Posted by admin | Sports And Fitness | Posted on November 19th, 2009
If you have never been rock-climbing before, it is a good idea to get some rock-climbing instruction before you attempt anything crazy. There is much to learn about rock-climbing, and it can be a dangerous sport. It is in your best interest to get some rock-climbing instruction.
You can get rock-climbing instruction from qualified instructors at a climbing gym, a rock-climbing club, or a rock-climbing package that includes some rock-climbing instruction as well.
You will begin with a basic rock-climbing instruction where you will learn about the fun, but more especially, the safety procedures that are involved in the sport of rock-climbing. This class will cover the essentials for climbing steep rocks safely. The basic rock-climbing instruction class is valuable for those who want to pursue mountaineering. You will learn about knots, anchoring, belaying, communication signals, climbing techniques including rappelling and the rating system. These rock-climbing instruction classes are usually taught on a low-angle, moderate rock good for those just beginning.
The next phase of rock-climbing instruction is where you complete a series of climbs with a wider range of more challenging climbing techniques. You will learn the subtleties of edging and smearing. These techniques are used in face climbing. With this type of rock-climbing instruction, you will learn about jamming and liebacking, which is used in crack climbing. You may also be introduced to anchoring basics using nuts and camming devices in this type of rock-climbing instruction.
You can learn rescue basics when you take rock-climbing instruction too. This rock-climbing instruction will give you the tools you need to get you or your climbing partner out of some tough situations you may find yourself in, using just the gear you would normally have with you. You will learn how to retreat from a route, rappelling safeguards, how to tie-off a climber who has fallen and how to escape a loaded belay. You may also learn rope-ascending techniques called prussiking, and you will learn basic lowering and raising techniques when you take this type of rock-climbing instruction class.
You can take many other kinds of rock-climbing instruction classes. You will never be done learning all the techniques and moves it takes to be a great rock-climber, but taking a rock-climbing instruction class will certainly get you closer to that goal.
Posted by admin | Sports And Fitness | Posted on October 22nd, 2009
Rock climbing is the act of climbing vertical rock structures. As a rule, climbers make use of various devices and safety tools exclusively designed. Agility and balance, strength, mental control and endurance are necessary to be able to take on difficult and hazardous physical dares, as well as understand the various rock climbing methods. It is very important to make use of vital equipment and mechanisms. You can sort out rock climbing into two wide groups namely free climbing and aid climbing.
Free climbing
In free climbing, the climber makes use of just the natural characteristics and the specific shape of the rocks.
Aid climbing
Aid climbing entails making use of artificial pieces of equipment located in the rock to hold up all or some fraction of the climber’s body weight, and on an average is carried out on rock formations that do not have the required natural characteristics appropriate for free climbing.
Other types of rock climbing
Lead climbing
Lead climbing is a method where the lead climber or leader is strapped at one end of a rope and it is their partner’s responsibility to belay him or her. After doing that, the climber climbs up the path, and once in a while lays some kind of protection for safety just in case the climber tends to lose his or her balance and falls.
Traditional lead climbing
Traditional lead climbing, also known as ‘Trad lead climbing’, generally makes use of detachable protection. However, in addition it might utilize fixed bolts in case these were connected on the lead. It is like lead climbing and the climbing group starts at the base of a mount and climbs to the top, with the help of the leader placing protective pieces of equipment in the rock while he or she climbs. God forbid, if the climber falls; he or she does not balance on the rope.
The person is lowered to a standpoint or the ground to begin all over again. This manner of protection and rock climbing advancement highlights the features of the activity and the need for courage. Trad leading is thought to be the best method, as the climbers go behind the leader, known as the ’seconds’. It does away with the protective pieces of equipment apart from permanent bolts installed on the lead and leaves minor hints of the route.
Sport lead climbing
Sport lead climbing is also a type of lead climbing that involves the use of pre-installed lasting bolts for safety. This liberates the leader from carting along too many devices and he or she just clips onto the bolts with rapid draws. On the other hand, lasting and protective equipment such as bolts and fixed pitons are known to get displaced or rot in due course and as a result turn out dangerous and risky for the leader. Difficult climbs generally lead to a lot of falls and breaks prior to being completed.
