| Are you thinking of taking up the sport of climbing? | | | | accident. Most instructors will tell you not to free solo |
| It is surely an activity that is exhilarating and exciting. | | | | especially if you or not an advance climber. There is |
| It's not for everyone as it is a sport that is physically | | | | still the appeal for those who are adventurous. |
| demanding and not for the faint of heart. Climbing is | | | | Rock climbing incorporates methods of trad climbing |
| not simply one activity; there are many different | | | | with the use of a standard rack. A rack is the set of |
| types of climbing and many times a climb consists of | | | | gear the climber uses to perform the climb. The rack |
| two or more types of climbing. There is bouldering, | | | | is made up of such gear as ropes, harnesses and pro |
| free soloing, sport, traditional (or trad), aid, alpine, and | | | | (protection). The rack is used in different ways |
| ice climbing. Familiarizing yourself with these types of | | | | depending on the climb. In trad climbing it is almost |
| climbing will aid you in determining which you prefer | | | | entirely used to for protection against falling. With aid |
| and what type of climb is right for you. | | | | climbing the gear is used to perform the climb. For |
| Bouldering is climbing over boulders, as the name | | | | example, vertical climbing up a rock face with no |
| suggests. The only equipment required in bouldering is | | | | holds requires the equipment to scale it. |
| usually a "crash" pad to protect you against falls. | | | | Alpine and ice climbing is much different from other |
| While this type of climbing requires less equipment | | | | forms of climbing. You must be an experienced |
| and training than other forms of climbing, there can | | | | climber to enjoy this type of activity since it requires |
| be risks. Crash pads made of foam provide a cushion | | | | great skill and endurance. Not only will you generally |
| in case there is a fall. Sometimes a spotter is used | | | | be away from civilization for several weeks but you |
| who can move a pad if a climber falls; in essence | | | | will be enduring extreme temperatures. For most |
| catching the falling climber. There is no special | | | | enthusiasts, ice climbing is the ultimate experience. |
| footwear required for bouldering; traditional rock | | | | Climbing consists of many different types of |
| climbing shoes are generally used. | | | | activities. While experience is needed for much of it, |
| Free soloing is a type of climbing that is popular but | | | | you can get started by joining a climbing gym and |
| more risky as very little equipment is used. There is | | | | taking classes. Remember that although not |
| nothing to aid your travel up the mountain or protect | | | | absolutely necessary you may also learn how to read |
| you from falls. Since it is done alone there is no one | | | | a map before you actually go for your climbing |
| to administer first aid or get help in case there is an | | | | adventure. |