I recently went to the Regina Climbing Centre, which is a basically an indoor rock climbing centre. It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed climbing. I got to try multiple problems, which are basically routes, and realized afterwards how much I liked the sport of rock climbing. Today, I will be telling you all about rock climbing.

Rock climbing is an activity in which participants climb up, down or across natural rock formations or artificial rock walls. The goal is to reach the summit of a formation or the end of a pre-defined route without falling.

Rock climbing is a physically and mentally demanding sport, since it tests a climber’s strength, endurance, agility and balance along with mental control. It can be a dangerous sport and it is important to have knowledge of proper climbing techniques. It is also important to properly use specialized climbing equipment to ensure the safe completion of routes.

History

The earliest evidence of rock climbing comes from paintings dating back to 200BC of Chinese climbers. Climbing spread across Europe as part of early mountaineering but it wasn’t until 1880 that rock climbing became a recognized sport.

Nowadays, it is used in everything from movie stunts to emergency rescue work to a pastime for some people.

Types of Climbing

Free Soloing

Free soloing is the easiest type of rock climbing to understand since there are no ropes are involved, and if you fall while climbing, you fall all the way to the ground.

I think this would be really scary, since one small misstep or slip could lead to death or injury. I would never try this, but I think very experienced rock-climbers would and do try this, since it really tests their climbing abilities and techniques.

Free Climbing

 

Free climbing is the type most climbers do. It is climbing using your hands and feet to move yourself upward with a rope tied to a harness around your waist and a belay partner holding the other end of that rope. In case you fall, the rope will catch you.

Aid Climbing

Aid climbing is mainly used in difficult sections. In it, aid climbers place chocks, cams or pitons in cracks above them, attach an aider, then pull themselves upward using the aider instead of pulling on the rock itself.

Bouldering

Bouldering is the simplest form of climbing requiring only climbing shoes and chalk. In it, climbers climb short problems without ropes, and since there are no ropes involved, every fall is a ground fall. However, there are crash pads that soften landings.

Deep Water Soloing

Deep water soloing is another form of rope-less climbing, it is performed over a body of water deep enough to safely break a fall; it is a lot like free soloing, just over a body of water.

Equipment Required/Recommended

• Climbing shoes- Climbing shoes are designed to keep you on the rock by providing you with extra grip, sharp edges and pointed toe designs which helps you climb better.
• Chalk and Chalk bags- Chalk helps dry out the moisture from your hands, giving you better grip on most surfaces. Chalk bags are small and tough wearing; they clip right onto your belt or harness so you can access the powdered chalk when ever you need it during a climb.
• Climbing harness and Climbing rope: Climbing rope is usually made from a nylon core with an outer sheath of woven fibers to provide toughness and durability. Climbing harnesses are what attach you to the rope and help you carry any important climbing gear with you.

For more information, you can watch the following video, which is about                   5 Fundamentals of Indoor Rock Climbing.

Thanks for stopping by. My question for you is, have you ever tried rock climbing and if you have, did you like it? Post your answer down below with along with any questions, feedback, or other comments.