Rock Climbing Wall

Rock Climbing: so You Want to be a Rock Climber

So you want to be a rock climber.  You’d like to climb a rock wall or maybe hang off the side of a rock formation somewhere.  Well, you’ll have several styles to choose from to do it.  It could be pretty easy and safe or you could seriously risk your life.  Either way, you’ll need to know exactly what you’re doing.

Rock climbing is climbing to the summit of a natural rock formation or climbing to the summit of a manmade rock wall.  It could also be climbing to a designated endpoint on a climbing route.  It doesn’t always mean that you’ve got to reach the very top.  A sectional climb like this is referred to as a pitch.  If you’re climbing several routes consecutively, it would be considered a multi-pitch climb.

Rock climbing has been around for nearly a hundred years.  Climbers have encountered many kinds of rock formations all around the world.  It’s not surprising then that rock climbing has branched into several more distinct styles.  Most of the rock climbing done today is considered to be a form of free climbing.  This involves using solely one’s own physical ability to climb.  Equipment is used but only as a means of protection from falling.

-  Aid climbing.  The safest method of rock climbing is aid climbing.  Equipment is used for all handholds and all footholds, meaning that the climber is assisted every step of the way.  When rock climbing first began, this method allowed for ascents that were believed impossible.  It was this fantastic enabling quality of aid climbing that helped to bring such interest to the sport.

- Bouldering.  This style of rock climbing involves short climbing routes that are near enough to the ground that a fall should not result in the climber’s death.  There is no rope or harness but, preferably, there is a helmet.  The only other option for protection is to use a bouldering pad (protective mat).  The climbing partner (an absolute necessity) on the ground usually directs the location of this pad, aligning it with the climber’s location.  The climbing partner is also the all-seeing eye that warns the climber of hazardous areas.

-  Top Roping.  This is probably the easiest and safest way to free climb.  A rope is already secured through an anchor at the top of the climb.  A belayer, your climbing partner, holds onto the opposite end of the rope, controlling any give or take while keeping it taut.

-  Lead Climbing.  This involves a lead climber who ascends with one end of a rope tied to his harness.  The belayer, the leader’s partner, holds onto the other end of the rope, giving or taking up slack as needed.  The lead climber sets up a belay system as she climbs, securing safety anchors for her partner to use, which is also the fail-safe system to catch the lead climber in case she falls.

If this is a multi-pitch route, the partner picks up the anchor points on the way up.  The climbers then proceed to the next pitch.  If it’s a single pitch, the anchor points are cleaned (taken out) on the way down by the last climber.  This is a great way to help keep criticisms at bay that rock climbers litter the natural landscape.  All climbers should live the creed:  Take nothing, leave nothing.

-  Traditional Climbing and Sport Climbing.  These methods of climbing are both styles of lead climbing.  The difference is in how the protection is placed.  In sport climbing, the anchors are already set.  You needn’t worry about placing them or removing them.  In traditional climbing, the anchors are placed as the climb progresses and then removed by the last climber.

-  Free Solo Climbing.  This is also called free soloing.  It is the most advanced form of rock climbing.  The climber uses nothing for protection.  No anchor points, no belay, no rope and no harness.  If he falls, he falls unencumbered all the way down.  It’s quite frightening.  Accidents, in this case, are tragic.  You’ve got to be fit, skilled and have great emotional and psychological control to do this successfully.  Be more than ready.  Be extremely more than ready.  Your life depends on it.

If you decide to free solo, be very weary of the weather.   The climbing may be going just fine and then it rains.  This could prove fatal to this kind of climber.  Dry, sunny days are what you want.  Don’t risk your life.

-  Deep water soloing.  The only “safe” method of free soloing is deep water soloing.  This is climbing done on sea cliffs over water.  While falling into the ocean beneath a cliff face seems better than falling on hard ground, it isn’t particularly safe.  You’ve got to be aware of the tides and of prevailing wave action, of submerged boulders or coral islands.  Not only that but, if you’re climbing more than 80 feet above the surface of the water, the impact alone could prove fatal.  Mind your elevation.

-  Indoor Climbing.  This designation is for all rock climbing done indoors.  Climbing is done on man-made rock climbing walls.  Any style is permitted, although not free soloing.  You’re required to wear and use all safety gear.  This would be the safest and most recommended way to learn how to rock climb.

There you have it, all the ways to rock climb.  It could be a highly dangerous activity where you risk your life at every moment.  Or it could be very safe and protected without worry.  Just use caution at all times.  And, please, don’t ever climb outdoors alone.  You know you’re just asking for it.

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Len Q. is a master blade sharpener and an adventurer who strives to protect the natural world.  If you would like to learn about

-  Knife Sharpening:  How to Sharpen Knives, Maintain and Store Them

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Find it here at www.MakeKnivesSharp.com.

