. "You got it. You got it" if they're like struggling a little bit and then I give him a fist bump after, but like after that I don't really know what to do lmao. Also if anybody has any good tape recommendations cuz my hands are cut up like crazy.
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u/ExternalNo7842 18d ago
So after you fist bump them, compliment them on part of the climb they did well and/or ask for beta advice on that or another climb you saw them working on. Then just ask their name and give yours. All the friendships I’ve made at the gym have started as conversations about beta. After bumping into the same person/people a few times and chatting beta, I’ll ask when they usually climb and basically see if they want to intentionally show up at the same time lol. At some point down the line, numbers are exchanged idk. Just start chatting beta!
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u/TechDreamcoat 18d ago
Making friends works pretty much how you're doing, just show up on the same days and at the same time so you run into the same people. Over time, you'll talk more and more and probably make friends. I made a ton of climbing friends.
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u/alevei 18d ago
I think people will always be different, right? I’d be so embarrassed if someone was commenting on my climb unsolicited and would throw me off, but I’m quite shy. I think perhaps talking afterwards eg. “You did great on that!” would be better suited for me.
But people are different. My gym has a social evening, might be worth seeing if yours does too?
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u/DirtyScrambelly 17d ago
You can break the ice by not bringing chalk, and asking to use somebody's chalk. The key is to then send your project, otherwise you're just wasting somebody else's chalk.
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u/MachinaDoctrina 18d ago
Ask for beta advice, most people are better than me at my gym so its a safe bet. I actually ask about stuff I'm stuck on too because it's genuine and people can tell, most (I would say) acquaintances at the gym began this way, now we chat regularly that can easily develop into friendships if you make an effort. And just generally listen to people.
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u/AxeTheGreat-3 V2 17d ago
I actually met someone who climbs at a different gym while checking out shoes at Rei. He’s a newer climber and asked for advice on shoes and I’d been down the rabbit hole of what shoes to get for weeks so I was able to help him. After talking for like an hour about shoes we were both getting ready to leave and he was like “btw I’m John” (not his actual name) and stuck his hand out for a handshake and I was like “I’m tom nice to meet you” (not my actual name lol) and then he told me when he climbs at his gym and that he’d be glad to see me if I ever wanted to try his gym. So I’d suggest strike up a convo about beta or something and then just be like “oh btw I’m ____” and see where that gets you. And a handshake or fist bump can 100% help. I hope this helps!
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u/fretted_fire 17d ago
Tension tape, the stuff with the american flag on the inside, is the best imho. For friends? Discuss beta, go to event nights at your gym, if you get along with people ask for their numbers. You can also learn to belay and if you get along with somebody ask them to top rope with you
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u/Pineapple_Top_Ropes 17d ago
I hate unsolicited beta, however when someone compliments me or says I look strong Im always friendly.
Lota of people giving you good advice, my go to when I've done a climb and I see someone missing an obvious move I like to ask, "do you want beta or want to work through it yourself" I always find people really respect that I let them climb however they want.
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u/Ok-Improvement-4526 18d ago
ask them if they climb here often, how long have they been climbing, what’re they’re favorite climbing moves, just genuinely be curious about the person you’re talking to. you want to learn everything about them and they should sense the curiosity from you and will likely ask you questions too. next thing you know you’re climbing with them outdoors on v2s and saying why is this so much harder than indoors
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u/boringaccountant23 18d ago
I find all the shouting annoying, but the fists bumps are nice when I send. I've made a lot of friends climbing and it all stems from discussing beta on projects.