How To Rock Climb
- February 6, 2008
- 507 Views
Contributor
Clark
Contributor
Maria Ly
Contributor
gabriel
Exhibit A: rock..Exhibit B: you climbing it!
This is a quick intro for all you out there who want to rock climb. Anyone can climb – it’s fun, it’s safe, it’s glorious!
Climbing flavors (indoor and outdoor):
- top rope
- bouldering
- lead
- trad (traditional)
You Will Need
- 1 Climbing Partner
- 1 Climbing Harness
- 1 Pair of Climbing Shoes
- 1 50 - 70m Climbing Rope
- 1 Belay Device (ATC)
- 1 Locking Carabiner
- 1 Chalk Bag
- 1 Helmet (for outdoors) (optional)
- 12 Quickdraws (for leading) (optional)
- 30 Trad Gear (Wedges, Nuts, Cams, Hexes) (optional)
- 2 Slings (for toprope setup) (optional)
- 4 Carabiners (for toprope setup) (optional)
Step 1: Safety Check - you, equipment & partner's too
Be safe by being mentally prepared to climb!
Be safe by checking all your gear for functionality!
You’ll want to do this for your gear before and after you’ve properly suited yourself up for the climb!
Of course, you’ll be climbing with a partner. Make sure your partner’s ready and safely equipped too.
Step 2: Put on your rock climbing shoes & harness
Shoes must fit and some prefer a tad snuggish…
Harness waist and leg loops must be secured and double-backed.
Step 3: Double figure-of-eight knot (figure-of-eight loop)
With your rope, create a figure-of-eight knot: http://www.abc-of-rockclimbing.com/climbing-knots/figure-eight.asp
Loop the tail end up through two direct points on your harness (main front waist & leg) then follow the rope back through the eight like this: http://www.hightrek.co.uk/climbing/how2/eight.htm
Your rope makes 5 parallel lines.
Step 4: Tie a back-up knot with remaining rope
Use the remaining rope to secure a back-up knot. This knot points away from your initial figure-of-eight loop.
Step 5: Get on belay!
Your partner should have you on belay before you climb, of course ;p
Step 6: Scope out your route
Take a look at your route.
Notice the hand and foot holds.
Form a climbing strategy with a trail that suitable for your bod!
Step 7: Safety Check & Climb On!
Start holding the first rock, normally labeled the name and difficulty of the route.
Beginners luck:
- try to use your legs as much as possible (it’s actually not all about upper body strength, a common misconception)
- keep arms extended in your rest positions so you don’t expel unnecessary energy!
- scope the route first so you don’t end up in a compromising position that’s hard to fix
- rest at strategic points w/ good holds
Rock climbing was invented in the late 1800’s in Europe.
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Comments (0)
Hire a professional instructor before you climb on your own! http://www.becknology.com
over 3 years ago by neekwan
Or go with skillful friends who are very familiar with the climbing areas. Once you have safely climbed outdoors with friends or guides, you will gain the confidence and know-how to go on your own. Here's a mashup of the best climbing guidebooks / resources mapped to top climbing destinations in the world: http://www.climber.me/climbing-destinations/
over 3 years ago by maria
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