Does anyone have an estimation as to how long it takes for a novice to become proficient in climbing?

I've seen kids just look at a climbing wall and scamper up as if they have been doing it for years. I've seen people who just take to it and others who seem to suffer with each inch going up.

I'd guess it's like any skill. How much time you put into it, how much you love doing it, what kind of teacher you have and how much talent you were born with to do it all contribute to make you a good climber.

I'd be curious about answers to that question.

I've done basically no climbing recently, but I worked with some people a few years ago who would organize climbing get-togethers on weekends.

Some just seem to be naturals.

I was talking about this with a guy who climbs, along with other things, and he says that getting to be a good climber has to do with the teacher you get. A good teacher will let you see how to find your way up by using your primitive brain along with your talent for thinking your climbing strategy through.

Personally I think it has more to do with what you bring to the sport more than what a teacher can share with you.

Want to learn to Climb??

When I was younger, there is no doubt I could climb just about anything. I was skinny, strong and nimble. But not any more. I don't think I could climb the tree in our front yard now.

There's schools for climbing, with experts teaching you what you should know. Or, if you have a friend that's really good at it, you can learn from him too. I think it depends on you, on your ability to learn fast.

You really need to go at your own pace. Like any sport it is a personal thing and it may take longer to learn for some than others.