| Rock climbing is an exhilarating sport and one that is | | | | from more densely populated areas. It's one thing to |
| growing in popularity. Today, people of all ages are | | | | want to climb in an uncrowded area, but should an |
| taking up this fun but physically demanding activity. | | | | emergency situation develop, being close to others |
| Many aspects of rock climbing appeal to those | | | | could mean the difference between getting timely |
| partaking in this sport, but one thing which stands out | | | | help and not getting the help the injured party needs |
| most is that this is an activity that can be done both | | | | to survive. |
| indoors and out. | | | | Many people mistakenly believe that the majority of |
| Man-made rock climbing walls are perfect for training | | | | rock climbing injuries result from falling. This belief |
| and for when the weather conditions outside are less | | | | might simply result from the fact that rock climbers |
| than desirable. Indoor rock climbing walls are a great | | | | who fall get more attention from local authorities, |
| way to learn the various rock climbing techniques | | | | rescue squads and even the media. However, most |
| while being under the careful watch of more | | | | rock climbing injuries occur to the hands, tendons, |
| experienced rock climbing professionals. Because | | | | elbows and shoulders and are caused by straining and |
| they're made to resemble the characteristics you'd | | | | overuse. Although these types of injuries are not |
| find in a natural rock environment, many rock | | | | preventable, their occurrence can be reduced by |
| climbers never even venture outdoors. But for those | | | | taking time to properly warm up and stretch out |
| who do, the outdoors experience is truly unique and | | | | these body parts. Using the right rock climbing |
| awe-inspiring. | | | | equipment for the journey ahead is also advisable. |
| Countless rock climbing opportunities await those | | | | Rock climbing shoes are a must and help ensure a |
| who do venture outdoors. Not all rocks though are | | | | proper grip on the sometimes slippery surfaces. |
| optimum for the rock climber. First in importance is | | | | Helmets, which unfortunately aren't worn by many |
| whether the rock face can be traversed horizontally | | | | climbers, are a good way to prevent serious head |
| or vertically. Equally important is that the rocks | | | | injury. A rock climbing harness that is in excellent |
| chosen for rock climbing must be solid rocks and | | | | condition with no frayed or worn out parts, climbing |
| they must be stable. Also look for locations where | | | | ropes, webbing, karabiners and belay devices are |
| the weather is predictable, and where trails already | | | | other essential pieces of rock climbing gear. |
| exist. | | | | Keep the above rock climbing basics in mind before |
| Although this is a relatively safe activity if undertaken | | | | venturing out on your next rock climbing adventure |
| using the proper rock climbing equipment, rock | | | | and you'll hopefully keep rock climbing accidents to a |
| climbing can be a dangerous sport, especially for | | | | minimum. |
| those who venture far off the ground and away | | | | |