Want to try rock climbing? Here are an expert’s tips for beginners

Rock climbing. It may sound daunting for most people, but it’s an activity that’s worth trying, especially if you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for something that will get your adrenaline pumping.

To give you an idea of what you need to do to get into the extreme physical activity, whether as a sport or for recreation, here are essential insights and tips to take note of, courtesy of rock climbing veteran Mackie Makinano:

1. Invest time in studying the activity
“Dapat may proper knowledge sila sa rock climbing,” Makinano explains in the short film by Nick Aguilos about developing rock climbing areas in the country for The North Face Philippines. It pays to familiarize yourself with the basics of rock climbing before heading out in the open.

2. Seek help from experts
Rock climbing takes skill—and to unlock and develop this, you would need to learn from experts. Makinano, who has been doing the activity since 1995, advises beginners to take part in climbing certification classes that will help them understand what rock climbing is all about. It will also help to join groups that are competent in the activity.

3. Spend time for climbing
Any skill requires practice. Makinano says it’s important to go out and apply your knowledge in rock climbing. Experience is the best teacher, after all.

Once you’re all set, it’s time to look for a place to climb. Thanks to people like Makinano who develop different rock climbing areas in the Philippines, enthusiasts have destinations to go to. “Ilang years na ako sa rock climbing, nakita ko, ilan lang din ang nagde-develop ng rock climbing areas,” he shares. “Isa ‘yon sa mga naging challenge ko na gusto ko hindi lang ako nagro-rock climb, pero I’m helping to develop more playgrounds for the rock climbers.”

Currently, Makinano is on a mission to establish Bukidnon as “The Rock Climbing Capital of the Philippines.” The expert rock climber started bolting, or developing the area for rock climbers, in the province last February 2017. More than a hundred routes have already been bolted, but Makinano’s group is targeting another hundred this year.

To keep up with Makinano’s goal, the rock climber’s group and The North Face Philippines are mounting the first ever Rock Climbing Festival in the country this May 14 to 20, 2018 in Kiokong, Quezon in Bukidnon. The week-long event will allow participants to attend climbing clinics, outdoor competitions, and a chance to try out The North Face Course. The registration fee is P500.

For more details about the event, you may contact the following: Mackie Makinano at +63 995 469 0759, Donna Battung at +63 917 805 6009, and Jboy Sanchez +63 906 848 2057.

Press release from The North Face