What do you know about rock climbing?

Rock climbing is exhilarating, challenging,healthy and fun activity. But it’s also a dangerous as many people think. But don’t worry, in this modern  era there is a safety equipment for every people who want to do this climb.

Rock climbing is not the same with mountaineering activity. Rock climbing is concerned with the movement of rock. Although many climbers also keen mountaineers, a growing number of rock gymnasts.

Rock climbing cant always be structured, because every rockface and every climbers is different and you will learn something evertime your hands and your feet are on the rock.

Well, that’s a simple introduction about rock climbing. Now I want to show you a little what must be prepared to do this activity for the beginner.

1.       Make sure you have faith and bravery.

It’s a dangerous activity to do. From above, watch the sky and if you are afraid of high, better not to do this, because it’s also dangerous if you stop in the middle of the hill. As the saying ‘don’t look down’. Well yes, you have to keep moving. Your mentality and your body must be though.

2.       Preparing the stuffs:

a.       Clothes

You need a comfortable suits.when you are going to a mountain always have the extra clothes for warm, windproof and waterproof, like a vest, trousers, fleecejacket and gloves.

b.      Boots

Your footwear is important. You will need a comfort and a good quality for your footwear. Like walking boots, trainers or rock boots.

c.       Equipment

Learn to use the equipment to someone who understand like a professional climbers or a guide of the local climbing shop, because this is important for your safety. Equipments like tape slings, karabiner, belay plate, descendeur.

d.      Protection

You get to know the safety equipment, like protection devices and procedures. 

e.      Knots and rope

Your climbing rope is the most important piece of safety. Climbers often use the prussik rope. And the standard lengths are 45m or 50m. You have to know the strenght of the rope that you use and signs of rope damage. You also have to know your knots. What knots you use. Like fisherman’s knot, clove hitch, figure eight, etc.

f.        Bags

It’s worth for carrying you gear, stuff and your food, and also your first aid box.

g.       Harness

Belt or harness are designed to spread the load in the eventof a fall. This for attach your climbing ropefor safety and comfort.

h.      Helmets

you must choose a helmet specifically for climbing, there are2 types of helmet, standard helmet and lightweight helmet.

3.       Getting to know the features of a rockface that you want to climb

There is so many features of a rockface. Well you have to studying the rockface,you will be able to identify more rock features. This enable you to plan out your chosen climb with much or less difficulty

4.       Learn the techniques

Well remember you are a beginner. You need a proffesional to be with you if you want to climb. There are so many techniques you have to learn. If you’re just want to learn the theory, learn from books. But let’s be honest, learning theory is good but never be good as much as you learn with practicing.

a.       Tying on

It is not enough to buy a good harness and safety rope. You must be able to connect the two securely. Like when you want to do the safety checks, once tied on you should go through a series of safety checks. Make sure that the knot securing the rope is tied correctly.

b.      Fixing anchors

You need anchors to secure yourself to the cliff when belaying and for protection. They must be reliable. Placing a sling around a tree or a small pinnacle rock is highly effective. The devices are fastened to a sling which is linked tothe climbing rope by a karabiner. Placing anchors practice should be demonstrated by an experienced climber.

c.       Belaying

Belaying is the basics of what you must know, it is a way of holding the rope for a partner, so you have the best chance of prevening them from hitting the ground if they fall.

d.      Basic hold

There are certain techniques you can use to make a good holds better and all kinds of hold safer. To be of use, a hold must be firm and within convenient reach. If you think it is loose, test it with a kick or a blow from the heel of your hand. No matter what the hold, avoid using your knees.

e.      Making the move

Any climbers involve a range of different moves. To find a safe route, you may go upwards, downwards or sideways. Move from one position tothe next position, if you cant, return to your original position and make a new plan.

5.     And lats but not leats,  know your self helping on your own

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ppictures source; google
dby. Learning Rock Climbing in a Weekend book