Rock Climbing: Are You Up For It?

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?

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Your Guide To Mountain Survival

Why climb the mountain? Because it's there! North America's many mountainous regions hold a certain fascination for numerous people on vacation from around the world. But every year, thrill seekers are hurt and sometimes killed from accidents that have happened while traversing these mountains. Most of the time, if precautions are taken, you can keep you and your family safe.

If you are going to be traveling in the mountains, there are a few things to consider before you head out, to ensure you are safe should a problem arise. First, dress in layers. One of the main difficulties when traveling through higher altitudes is the huge variance in temperature that you will face. Should you be stranded in the mountains at night, it can become very cold. To avoid problems that come as a result of the weather, dress warmly but in layers that can be removed if it becomes too warm.

Before leaving, make sure that someone knows where you are heading, and when you expect to be back. This is crucial to your rescue if you should become lost. If there is someone expecting you to be back at a certain day and time and you do not return, a search party can begin. However, if no one knows where you are and when to expect you, then it may be weeks before they start looking.

One item that is indispensable on any outdoor excursion is a pocket knife. You can mark your trail by carving a notch ever few feet into a tree or a rock so that if you ever do get lost, you'll have a trail to follow back home. Marking your trail clearly is important, as sometimes it is all too easy to get turned around and end up walking in circles.

Always travel with a flashlight and extra batteries. Also, make sure you take waterproof matches along with you. A space blanket and a small tarp are essential to your survival in the mountain wilderness. Bring along some water purification tablets in case you should need to search for something to drink. A container that can hold water is also a must.

If you do find that you are lost in the mountains and do not know how to return to where you came from, the best thing to do is to stay where you are. If you move around, you will be harder to find when rescue comes. However, if you are near a stream and you feel you must keep moving, head downstream. This will take you towards the bottom of the mountain, which is usually closer to a road or town.

If you can find shelter where you are, stay put and get out of the elements. Leave a marker, like a brightly colored jacket or tarp, so that rescuers might find you. Then you need to get into shelter.

Stay away from any animals you might encounter. The animal you will be most likely to encounter is a bear. Whatever you do, do not surprise an unsuspecting bear! Catching a bear off guard is the reason for most bear attacks.

The most important thing if you become lost and need to survive is to stay hydrated. Having a source of water available at all times is key. Food can be easily found by observing the local wildlife to see where the animals might go to find nuts or berries. Out in the wild, you can live for up to three weeks without food, but you can only survive for three days without water.

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Basic Rock Climbing Gear

We've all seen rock climbers on television or in the movies. Climbing rocks and cliffs take skill and endurance. In case you were thinking about taking up rock climbing, a listing of the necessary equipment is outlined below.

Shoes: You can't wear your everyday hiking boots to climb a rock. Your shoe should be stiff and fit like a glove. Snug but not too tight. Because comfort is a concern, it's best not to mail order shoes for rock climbing, you'll definitely want to try them on first.

Harness: A harness is worn for safety and attaches to a rope so you won't fall off the rock. Your sales associate will help you find a harness that fits properly, but you'll want to be sure the harness fits comfortably around your thighs and waist.

Carbiners: These are actually hooks. You'll use these to attach different items to your harness.

Helmet: This very important piece of rock climbing equipment will protect your head from falling debris. It will also guard you against bumps and bruises if you should happen to bang against a wall. This may in fact, be the most important piece of rock climbing equipment you own. Make sure you try on your helmet prior to purchasing and that it fits comfortably.

Chalk: Rubbed on your hands, chalk will help you grip rocks. Comes in powdered or ball form.

Chalk Bag: Holds chalk and attaches to your harness.

Rope: Rope should be 10 or 11 millimeters in diameter and 50 to 60 meters long and should be able to stretch a bit under tension to protect a climber in the event of a fall.

Belay Device: This is used to hold a climber's rope. It helps the belayer protect the climber.

If you're interested in rock climbing but don't know where to start, be sure to do your research. Not only are there plenty of books available, but there are articles all over the internet. It's strongly urged that you take lessons with an experienced instructor. If you're unsure of the proper equipment, your instructor or experienced sales person can help you with this. It's better to pay extra money to ensure safety than get seriously injured or worse because you don't know what you're doing.

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The Timeless Extreme Sport Of Boulder Climbing And How The Sport Is Judged

"Bouldering" (slang for boulder climbing), is a timeless sport, often associated with mountain climbing (without the rope or the mountain). It is an extreme sport which has been around since the 1880's, pioneered in Great Britain by bouldering fanatics. The concept originated because people would climb boulders to warm up or train for future mountain climbs. John Gill (an American boulder climber pioneer) made advances to the sport, which have in turn brought it into the mainstream. Boulder climbing focuses on the performance of the athlete on the boulder, which they are climbing, rather than on the headway that they can make, equipment they have, or safety gear as is often done in mountain climbing.

Boulder climbers do take basic safety measures, as they end up about six feet above the ground. For instance, they often use chalk so that the climber's hands are dry, giving them a good grip on the boulder, and preventing slipping from occurring. A chalk pouch is kept with boulder climbing, which ensures dry hands to reduce slippage potential.

Another safety measure is using an applicable shoe. There is no requirement or regulation for shoe type, but many climbers tend to choose shoes specifically made for climbing. These shoes secure safe footing, and protect their feet from potential rock cuts, twists, and splinters.

Crash pads are also used as a safety precaution. These break the fall of the climber, and ensure a safer landing. Boulder climbers are now carrying collapsible mats along with them, when recreationally bouldering.

This sport also sometimes has a spotter along side. Spotters help direct climbers from danger, and are around to help with first aid.

Another precaution that is sometimes used, controversially, is a rope to navigate the boulder. Fans of the sport, however, feel it distracts and takes away from the object of the activity.

The judging systems have changed to accommodate bouldering, as it becomes more competitive. Difficulty levels were assigned to boulders accordingly the "B" system. A B1 problem boulder was not considered easy, but not hard. A B2 problem boulder is one, which is harder to navigate and conquer than a B1. A B3 problem boulder indicates a boulder so hard to climb; it has only been successfully done once.

The "B" system only worked for a small while, until it became too diverse to fit into three categories. "B" scale was soon replaced by the "V" grade system, compliments of John Sherman. From V0 to V16, the sport now uses an open ended scale. The term VB is used if the boulder does not even reach a V0 rating. Plus and minuses are sometimes added to the V ratings.

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