Top rope climbing
Top rope climbing also known as top roping and involves hanging a rope from an anchor that is placed at the peak of a small climb. The climber is protected by his belayer who clings on to the rope either at the top of the path or at the foot of the climb.
Posted by admin | Sports And Fitness | Posted on September 13th, 2009
Have you considered giving the sport of rock climbing a try, but dont know where to begin to learn all you would need to learn to be a rock climber? Look no further than an indoor rock-climbing wall.
An indoor rock-climbing wall allows you to learn in a safe and secure environment where a fall from the wall wont mean a fall to your death. You can find an indoor rock- climbing wall at any rock climbing gym. These types of gyms have become quite popular, so there are many of them around. To find one is easy, just look in your local yellow pages, or do some research and find a rock climbing gym online.
You will love learning on an indoor rock-climbing wall. A fully trained and experienced staff is usually on hand when you join a rock climbing gym. There you will be surrounded by people who share your interest in the sport of rock climbing. People of all rock climbing experience levels will be there, not just pros.
When you learn rock climbing at an indoor rock-climbing wall at a climbing gym, you will become familiar with all the safety techniques and procedures that are involved. They are many, as rock climbing is not always the safest sport. You will have to make quick decisions and be light on your feet and ready for anything, when you go rock climbing.
At an indoor rock-climbing wall at a climbing gym, you will become familiar with the terminology that is used and all of the gear that the sport entails. It can be a costly sport with having to buy special shoes, harnesses, ropes, and backpacks to name just a few. You dont have to be particularly athletic to enjoy rock climbing; you need to be graceful and light on your feet.
Anyone at any age can learn to rock climb. All it takes is the desire and some determination. The best place to perfect your moves and techniques is at an indoor rock-climbing wall at a rock climbing gym. It will be there that you will get ready to take on your first sheer cliff challenge.
Posted by admin | Sports And Fitness | Posted on August 2nd, 2009
Rock climbing can be divided into two main types i.e. indoor and outdoor rock climbing. There are a variety of styles of rock climbing. Two of the most common styles are: The Traditional and Sport style. Rock climbers use other styles too. Most of them prefer to use the style that suits them the best. This article will provide you with the different styles of rock climbing and its features.
Traditional style:
Traditional rock climbing is also commonly known amongst climber as trad climbing. A traditional rock climber is known as trad climber. This style involves exploration and establishment of new routes. This style requires a lot of skill including self control, gear placement, route finding, down hill climbing, etc. This style came into existence before the sport style of climbing. This style is unaided with permanent anchors to help while ascending. It is more physically and mentally challenging than sport climbing. A trad climber uses a rope and places nuts and hexes in crevices to ensure safety.
Sport style:
Sport style of climbing unlike traditional climbing lets the climber use permanent anchors for protection. These anchors are fixed to the rock face to assist the climb. Sport climbing requires gymnastics abilities, endurance and strength. Sport climbing is safer compared to traditional climbing. The gear too is different. It includes bolts and quick draws i.e. a small sling, which has carabiners on both ends. Sport climbing can be both indoor as well as outdoor. Indoor sport climbing developed because climbers wanted to practice climbing throughout the year.
Bouldering:
This style of climbing requires the climber to have great strength, endurance and concentration. The climber needs to use all these skills to work a way through the boulder route. This style is more dangerous and requires experience. This style is practiced indoors as well as the outdoors. While bouldering, climbers usually do not get their feet a couple of feet above the ground surface. Bouldering does not include any ropes or belay placed at the bas of the cliff. The only gear required for this type of rock climbing is shoes, crash pad and chalk. Bouldering involves a series of problems known as routes. These routes are series of moves a climber needs to practice over and over again. Additional moves will increase the challenge. It is advised that bouldering should not be done at great heights.
Solo style:
The solo climbing style is the most dangerous style of climbing. It is also considered by most of the climber as the freest style of climbing. This is so because the climbers climb alone i.e. without any partner, protection or rope. This style of climbing is best left to the experts. The main aim of such a climb is to reach the summit.
Ice climbing:
As the name suggests, this style of rock climbing includes climbing on ice. One does not need to be told that it is going to a cold climb. Ice climbing means climbing a vertical wall of ice and this ice wall may be formed by a frozen waterfall. The tools required for ice climbing are quite different from the tools used in the other styles of climbs.
