what is the best way to start climbing?

I've never climbed before, but am interested in starting. Wanted to know what is the best way to go about it. I don't have much time to travel, but I could go and spend an hour or so in a gym. Just wanted to know if going to a gym is a good way to begin. Also does anyone know any good gyms in the Dallas area(north dallas).

The best thing you can do is get a friend who wants to learn with you. The rest will work itself out.

By all means, spend an hour or so in a gym. Then get the flock out of the gym and out onto some real rock. Seriously though, seems like everyone is learning indoors these days, and it doesn't appear to significantly handicap those who want to make the transition to real rock, especially if you prefer sport climbing, or that is what is most available to you.

There are many paths to enlightenment, but I'm partial to finding other like minded people and climbing and learning together. Of course, that assumes that some in your circle know more than others, and that everyone is doing their homework, i.e., reading everything they can get their hands on.

You could read this:
http://www.tradgirl.com/rc/faq1.htm#starting

Lots of different opinions......you can just ignore the sections on hamster taping......

Going to a gym may not be the way I would want to 'learn to climb', but it might give you a small taste for it.......and it would depend on what your interests and goals were...just gymming?....or tradding.....sporting....bouldering.....alping....icein g.....mixing.....

nathan (just could't resist) sweet

what is the purpose of the climbing? The sport? Recreation? Condition 1 hour a week? The real mans world?

Think about is. Pay 100s of books and follow 1000 hours of lessens.

The only and best way to master is to do it.

Thanks for the information.