The Beginner's Guide to Rock Climbing (Practical Handbook) [Paperback]

Malcolm Creasey (Author)

Book Description

Series: Practical Handbook | Publication Date: November 1, 2000

The complete introduction to rock climbing, from first steps to learning ropework and safety.

Product Details

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Anness (November 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0754806219
• ISBN-13: 978-0754806219
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,259,710 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best beginners' guides to rock climbing!, September 2, 2001

By 

Amazon Dummy (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Beginner's Guide to Rock Climbing (Practical Handbook) (Paperback)

What a gem! I was surprised nobody had yet rated this fine book. After taking introductory lessons and going on my first climb, I went to the nearest bookstore to examine all the intro books to rock climbing. After searching through about ten of them, I pulled two from the pack and bought them: "The Beginner's Guide to Rock Climbing" and "Rock Climbing: A Trailside Guide."

Half the book is filled with expertly-taken color photos to illustrate in detail the many techniques (e.g. movement on rock, specific types of holds, ropework, belaying, etc.) you will need to quickly ascend the learning curve.

Most important in my decision to buy this book was the fairly large section dedicated to technique (the very experienced instructor couldn't overemphasize technique, technique, technique). While most books only explained technique in words and/or accompanied it with black and white pictures, this book does it with detailed close-ups in full color. The book gives you plenty to learn from: creative handholds, unusual positions, chimneying, jamming, etc. In addition, anyone who has climbed will appreciate the section on how to conserve energy using different techniques outlined in the book. It may literally be a life-saver when going on longer climbs.

In your research, you may also come across Malcolm Creasey's other intro books. A good 70-80% of those other books are made up of the exact same sections from this book! It is no surprise given how instructive and valuable these core sections are.

If you're looking for one of the best introductory texts on rock climbing, look no further, because you get it all from this very comprehensive guide at a relatively rock-bottom price!

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Get the Complete Guide to Rock Climbing Instead, February 19, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Beginner's Guide to Rock Climbing (Practical Handbook) (Paperback)

The complete Guide to Rock Climbing (Malcolm Creasey) contains everything in this guide (identical pages) and more, and for the small additional price is worth getting instead.