| If you are looking for an inexpensive extreme sport | | | | involves the fact there is nothing to save you if a fall |
| that is pure adrenaline and addicting, rock climbing | | | | occurs. At a minimum, we are talking broken bones. |
| may be just what you need. When you start out, | | | | In a worst case scenario, well, you can guess. As a |
| you are going to need to know some of the | | | | beginner, you should never, ever free climb. |
| following lingo. | | | | Bouldering refers to rock climbing on large boulders |
| Rock Climbing Jargon | | | | found in valleys and other areas around the country. |
| Rock climbing is one of those niche sports that gets | | | | Bouldering is both fun and a good place to practice |
| little publicity, but is incredibly popular. It also happens | | | | your technique. Boulders almost always have unique |
| to be one of the more adrenaline pumping things you | | | | angles and edges, which can make them technically |
| can get out and do. Since it is pretty much you and | | | | challenging. Since you are usually no more than ten |
| the face of a click, the costs are limited to shoes and | | | | feet off the ground, falling usually only damages your |
| the gear to keep you from falling to your death. Put | | | | pride. |
| another way, it isn't going to break the bank. | | | | Buildering is rock climbing on buildings. Insanely fun, |
| Eventually, however, you will start planning climbing | | | | but also illegal. Falling is not recommended. Buildering is |
| trips to Thailand and other exotic places, and it will | | | | definitely not for the beginning climber. If you ignore |
| cost a few bucks. Trust me, it is worth it. | | | | this advice, make sure to take your driver's license |
| If you are going to have a go at climbing, you need | | | | with you so the hospital will know who you are. |
| to know some of the basic jargon. Here we go... | | | | Chalk is a powder used by many to keep their hands |
| "Elvis" - refers to the reaction of newer climbers | | | | dry during climbs. The chalk is kept in a chalk bag on |
| when they first go beyond the comfort zone in the | | | | your waste. You dip your hands in as you need to |
| height of a climb. If you blow through 80 feet or so | | | | dry them off. If you are climbing in some remote |
| and start getting stressed, one of your legs may | | | | location, it is highly advisable you wash the chalk off |
| start to gyrate. It looks like you are dancing like Elvis, | | | | before driving home. Officers of the law, particularly |
| thus the name. To stop the Elvis, stop looking down | | | | Highway Patrolmen, often do not understand the |
| at the ground and take slow, deep breaths. | | | | difference between climbing chalk and other off |
| Free climbing is the art of rock climbing without | | | | white substances. I kid you not! |
| safety ropes. The advantage is it represents the | | | | As you can image, there are plenty of other rock |
| purist form of climbing and is a quicker trip than with | | | | climbing terms you need to know. The above list will |
| safety equipment. The disadvantage, of course, | | | | at least give you a head start on the process. |