>>1073612>What's the best way to start without having this mythical 'experienced climber' friend everyone seems to talk about?you answered your own question-take some classes. have someone there to help you understand how it works initially, then consider supplementing with books, youtube, etc.
>what's the minimum knowledge I'd need to take my bouldering mates out for a few roped climbs?how to set a safe, equalized top rope anchor, whether off bolts or bomb-proof natural features (trees, rocks). google "sliding x" for the easiest 2 point anchor set up.
>what's a rough price for a decent quality set of gear to begin with?a couple hundred bucks for personal gear (harness, shoes, chalkbag, atc+locker, helmet), another couple hundred for rope+anchor set up (slings, biners, maybe some cordalette).
