Q: I am interested in rock climbing but I do not know where to go. I live in the Washington, DC area. I also need guidance on what to buy and if I should take lessons. If you could provide me with some initial info I would sincerely appreciate it.

—Chirag Desai
Arlington, Virginia

As it turns out, there is a fair bit of rock climbing in the D.C. area. I was down there last year for the American Alpine Club meeting and we ended up climbing a crag down on the Potomac called Carder Rock. There are actually several different, high-quality spots along the river and while they are all rather small (less than 50 feet [15 meters] tall), there's a good selection of routes for both novices and experts. If you're just starting out, I would recommend seeking some professional instruction from a guide. You can look in the back of Climbing Magazine to find out which outfits are operating in your area. You can also get instruction, or information on where to get it, at a local climbing gym or even at your local EMS. At this point there are numerous gyms in every city in the U.S., so ask around or check the yellow pages to find the one nearest you.

I do like to remind people that the first year of climbing is statistically the most dangerous. Start with a guide and then move on to top-roping and bouldering, but make sure you have developed a solid base before venturing out onto the "sharp end." Be safe out there.