So. Who does this? I just started climbing here - The Castle - and am going to do the course to become a member.

I haven't been so enthused about something for a long time. I think my body's in shock from getting some exercise before April...

Tell me stories/advice/stuff.

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i used to go on the quite shitty wall at my local sports centre and did some easy stuff on dartmoor with a friend who was into it a couple of times. I joined up to the climbing club at uni and went to the first social where they made everyone new wear a pink thong over their trousers. i never went back. i havent done it in awhile but i've fractured 3 fingers in my right hand doing other stuff so im not sure I would have a good grip anymore

none of that was very helpful

I know to avoid places that make you wear pink thongs over your clothes?

Hope your fingers are okay! I'm sure doing grip exercises would get the strength back?

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I went rock climbing once, not on a wall or anything but on a tall ass rock. I think I made it half way up before I got visions of me slipping and smashing my face on the big rock. That's when I went back to the ground haha.
If someone asked me to go tomorrow I would (well, if it wasn't snowy and shit) I feel like a loser for not making it to the top haha.

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So I'm watching as his wings spread as wide as could be
Come on now and wrap them around me

That's the way to do it for sure. You'll get practice, and be more familiar with the setups allowing you to feel more confident before you "graduate" to the outdoors, cliffs, and overhangs, etc...

I've done it, but I don't really like to anymore. Meaning I won't seek it out. I'd prefer other exercises to Rock Climbing, but you do it more for just exercise, obviously. Other types of outdoor stuff, and adrenaline activities are much more enjoyable to me.

Like I'd love to really explore Hang Gliding more, but no time really. One day. I've done regular gliding, but I'm not a pilot so it was a tandem glide. They just hook you up to a plane, and take you up, and up, and up some more. Then the tow plane disconnects the cable at the right height.., "Weeeeee." It's really something else. But I get motion sick easier on extreme altitude changes. Really though just to do it a couple of times is an experience as it is, and definitely worth it. The space is kind of cramped in those things, and it can get Hot with no air conditioning. Just open a little vent in the window, and that's it. Free falling with wings and aluminum surrounding you. Yeah, Hang Gliding is the way. Like a Hawk, or an Eagle. But you want exercise.

Speaking of 'Falling'... That's why I'm not hip on Rock Climbing, I'm all for dusting yourself off, and doing things again. BUT, the first couple of times I went Climbing was straight to the mountains. And one time I fell, (oh guessing here) er, 50+ feet. Sure you're hooked up, but when there is a lot more space between you, and the ground, A LOT; as soon as you slam the face of the rock, get your wits back, and look down. Well, it just wasn't as exciting for me too much.

Those specially made rooms and walls are definitely the way to go to begin. It's strenuous. Don't let my words discourage you. Maybe you should play around on some monkey bars at a park to get use to holding your weight, before going full force at the Castle.