You've just started rock climbing! You've joined a climbing gym, made some climbing buddies, bought your first pair of climbing shoes, first harness, chalk and a chalk bag, and you are ready now to climb! Here are a few things I wish I had known when I started climbing - a lot of which would have prevented me from developing bad and unsafe habits before I was finally corrected. Remember, climbing itself is not dangerous. Learn to climb safely and responsibly so that you can get the most enjoyment out of this lifestyle sport.