Climbing: A Woman's Guide [Paperback]

Shelley Presson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 13, 2000 | Series: Ragged Mountain Press Woman's Guides

This handbook covers both indoor climbing gyms and outdoor rock faces, offering advice to women pursuing climbing. It includes information on the physical requirements, beginner- to intermediate-level techniques, equipment, resources and safety.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"Climbing: A Woman's Guide is both informative and enlightening, and addresses everything you might want or need to know about climbing. Bravo, Shelley."--Robyn Erbesfield-Raboutou, World Cup Champion 1992 - 95, world champion, 1995

"Having worked with Shelley on my own climbing, I can tell every woman who reads this book that they are getting superb information about this sport. She is a passionate climber whose level of encouragement and expertise can't be matched. She's the best!"--Keleigh Asbury, Sales and Marketing Director, Boulder Rock Club

"Not only does Shelley inspire me with her rock climbing technique, skill, and expertise, but now she communicates it through, essentially, a women's 'encyclopedia' to the sport. A complete and excellent guide to exhilarating adventures."--Roxanna Brock, professional rock climber, guide, and freelance writer

For Women Who Want to Explore the Vertical Dance
Women are flocking to climbing gyms and crags across the country. They are naturally suited to climbing because of their flexibility and innate sense of balance. This comprehensive guide provides a wonderful resource for anyone from the novice considering taking up the sport to the experienced climber looking for strength exercises, tips, and advanced movement techniques to improve her climbing. Let Shelley Presson, a former professional competition sport climber and climbing instructor, take you through a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to getting started and advancing in climbing:

Learn basic techniques such as tying into a harness, staying in balance as you climb, and being safe, indoors and outdoors; Improve your movement with climbing exercises for indoor walls, bouldering, and traditional climbs; Learn how to use all types of holds, how to use your feet instead of your arms, and the basics of face and crack climbing; Understand the ins and outs of climbing gear--harnesses, shoes, rope, and helmets--before you invest; Use Shelley's mental tricks to overcome obstacles preventing you from progressing as a climber

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: International Marine Publishing; 1 edition (April 13, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071351515
• ISBN-13: 978-0071351515
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,034,972 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and informative, June 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Climbing: A Woman's Guide (Paperback)

You can't really learn climbing, or any sport, from a book. You have to get out there and do it. But a book can inspire you and give you the basics so you won't embarrass yourself! This book was all that and more -- the encouragement for women, even those who aren't "athletic" and the guidelines for dealing with common fears were the best. I'd recommend it to anyone.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Climb easily through this one..., June 5, 2000

By 

Scott Morris (not Shelley's Mother) (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Climbing: A Woman's Guide (Paperback)

As a climbing illiterate, this book covers everything I could want to know...and more. (how to pee with a harness on!) An easy read with tons of information. Not just for women (except the part mentioned above). As a professional coach in a different sport, I can tell you that some of the ideas are written well enough to be used in other sports. With a little motivation and this book by my side, I think I will climb. Nice job.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Climbing A Woman's Guide is in good form., April 28, 2000

By 

Barbara Ballif, Shelley's mother and an enthu... (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Climbing: A Woman's Guide (Paperback)

Climbing A Woman's Guide by Shelley Presson is a comprehensive guide for women who want to get started and progress in the sport of climbing, either in indoor climbing gyms or on outdoor rock faces. The book has an excellent layout and design. It features good pictures and illustrations, and comprehensive step by step guidance for the reader. A terrific feature is the mental tricks. Shelley has provided a well written book that provides clear guidance for the beginner and the more advanced climber. She has thought of everything the climber will need from gear, clothing, safety, training, signals and holds, techniques and exercises. It is informative and inspiring.