Rock Climbing
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
Why would you want to climb a rock? What if you fall. At the least you may get a few scratches. Maybe break a bone or two or crack open your head like an egg. There wouldn’t be much left of you if you did. So why do it? You want to impress your friends, or for the thrill, the exhilaration? Probably, all those reasons.
Rock climbing though, especially when you have scaled a shear rock wall or crawled upside down under an outcropping to get around and over the edge so you can continue upward has got to be a huge sense of accomplishment and total exhilaration. Once you are at the top and look down to your starting point, which appears to look further down than it did looking up, it can only be described as “WOW”. You almost feel super human, even though you may be dead tired. The fun part is propelling back down with a series of distance covering leaps and can be just as invigorating.
Rock climbing isn’t for everybody though, even if you have a mind to do it. Rock climbing takes strength and endurance, let alone intestinal fortitude. You must build up your strength and stamina to be able to pull yourself up from one pitch to the next. This is an extreme sport that is not for someone who is out of shape physically. You should make sure you are in good health and capable of climbing before attempting to scale a rock wall. You can do this through workout routines. There are even practice walls you can experience in order to get into shape. These are usually indoors and the risks are minimal. You do not want to measure how physically fit you are by trying to climb a high peak. This only spells disaster.
There are certain exercises you can do to help prepare for rock climbing. The first is simple pull ups. These should be done at different angles and heights because of the conditions you will be facing when climbing the rock walls. Also, the arms are used to hang with while attaching your gear to the walls. You must be able to hang with one arm and maneuver the other to hack out a place for your equipment or to place your equipment. Balance is another thing you must possess. Never rule out lower body strength as it is your feet that keep you on a tiny ledge until you anchor in.
Rock climbing should also be done in pairs. This is the safest way to climb. If something does go wrong you have a partner there to help. In my state there have been at least three mishaps already this year. Had they not had a partner they may never have been rescued before it was too late. Plus having a partner gives you the added benefit of being able to share the experience. Knowing that you and your partner just scaled a wall others would consider insurmountable is a feeling like no other.
There are many places you can go to learn the sport of rock climbing. The cost generally includes all the equipment you will need. The instructors are certified by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and have your safety utmost in their minds. You can take these classes whether you are a beginner or an advanced rock climber.
The less advanced rock climber may feel more comfortable with a guide when doing their first climb or two. There are many places which offer guided rock climbing experiences. Always make certain that your guide is a member of the AMGA. This way you know safety is first and foremost. The thrills you seek come from the climb not from faulty equipment or inexperienced guides.
The exhilaration that comes from scaling the cliffs and walls of some of the most beautiful country side can only be experienced by being out there. Join a group or a club. Travel the country or the world conquering the cliffs and mountains. Heck, you might even try scaling Mount Everest someday. You will never know how wonderful it is to reach the peak and know what you have accomplished until you have done it.
Richard Prosser
About the Author:
Richard is the owner of
http://www.theprostoresite.com/rockclimbing
and many other informative “niche” sites.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Thrill Of Rock Climbing
Dan Osman – Speed rock climbing
|
|
AMERICAN GIRL TODAY ROCK CLIMBING OUTFIT RETIRED MIB $62.99 |
|
|
NEW RADICA ROCK CLIMBING BRAIN PUZZLE HANDHELD TOY GAME $67.46 |
|
|
ICE ROCK CLIMBING HARNESS TRAINING COURSE BOOK CD GUIDE $7.69 |
|
|
VERVE 3/4 LENGTH ROCK CLIMBING PANT LARGE $11.60 |
|
|
Rock Climbing SportCam Helmet Hands-Free Camcorder NEW $69.99 |
|
|
How to Climb: Advanced Rock Climbing by John Long $8.50 |
|
|
rock climbing harness BLACK DIAMOND— SIZE medium $20.50 |
|
|
Scarpa Rock Climbing Shoes Womens Size 6 1/2 $13.53 |
|
|
Rock Climber Climbing Motivational Poster Perseverance $9.99 Perseverance-Cliffhanger. “WHAT THE MIND CAN CONCEIVE AND BELIEVE, IT CAN ACHIEVE.” The print measures 22×28 inches…. |
|
|
Fluker`s Bend-A-Branch Flexible Climbing Vine Terrarium Accessory (6 ft., Medium, 3/8 Inch Diameter) $4.36 With a natural look and feel, these branches are the perfect addition to ny terrarium. They bend to fit your pet`s enclosure, while offering more support than conventional vine. Great for chameleons, tree frogs, geckos, snakes, and much more. Three sizes available; all are 6 feet long. New inproved color doesn`t bleed…. |
|
|
Goals Rock Climbing Framed Motivational Poster $38.99 GOALS – ROCK CLIMBER. “THE HIGHER THE GOALS, THE HARDER THE CLIMB-THE SWEETER THE SUCCESS.” This 22×28 poster comes framed as shown. Size: 22 x 28 photo/print/poster. Color / Material: Black, MDF (Composite) Moulding Dimensions: 1inch wide by 0.75 inches tall. Included: Styrene, Cardboard Backing, Hanging Hardware…. |
|
|
Climbing $3.28 This 1970 release ‘climbed’ to #17 with the classics ‘Mississippi Queen’ and ‘Theme from an Imaginary Western’. Also includes an unreleased live version of the Woodstock ode For ‘Yasgur’s Farm’! Digitally Remastered. Sony. 2003. … |
|
|
Still Climbing $9.98 … |
