Climbing has many different communities and subtypes, so start slow, learn the basics, build strength, technique, and technical knowledge, and figure out what you enjoy. Start with bouldering and top roping, progress to sport, then maybe investigate alpine, ice, and trad(itional) climbing. Gym or outdoor, there’s no wrong answer. You can usually connect with the community at the gym by showing up regularly and getting to know people. It might seem insular at first, but only because rope climbing is so heavily based on trust.

Salt pump in Scarborough is good, as is Indoor Ascent in Dover. Never climbed Evo in Portland, but one of my partners is a setter there, so I’ve been meaning to check it out. Come summertime, it’s all about Rumney.