Have you ever watched a movie that featured a group of adventurous rock climbers racing to save someone, reach the pinnacle of the mountain or seen the climber make a death defying leap across frozen glaciers? The sensationalism of rock climbing has made interesting fodder for several interesting movies and has more than likely caused many individuals to take up the sport. Climbing mountain cliffs just seems to be the right sport for adrenaline junkies.

As with many sports, rock climbing was born from necessity. The world was not always a carefully mapped out plane upon paper. It was discovered by brave pioneers desiring adventure and a life on the edge. These early explorers would have been considered “extreme” enthusiasts. They weren’t the kind of people who wanted to lazily strut or induldge the conveniences of their own front yard. These types of death defying men as well as some courageous women wanted to conquer impossible peaks and build new trails through a vast geographical region.

There really is not an accurate time frame for the earliest rock climbers. There are pictograph’s describing ancient societies climbing rocks. Anasazi Indian tribes in North America were cliff dwellers. Rock climbing for them must have been a necessity in order to reach their dwellings. There are other examples where individuals were used as a mountain guide to help explorers get through mountain passes that were impossible or would have taken too long to trek around.

Many lives can be attributed to being saved by a person experienced in rock climbing. Travelers or hikers who found themselves in danger, likely only had rescue personnel to save them from a life or death predicament. If not for the alpine climbing rescue personnel, such as those found in the Swiss Alps, then many explorers probably would not have accomplished their tremendous strides.

Rock climbing is not for the faint of heart. It does involve heights and it is not a sport that those who are not in shape can participate in, due to the amount of physical strength and stamina needed. But the rewards can be many. It is you pushing your muscles, mind and spirit on to new heights. Completing courses and putting yourself in a competition against nature can be the reward of a lifetime.

Many people find the sport of rock climbing to be adventurous, fun and wildly entertaining. The breathtaking is simply one of the reasons this particular sport has gone up in popularity. The sport of rock climbing possibly might have been conceptualized from the need to save travelers who were isolated in the mountains of the Alps however is has not become one of the most exciting hobbies the majority of individuals can have. The freedom of tacking Mother Nature’s obstacles and scaling the highest peaks is an adrenalin rush few sports can compete with. It can seem intimidating to those not familiar with the skills necessary to climb but have hope: rock climbing can be learned safely.

Rock Climbing Frequently Asked Questions;

How is rappelling different from rock climbing?

Rock climbing is the opposite of rappelling. Rock climbing is ascending a formation of rocks and rappelling is descending from a higher point down towards the ground. Both require skill and a degree of athleticism. Both can be dangerous if someone is not trained properly.

What type of gear is needed to rock climb?

The first thing you need to think about is safety equipment. It is what will separate a good climb from one that is potentially fatal. You need to have proper climbing shoes with a good grip, a helmet and quality climbing rope. These are essentials and should not be purchased lightly. A climbing store will be able to direct you to the best equipment for the terrain you are climbing.

Other pieces of equipment will vary according to the style of rock climbing you wish to attempt. Items such as carabiners, belay devices, harnesses and tricams help the climber gain handholds in the rock surface and help regulate the amount of rope that is fed out at one time. The best advice on equipment necessary to climb can be found through experienced climbers. They can offer up tips on quality, brands and durability that a climb shop may not be able to do.

Alright, I wish to start with familiarizing yourself on ways to rock climb.

What do I need to do?

The first step is to become educated. You must have a thorough knowledge of the techniques and the equipment you will need in order to make your ascents. Many rock climbing professionals advise taking a class that utilizes an indoor climbing wall. You can learn on the rudimentary skills that you will require so that you can climb in the outdoors. You can also book an expedition that teaches novice climbers. Both are great solutions for learning a complex sport.

Are there any jobs for someone who wants to rock climb professionally?

In reality there are occupations that include rock climbing. One is search and rescue units located near major peaks. The other is being a professional athlete. There is also a need for climbers to map out routes for other climbers. All are viable options if you want to take rock climbing to the next level.

How do I find new areas to climb?

Many rock climbing associations or clubs will have a section that features different areas. If you are new to an area or just visiting, a quick online search can yield the best areas for rock climbing. One word of caution: never attempt a new climb without having a buddy system in place. If you were to venture out alone and have an accident, it may take days for someone to rescue you.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, October 30th, 2008 at 11:41 am and is filed under Climbing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.