Posted by admin | Sports And Fitness | Posted on July 11th, 2009
Rock Climbing is a sport that involves climbing precipices and scaling rock faces. Often pursued as a hobby, rock climbing includes the usage of specialized equipment and techniques.
Rock Climbing can be conducted using a variety of different variations and styles. Among the most popular styles, enthusiasts and athletes use traditional Rock Climbing and Sport Climbing. Given below is an overview of the variety of styles that can be used in Rock climbing.
Traditional Climbing
Traditional Climbing is a conventional method of climbing rocks. An old style of free climbing, Traditional Climbing involves climbing on routes without artificial tools and external support, to aid the climbers in their ascent. To engage in this method, the athlete need to improve on his technique, as the climber’s body and some pieces of Passive Protection like Nuts and Hexes are used.
With such low levels of protection and minimal usage of tools, traditional climbing is slow-paced and more strategical. This has made this form of free Climbing, become popular as “Adventure Climbing” in Australia.
Features of Traditional Climbing:
. Traditional climbing offers it climbers, freedom of technique and customization of rock climbing routes. This freedom is more extended, with the availability of protection and hi-tech equipment.
. This is the only style of climbing that emphasizes on technique and proper usage of safety equipment and protection. The style teaches the climber, distribution and positioning of tools with maximum efficiency.
. Traditional climbing improves a climber’s capability of making quick strategical judgments. It also insists on teamwork, as it is carried out in groups, usually with a leader and be-layer (the one who retrieves the tools after the climb).
Sport Climbing
Sport climbing is the only form of rock climbing that includes investments and sponsorships. A professional sport, this form of rock climbing includes predetermined routes that have permanent bolts and anchors attached on the rock wall.
In sport climbing, a rope is used to assist the athlete. The rope is attached to each athlete’s climbing harness with the belayer handling the loose end. Generally, the distance between each bolt is eight feet but can be decreased to improve speed. At the peak of each route, an anchor is placed to accommodate a variety of equipment.
The element of danger in Sports Climbing is greatly reduced as the sport highlights the gymnastic and athletic aspects of Rock Climbing. Though Sport Climbing does not include strategy, it does require overall development of stamina, strength, and flexibility.
Mountaineering:
Popularly known as Alpinism, Mountaineering is a form of climbing that involves climbing mountain slopes and trekking trails. It requires athletes to scale higher altitudes, which may last for days and even months.
There are three basic forms of Climbing based on the condition of tracks:
. Rock Climbing, or rock-craft that is popular among amateur Climbers.
. Rock craft includes climbing rocky slopes and avalanches.
. Snow and Ice Climbing, experts prefer snow-craft, which is also known as, Snow and Ice Climbing and it involves a more dangerous Climb as it includes routes with glaciers.
. Mixed Climbing is a combination of rocky and icy routes. It is an extremely hazardous form of Rock Climbing that requires training and experience.
Posted by admin | Sports And Fitness | Posted on July 2nd, 2009
To participate in the sport of rock climbing, you dont have to be a super athlete. It is more a sport of grace and balance rather than one of strength. What is the allure of rock climbing anyway? You will usually come away from an encounter with ripped hands and various scabby body parts and there will be times where you will be scared out of your wits. For many people it is about exploring the natural world around you and finding the strength and perseverance buried deep inside of you.
How do you get started in the sport of rock climbing? You dont need to be young or overly fit. Many people begin climbing later in life and there are excellent climbers of all ages. Climbing is not only about strength either. There have been many men who have been humbled, by a graceful female, and the apparent ease with which she clambers over the rocks. Rock climbing is mostly about balance and knowing your body, and how to reposition it in space. You have to be creative when you are rock climbing because you have to adapt to what the rock you are climbing has to offer you. Your legs and feet are your most important tools for getting you up, though your upper body gets a fairly good work out as well.
Rock climbing is about overcoming your fear of the unknown. It is about learning to trust your instincts and your body to help you get through some rough patches. Rock climbing can be a solo sport or a social sport. The bond that exists between climbing partners is quite strong because you have to trust that person with your life, without questions and no mistakes are allowed.
