When most people hear someone talk about rock climbing, they either feel a cringe in their spine or a rush of adrenaline throughout their entire body. It doesn't take a genius to figure out which of the two is the rock climber. Rock climbing is definitely a sport that isn't for everyone. As a matter of fact, it's one of the few sports where a bad performance could possibly mean death to the participant. So why do it?
There are several reasons that a person would consider rock climbing as the recreation activity of choice. Each individual will of course have their own version of why they decided to take on this physically and mentally challenging sport. This is an activity which is certainly not for the physically unfit, or those who could be described as timid.
Okay, so a rock climber has to be strong and outgoing, but there's much more to it than just those two personality traits. Let's take a look at what type of a person makes a good rock climber.
First, before anything else, they must have the desire to go rock climbing. This tells us the individual is an outgoing person who has no issues going toe to toe with incredibly difficult tasks. They must also have no problem taking a leadership role, as being the lead in rock climbing is a tremendous responsibility. The lead climber must make the decision on which route to take up the climb, as well as the placement of the safety devices into the rock for others to follow.
Secondly, rock climbing requires great strength and endurance. Sometimes the climber's weight may be held entirely on just a few finger tips, and believe me this is no time to doubt the strength in your hands. Upper body strength is also crucial for scaling the vertical rock walls and overhangs. It's for these reasons that a specialized physical training regimen is a must for rock climbing. This can include, but is not limited to aerobics, high repetition/low weight training and hand strengthening exercises.
Finally, rock climbing is a very mental sport. It's a sport which takes patience. The climber can never get in a hurry to move up the precipice, for they can endanger their life, as well as any others who may be on the climb. One move at a time, slowly inching up the stony surface, stopping to place one anchor after another, such is the movement of the rock climber.
As patient as the climber is, he must also be persistent. When you've climbed 175 feet straight up, (sometimes inches at a time) you must be willing to go the extra distance to get to the top no matter how far it looms ahead. Just ask any seasoned rock climber and they'll probably tell you, the only way down is up.
So there you have a glimpse of what type of individual makes a good rock climber. Did you see any traits that resembled you in any way? Rock climbing is a very arduous and sometimes downright dangerous activity, there's no arguing the point. However, according to those who pursue this sport, there is nothing more empowering than conquering what most people cringe to even think about. So what about you, are you up to the challenge to not only conquer the rock, but maybe also a part of yourself?
For those of you that think of exercise and immediately cringe at the thought of those spinning machines and treadmills in a stuffy gym, try expanding your mind and the definition you use for what exercise is. While the weather's nice and the trees are full of life, why not take the initiative and enjoy an outdoor activity like rock climbing.
What most people don't realize is that these kinds of fun outings are just as much if not more physical activity than anything you can do inside. The best part is that when you're busy scaling a crag-filled rock wall you likely won't think to yourself, "wow, I'm exercising". It's too much fun for that.
The only difference between those indoor grind sessions and the great outdoor rock climbing sport is that when you get ready to climb a rock wall, you'd better be prepared for costs associated with the sport. It's not cheap and that's mainly because of the safety requirements you'll want to see to immediately. If you don't you'll find yourself in a situation that might cause you great physical harm.
And so, for any newly minted rock climbers out there, the first step in your great outdoor adventure is the purchase of some new gear. Not only is that gear built to hold your weight and the pressure you're putting on it with your weight, it must hold for hundreds of feet and hundreds of different climbs.
Finding rock climbing gear is a simple task. Any major sporting goods store will have most of what you need. You can also get online and find your gear from online outlets or wholesale and discount storefronts. The price of your gear will likely range from as low as $30 for couplings to $1200 for high quality harnesses and tethers. Unless you're absolutely sure what you need and what size you are, you should consider an in store purchase first. You'll want to make sure everything you buy fits as well as possible.
You might be faced with the decision of what kind of gear to purchase and which pieces are most important. First of all, everything is equally important, but one thing many people don't pay quite as much attention to is the importance of rock climbing shoes. The grip they offer is second to none and you'll need every bit of grip when climbing a sheer rock face and your life is on the line.
The rest of your gear is largely self-explanatory, but taking a good class and spending your time in a store front is vital to making sure you don't forget anything. You'll want every bit of rope, clasp, harness, and hook you'll need when you set out or you might find yourself in danger when there's no need to be.
Another important aspect which has arisen in recent years when choosing your gear is the environmental impact you leave on the rocks you are climbing. There is a bit of a push of late to move to clean climbing practices by not drilling bolts or hammering pitons into the rock. These important tools have long been used as anchors for keeping you attached to that great big rock face above the ground. However, recent developments such as spring-loaded camming devices have made them less necessary.
When you take your climbing classes, make sure to ask about clean climbing and the differences from plain old sport climbing. Rock climbing is a wonderful sport that millions enjoy around the world every year. It's effective in keeping you fit and fun all the while. However, make sure when you set out that you know exactly what you need and the effect you'll be having on the environment in the process.
Article Source :
About Author
Both John Taylor & Tony B are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
John Taylor has sinced written about articles on various topics from Site Promotion, Aquarium Fish and Computers and The Internet. John Taylor is an Outdoor Instructor and Mountain Leader. Get more Rock Climbing Answers from: . John Taylor's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
Tony B has sinced written about articles on various topics from Recreation and Sports, mountain bike and Guns. Tony Brian is a freelance writer for outdoor sports magazines and a contributing writer for specializing in rock cl. Tony B's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.