Outdoor Activities:
Rock Climbing
Climbing has historically been viewed as an activity done only by young care-free, reckless youth, who throw caution to the wind in an attempt to shorten their own lives, by attempting to scale challenging mountains or cliffs. A closer look reveals redundant safety systems and refined rope techniques, combined with unmatched skills on vertical terrain. So naturally many who enjoy this sport go on to climb for many years. With improvements made in equipment and advancements in shoe rubber, climbing has become safer and has gained popularity. Indoor climbing gyms have made vertical walls more accessible to more flatlanders.
Climbing not only promotes fitness and heightened awareness, but it is also a very social activity where friends can gather and share experiences that can last a lifetime. Getting started can be a little overwhelming, especially for someone who has never set foot on rock, but it can be as easy as going down to your local climbing shop or indoor gym. Instructional videos and books can be very helpful, but nothing compares to personal instruction. Help from a certified AMGA (America Mountain Guide Association) guide is a great way to start off. Top-roping is a safe way for beginners to learn the ropes. With the security of a rope anchored overhead between the climber and the belayer, a falling climber is stopped immediately, enhancing the feeling of security and safety.
Getting Started
There are many different types of climbing to choose from depending on what interests you and the environment in which you live. Bouldering is a great option if local cliffs are not readily available. Armed only with a pair of slippers and a crash pad (a thick portable pad to land on in case of a fall) one can ascend any boulder and go as far as your own limits will take you. Bringing friends along as “spotters” adds safety and creates a social setting. Bouldering is a great way to experiment with your technique of movement over rock. To begin to feel some exposure, climbing single pitch routes with ropes can be exciting. A pitch is usually about sixty to eighty feet high or half a rope length. Top-roping these areas are a good way for beginners to learn skills necessary to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Skills acquired from bouldering and cragging can expand your playground, perhaps into multi-pitch climbing or even bagging a summit that involves technical rock climbing terrain.
Clothing
Light wool or polypro is a good choice for climbing attire. Materials that wick moisture away from your body is a plus. Loose fitting clothing is not ideal because it can get caught up in equipment and can block your view of the task when climbing. Clothing should also be flexible enough to allow for a full range of motion. Climbing shoes have come a long way and there are many to choose from, just remember they always should be comfortable. As for all outdoor activities, be prepared for the weather with a good layering system and rain gear.
Equipment
For those of you who are not seasoned craggers, here is a beginners list of some gear to get started top-roping at your local crag or indoor gym:
- Rock shoes
- harness
- belay device
- locking carabiners
- set of quick draws
- dynamic rope
