Author: Uchenna Ani-Okoye
Rock climbing started with explorers blazing trails up mountains and across Arctic wastes. Later on came the free climber, brave individuals wooed on by the idea of tackling something so grand. Rock climbing may very well be the most individualistic sport. Going up rock or ice, every climber has a different style. There seem to be countless ways to put finger to stone or destroy ice with an axe. Climbing is a team based sport. The climbing partner holds their friends life in their hands.
Some effective methods to rock climbing
Rock climbing can be done by virtually anyone so long as the person is fully able. The first and important basic about footwork while rock climbing is to use your toes and not your feet, it is always best practice while rock climbing to do most of the climbing utilising your legs and try to keep the centre of gravity over the feet and using your legs push. Use both your hands and arms only to position and balance your body. However as your climb route becomes more difficult, the climber needs incredible arm, hand and finger strength and a lot of stamina to keep to the rocks.
Things to keep note of before you decide rock climbing is for you
If you're thinking of taking up rock climbing it is surely an activity that is exhilarating and exciting. It's not something everyone will like, as it is a physically demanding sport and most certainly not for the faint hearted. Climbing isn't simply one activity; there's a diverse arena of climbing and at times a climb consists of two or more types of climbing. There is bouldering, free soloing, sport, ice climbing, alpine, tradition (trad) and aid. Making yourself knowledgeable of these types of climbing, will helping you in deciding which you prefer and the climb type that's most suited for you.
Rock climbing equipment
Helmet: Your head needs protection from potential bumps or falls. You can find a helmet for less than $40.
Harness: You'll get the required support with the harness while scaling cliffs and crags. You could get one for as little as $30. Harnesses are very versatile. They'll last for years to come.
Climbing shoes: Also known as approach shoes. Their distinctive feature is a clip that has a locking carabineer. They currently sell for $80 and more.
Safety carbineer: This is needed to lock into both your harness and rope.
Rope: A must have, although if you're climbing in a group, you could share amongst the group.
Conclusion
Hopefully you'll know about climbing already, if not you have got some serious work to do. You will need experience in the methods so get some professional help and start practising. You will need knowledge of tying into the rope, belaying, abseiling etc. There are numerous indoor climbing walls where you can teach yourself but for best practice get some practice on some actual rocks.
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