Can I wall jump up a wall continuously?

I just got my copy of the game, and am trying to wall jump up the wall on the right side of the first room, but wall jump seems to launch me too far off the wall to move back towards it for another wall jump. Is this always the case with wall-jumping or do I just need to practice more with the joystick?

If I just need to practice more how do I properly do it?

No, you can't climb a wall using wall jumps. However, in Area 1 you'll find an item...

Spider Ball

...that will help you climb any wall you like, as long as it's not slippery.

You also can't wall jump if Samus is sandwiched between walls.