Ropes/Techniques

Question
Hey Jeff,
Aside from some indoor climbing and a few days of rappelling with the military I know little about climbing. I wanted to gear up for some local terrain and focus mainly on rappelling 'cause I've had alot of fun jumping off things in the past, but after some research into ropes and belay devices I'm temped to take climbing itself on as a hobby. I figured I'd buy a static line, a harness, a couple carabiners, and an ATC and head out but now I'm not so sure now.

What would you suggest as the minimum requirement of gear (without sacrificing safety) to go out and climb and rappel? I don't plan on going out unattended but I do expect to be the only one climbing until my girlfriend warms up to the idea, so keep in mind I'll be close to solo.

I appreciate your advice and apologize in advance for not having a clue what I'm talking about.

Anthony  

Answer
Anthony,
Welcome to the community of climbing and I'm glad your asking questions it will make your experience safer and more enjoyable. I hear what you're saying about rappelling, but be aware that more accidents happen and more climbers are killed while rappelling than any other time.  The reason being it is the only time when you are 100 relying on equipment. Ropes tied to trees, rocks, bolts...all of which can fail. Also your harness, rope, belay device are all susceptible to potential failure. Lastly human error is a major factor.  I can't beginning to tell you the number of very experienced climbers who have rappelled off the end of their rope or made other preventable mistakes that cost them their lives. (Google Todd Skinner)

Minimum gear to get started would be
1) Climbing harness, (be sure it's not for spelunking, tree climbing or window washing)
2) Climbing shoes
3) Dynamic rope.  You'll need the stretch of the dynamic rope. Static lines are fine for hauling gear but they will snap under the force of a fall.
4) A belay device (there are loots of them including Gri Gri's)
5)A locking biner for your harness and a few extra biners for setting anchors.

Roped Soloing is VERY serious business.  I would suggest years of lead climbing experience before attempting to solo.  There are special solo climbing devices one is called the Soloist for free climbing the other is the Solaide for big wall aid climbing. These are specific to soloing and made to keep you safe in a fall when used correctly.

I would strongly suggest getting some instruction on outdoor climbing before heading out on your own. Or post and add on the climbing websites that have partner forums and try to find someone with experience who is looking for a partner and willing to teach.  I've found and taught dozens of climbing partners this way.   

In Summary, get some instruction, learn to set up and manage top rope climbing and find a partner who can teach as well as climb with you until your GF gets on board.  It's a great sport and we are happy to have you join our community, but be safe!