| Are you interested in adventure and the great | | | | hike in the woods you've probably just worn sensible |
| outdoors? Do you like to push yourself and enjoy | | | | shoes and layered clothing but climbing is much |
| the rewarding feeling that comes along with it? | | | | different. Temperatures are much more extreme |
| Mountain climbing is one of the most exciting and | | | | when you're climbing to high altitudes. You may start |
| exhilarating activities. Imagine traveling to a tangible | | | | off in warm weather and end up in sub zero |
| goal of a snow capped, cloud shrouded mountain | | | | temperatures. Injuries are more common in climbing |
| looming in the distance. You can't learn climbing by | | | | then other activities due to the nature of the sport. |
| reading books or by trial and error. It is a risky sport | | | | You'll need to know how to administer first aid; some |
| and that risk increases if you don't know what you're | | | | minor but some more advanced since there won't be |
| doing. While becoming an expert can take years, you | | | | medical help on the mountain. There is the common |
| can learn the basics and with a little experience you | | | | risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) which is an |
| can enjoy this magnificent sport. There are some | | | | altitude sickness and frostbite. Both of these are |
| basics that will be required before you start off. First | | | | serious but can be avoided or cured with some |
| off, you must be physically fit and able to endure | | | | training. You'll need to "learn the mountain". This is a |
| extreme exercise. This doesn't' mean you have to be | | | | common phrase in climbing and it refers to studying |
| a marathon runner but you should have enough | | | | the weather conditions and patterns of possible |
| muscle development in your arms and legs to carry | | | | disasters such as when avalanches generally occur. |
| your body weight long distances. You must learn | | | | Two climbs may be of the same altitude but they |
| about the gear that is involved with climbing. It | | | | could be very different for a climber so it's necessary |
| includes ropes, harnesses, belay devices, protection | | | | to do your homework and "know the mountain". |
| gear and much more. Knowing all their functions, how | | | | Climbing is an exciting a rewarding sport but it's not |
| to use them, and practicing with them is critical. | | | | something to rush in to or take lightly. Take a class |
| Unless you've been in the boy scouts or the Navy, | | | | and practice your techniques before embarking on a |
| you'd be surprised at how many different kinds of | | | | climb. |
| knot there are. In climbing you'll need to learn several | | | | Leroy Calstard regularly makes informative papers on |
| different methods. Each type of knot serves a | | | | information on Moraira and Costa Blanca. You might |
| different function; some provide slack and allow | | | | see his articles on car hire in malaga airport and |
| movement while others will hold your weight. You | | | | Moraira on his site. |
| also need to know what to wear. If you've taken a | | | | |