Rock climbing is a fun, challenging and rewarding sport, but the thought of dangling from a cliff or rock face hundreds of feet off the ground can be quite intimidating for beginners. That's why many climbers are choosing to get training in indoor rock climbing gyms before they tackle the real thing. What exactly goes on in these indoor climbing facilities?

Freelance photographer DuWayne Effland left his home in New Jersey and followed his love for skiing westward. Years later, it is rock climbing, rather than skiing, that fuels DuWayne's passion for the outdoors. A climbing instructor at the Rockreation Sport Climbing Center in Los Angeles, he has been active in the sport for over a decade, and offers his insights into the world of indoor rock climbing:

• Safe environment. According to DuWayne, most climbing gyms feature artificial rock walls of between 25 and 50 feet, so the beginners will not feel overwhelmed by the heights. The gyms also offers a controlled environment—including air conditioning and padded floors—that makes it easier to concentrate on the fundamentals of climbing.

• Learn the basics. Without the added dangers of the real thing, you can learn the basics of rock climbing, from how to put on your harness and tie knots to belaying, which is securing a rope while someone else climbs on the other end. With plenty of practice, you'll soon have the fundamentals down cold.

• Hands-on training. Make sure to look for a gym that employs helpful, attentive instructors and trainers. It's important that the gym's employees make sure that you know what you're doing before they give you the thumbs up to go out and climb in the great outdoors, so if you find yourself at a gym where the staff doesn't show this kind of care and attention, you should look for a new place to train.

Rockreation Sport Climbing Center
www.rockreation.com

RockClimbing.com
www.rockclimbing.com

WebClimbing.com
www.webclimbing.com

The American Safe Climbing Association
www.safeclimbing.org

Climbing Magazine Online
www.climbing.com