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More About Climbing!
Where can I Rock Climb?
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So now what do I do?
Rock climbing mixes an exciting thrill sport with an incredible full body workout.
There are several variations or styles of rock climbing, all exhibiting unique challenges. Climbing offers a mix of challenges such as overcoming the inherent fear of height, gaining and exhibiting the strength and endurance required, and developing strategic thinking skills for choosing each hold as you traverse a wall.
Indoor Climbing Instruction
There are thousands of Indoor Rock Gyms where the walls are covered with man made "holds", molded to challenge the climber with hundreds of different grip styles. Most gyms provide climbing training, which includes learning the necessary knot tying, belaying, and climbing skills. Climbing gyms offer an alternative to outdoor climbing where you can get a realistic climbing experience while being protected from the elements in a controlled environment for increased safety. It is a great way to learn, and further develop your skills and endurance.
Belay Climbing
Climbing on Belay consists of 2 person teams, 1 climber 1 person on the ground controlling the ropes for safety. The equipment includes belay device, a harness on both the climber and the person on the ground, and ropes specially designed for climbing.
There are several types of belay device each with its own pro's and con's. I'll leave the details of each of these to the experts, but the most common types are the figure 8 belay, Tubular belay, and auto locking belay. You'll find more information on each of these at the links provided on this page.
The figure 8 follow through knot is the most common used to "tie on" to the belay rope. You would be at an advantage if you are already familiar with this knot at your first lessons. This site gives you a clear picture on tying this important knot. Learn the Figure 8 Follow Through Knot
Bouldering
Bouldering is climbing on low walls, overhangs, or cross-country on walls. Cross-country climbing is a name for bouldering when you move horizontally across the climb rather than vertically scaling the wall itself. When bouldering your feet may never actually leave more than a few feet off of the ground, but the challenge is still there. Bouldering is a great training activity because you can do it alone, and without any equipment.
Route classifications (Degree of Difficulty)
Almost all sport climbs in gyms as well as outdoors are classified using the Yosemite Decimal System. This system was developed by the Sierra Club to help climbers to know how difficult a particular route is in comparison to others. For example a 5.3 route is considered far easier than a 5.10 (extremely technical). All climbing has a class. Class 1 is hiking. Classes 2 - 4 are still hikes, but get more technical. Class 5 is vertical climbing that we know as rock and ice climbing.
Class 5 climbs are broken down into decimal grades since climbs within this range can vary based on the steepness of the wall, number and size of foot and hand holds, and area's of inverted climbing.
- 5.1 to 5.5 - Beginners to intermediate
- 5.6 to 5.8 - intermediate climbs, increasing in difficulty
- 5.9 to 5.10 - Advanced climbing including some overhangs/inverted climbing
- 5.10+ - Expert
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