It takes years of practice to perfect the basic moves. Rock climbing comes in many styles. Some basic rock climbing includes bouldering, free rock climbing, traditional rock climbing, indoor climbing, ice climbing, and alpine climbing. You can learn the basics of rock climbing at an indoor climbing gym before you make the move to the great outdoors. The sport of rock climbing is a sport that will leave you breathless from the beauty that surrounds you and proud of yourself for getting to the top unscathed.
Posted by admin | Sports And Fitness | Posted on June 22nd, 2009
Snow skiing is one of the most popular winter sports in the world. Millions of people hit the slopes every year for fresh air and fun, and a large percentage of them are beginners. This is a fun sport, but it is equipment-oriented. Without the proper ski gear it can be frustrating, discouraging, and even dangerous.
This article will help guide you in selecting the best equipment for your level and style of skiing. Skis are the single most important piece of ski equipment. Choosing the right pair of skis will help you get the most enjoyment out of your skiing time.
Your Skill Level
The most important factor in choosing a pair of skis is your skiing ability. Beginners and intermediate level skiers need skis that can be easily maneuvered, while experts require more specialized skis. When choosing a pair of skis, the variables include materials, type, length, shape, and stiffness.
Materials Used In Skis
Skis were originally made of wood, but very little wood is used in modern skis. The most common materials used today are aluminum and fiberglass. Other more exotic materials like Kevlar, carbon, titanium, and boron fibers are also used.
Skis are frequently made from a variety of materials to provide various degrees of flexibility and strength in the different sections of the ski. The core of the ski can be made of foam, wood or some other material. The tops and sides are usually made of aluminum and fiberglass. The base of the ski is a synthetic polyethylene, with edges of steel.
Type Of Skiing
There are several different types of skiing and, therefore, different ski designs. For example, cross country skis are longer and thinner than downhill skis, because they are made for gliding along straight paths, rather than making quick turns down a hill. Furthermore, downhill skis come in a variety of shapes and styles, depending on whether they will be used for freestyle, powder, racing or packed trails.
Length Of Skis
Most beginners start off with a pair of short skis because they are easier to turn; also some freestyle skiers use short skis. Longer skis are faster, so racers and expert skiers who like the challenge of a fast run use them. They are also suitable for a greater variety of snow conditions. Skiing ability, style, and the weight of the skier determines the proper ski length.
Various Shapes Of Skis
Skis come in various shapes to match the different types of skiing. For instance, skis that are narrow in the boot area are capable of making sharp, fast turns. Skis that are wider in the boot area offer more stability and will make broader turns. The overall length of the ski, when taken into consideration with the various shapes, results in skis with a wide range of characteristics.
Appropriate Stiffness
The stiffness of a ski is determined by the materials and shape. Shorter skis offer a greater maneuverability at the expense of high-speed stability, while longer skis are more stable at high speeds. Your skiing level and style will enable you to choose skis of the appropriate stiffness.
In Part 2 of this article we will examine tips for renting and buying the right skis for a successful and fun day on the slopes.
Posted by admin | Sports And Fitness | Posted on June 20th, 2009
Mountain bikes are specially meant for rough and rugged terrains. These extra traction and shock absorbing mountain bicycles are provided with fat knobby tires.
However, a full front and rear suspension is becoming quite a common factor nowadays with bikes meant for mountain rides. Some bikes of this particular variety are fitted with bar ends on the handlebars, but with recent trends the use of handlebars and extensions are becoming less and less popular.
Mountain bicycles have both 26 and 29 inches wheels. The larger wheels of this bike type have better rolling capacities over rocks and boulders. Moreover, wheels, which are larger in diameter, also bring about an enhancement in rotational weight giving way to stable acceleration.
Mountain Bicycles Kings On Rugged Roads
Based on suspension, mountain bicycles are broadly graded into four different kinds:
Bikes with dual or full suspension, These bikes have front suspension fork and rear suspension with a rear shock and linkage that is ready to make the rear wheels move on pivots
Hardtail bikes, These bikes have frames with no rear suspension and they are often supplied with front suspension forks
Soft Tail Bikes, These bikes have frames with small amount of rear suspension. The bikes are activated by flex of the frame rather than the pivots
Fully rigid bikes, These bikes have a sub-type of hardtail along with rigid fork system
The Different Types Of Mountain Bicycles
The Cross-Country Mountain Bike
This bike variety has small amount of suspension on the front or on the rear. These bicycles are comparatively light because they are constructed with lightweight materials both in frame construction and in components.
Some XC bike varieties of this particular type are without any suspension. They make use of rigid front fork that helps in saving weight. Here, the skill of the rider to pass through rough terrains is more important.
Freeride Mountain Bike
These are very similar to enduro bikes and emphasize more on weight and enhanced suspension. These bikes have ample suspension and they are mostly constructed with heavier materials. Freeride bikes are absolutely versatile and they are fantastic for uphill travel. The frame angles of such bikes are usually steeper in comparison to downhill bikes. Most freeride bikes are 30 to 45 pounds in weight.
Trials Mountain Bike
These are trial specific bikes. Most of these bikes are without any suspension. The contemporary trial bikes come without seats as most of the time the rider is out of the saddle. This bike is particularly lighter than other mountain bicycles and it weighs between 15 to 25 pounds. The lightweight makes it easier for the biker to maneuver the bike.
Single-Speed Mountain Bike
This is a kind of mountain bike with one set gear ratio. The ratio of the gear depends on the kind of terrain the bike crosses, the skill and strength of the bike rider and the size of the bike too. A single-speed bike is completely rigid having tough steel frames. If you want to ride a single-speed bicycle on mild to moderate cross-country terrains you have to be strong and active.
North Shore Mountain Bike
North shore mountain bike is genuinely constructed for rough and rugged land surfaces. A rider of this particular bike type has to exhibit lots of skill and balance while riding the bike. This bike is a wonderful combination of freeride and downhill bikes.
The other mountain bike varieties include Enduro Mountain Bike, Downhill Mountain Bike and Dirt Jumping Bike.
Most modern bikes meant for mountains have lighter and stronger frames with innovative design and form. The geometry of these bikes encourages vigorous riding over several obstacles like logs, rocks, wooden bridges and manually fabricated ramps. In the front, the bikes have three gears and it has 7, 8, 9, or 10 gears at the rear wheel position.
Some notable companies who have introduced the latest models of mountain bicycles include Fox, Manitou and Rock Shox along with other significant bike manufacturers. It is quite likely for you to make mistakes while riding a mountain bike. The mishaps generally take place due to equipment failure or misjudgment on the part of the rider.
Thus, several companies have come forward with protective gears referred to as armors to provide full protection from injuries. Some essential upper body protectors for riders include spine protector, full-face helmets and backpack hydration system.
It is quite an established fact that mountain bicycles are aptly designed following the present trend and demand. They are in fact the dream of every spirited and efficient mountain biker.
Posted by admin | Sports And Fitness | Posted on May 21st, 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
Posted by admin | Sports And Fitness | Posted on April 20th, 2009
A rock climbing gym is the perfect place to get you started in the sport of rock climbing. In a rock climbing gym, you can learn all the safety techniques and safety procedures you will need in order to be a successful rock climber. You cant just decide to go out and climb some rocks; that can be dangerous. You need to be aware of the perils you may encounter while rock climbing, as well as be properly outfitted when it comes to equipment. You can learn all this and more, when you join a rock climbing gym.
A rock climbing gym is a great place to meet new people who share your interest in the sport of rock climbing. You can find out where to purchase the best gear for the best prices, as well as find out about great rock climbing destinations.
A rock climbing gym is great for winter when it is too cold to rock climb; unless of course you are into ice climbing, but that is a whole other story. You can go to the rock climbing gym anytime, whether its raining or snowing or below freezing. You can practice the latest moves you have learned when you belong to a rock climbing gym, before you use it on the real rock face. You can perfect your techniques and get instruction on the best way to implement them.
A rock climbing gym allows you to climb whenever the urge hits. No planning for the weekend, and being disappointed if you are rained out, you can go and climb anytime you like when you belong to a rock climbing gym. You may be able to get discounts on some of your gear, and if youd like, you can join a rock climbing league or team, and begin competing in the sport of rock climbing.
The sky is the limit for possibilities when you decide to join a rock climbing gym. You will be among people who share your interest and wont think you are crazy for talking about rocks all day long. You can become a seasoned rock climber in no time, when you practice and climb at a rock climbing gym. Before you know it, people will be coming to you for advice.