All You Need To Know About Wall Climbing Holds

Seriously impressed with Spider-Man and his wall climbing skills? Then wall climbing is what you should do next. Started as a fun activity wall climbing has now taken a shape of professional sports where the rock climbers get their hand on experience before climbing a
real one.
Professional or Amateur wall climbing is now favored as a perfect indoor adventure activity which rushes adrenaline with the sheer joy and technique which requires both strength and flexibility. Climbing the wall is now a popular activity amongst the young and adventure lovers.
The best part of this activity is that you can have the adventure going on with utmost safety and inside your home or in your backyard. A climbing wall is a standard wall made of brickwork or in some cases hard plywood which is made according to standard designs with holds to climb or descend.
With proper safety gear this sport is the safest adventure activity wherein you can crawl the ceiling of your home as well. You can build the climbing wall with little efforts and a good budget or if you don’t want to use either you can simply rent the wall for your use.
If you have decided to have your own climbing wall you need to know a few important aspects of it. A wall just isn’t complete without adding an assortment of basic climbing wall holds. Holds are what your feet and hands “hold” onto so that you can advance upwards as well as descend.
The climbing holds are available in vibrant colors, pastels, and shades of swirling grays that actually look and feel like real granite rock outcrops. In all basic climbing holds definitely separate the good climbing walls from the great ones!
It is important to clarify when you’re purchasing basic climbing holds is whether or not your holds come equipped with t-nuts, bolts and screws. If they don’t, you will have to purchase the hardware separately, that may incur more cost to the built-up.
Something else to consider is the wall degree the holds have been designed to accommodate. For example, if you’re outfitting your 45 degree steep overhang, you definitely want to be sure the holds are designed for this. Usually you’ll find that basic rock climbing holds are sold in multi-piece kits, with each kit containing a differing number of mixed sizes and colors.
Sizes range from very small dime-sized holds to extra large. Some holds are ergonomically designed and these offer a more comfortable grip. Some holds are manufactured with a coating of UV protectant so that they can withstand the outside elements.
Consider purchasing stainless steel hardware if the holds will be used outdoors which are more durable and don’t whether out. Get going with the wall holds and experience the thrill of wall climbing in your own backyard.

Planning Vacation Trips For Holidays In Languedoc Roussillon, France

Languedoc Roussillon, one of the 26 regions of France is becoming a great tourist attraction. With the appealing areas such as the magnificent Pyrenees mountains, the miles of beautiful Mediterranean coastlines, the majestic Cathar castles including Carcassonne old city and walks through forests, valleys and mountains, Languedoc Roussillon has something to offer everyone for a holiday trip. You can make your holiday to Languedoc Roussillon more enjoyable with proper planning. This article has advice for where to go in Languedoc during different seasons.Winter Holidays in Languedoc RoussillonWith a range of runs from beginner slopes to black runs, the ski resorts including Puyvalador, Les Angles and Camurac are the perfect holiday destinations to visit in winter. People have a misconception that all the vacation attractions will remain shut for the winter, while some of the vacation spots will be shut for winter, many remain open, such as Carcassonne old city (an ancient settlement all built within the walls of a castle, which is highly recommended to visit, particularly off season, as in the summer holidays it can get rather crowded). Most museums, theatres and restaurants are also open throughout the year.Summer Holidays in Languedoc RoussillonWhen visiting Languedoc Roussillon in the summer, you will have 2 options. You can either stay close to the Mediterranean sea, where self-catering rentals and hotels can be more expensive, or you can opt for cheaper inland options. The advantage of staying inland is that the rental prices will be significantly cheaper. There are many rivers and lakes for swimming, as well as outdoor or indoor swimming pools in most of the larger towns. You will be well aware of the fact that there are many lakes (say) Arques lake, which takes 40 minutes or so to leisurely stroll around and has plenty of seating and picnic tables and Montbel. There is another lake near Carcassonne (called Carcassonne plage, which means beach in French), which has 2 beaches and takes a good 2 hours to walk round – this is a smooth path so biking or roller-skating round the lake is also possible.Languedoc Roussillon offers plenty of locations if you value your privacy too. There are countless numbers of rivers to swim in, including the river Aude, or one of its tributaries, such as the Salz. In the department of Aude some of the best attractions include the dinosaur museum in Esperaza (which is actually one of three museums that are part of the same group, the others being a hat museum and honey museum (though the honey museum is more of a shop).Food and Accommodation in Languedoc RoussillonCarnotzet, a restaurant in Couiza, Aude, is one of the best restaurants in the area and has a great selection of French cuisine. The Carnotzet is well signposted and is on the outskirts of Couiza near the Quillan side.In August there is a week long Folklore Festival with musicians, dancers and singers from around the globe. The festival starts in Quillan, with all the performers singing and dancing around Quillan’s town square and there are then regular shows in each of the nearby towns over the week (including Esperaza, Rennes-les-Bains, Couiza, Axat, Arques and Nebias). Toulouse is one of the larger cities in Languedoc and includes the Space Museum, which is very interactive and has rockets you can explore, shows and cinema presentations about space and lots of other attractions – well recommended and is large enough that you can enjoy a whole day there.Adventure in Languedoc RoussillonIf you enjoy walking we particularly recommend the walks around Hameau de Laval, Rennes les Bains and the Labyrinth at Nebias – a natural mineral formation which has a magical feel with a rock formation forming a kind of maze in the middle of a beautiful forest. As well as the labyrinth itself, there are plenty of walks nearby, including a 5 or 6 hour circular walk. Quillan is also recommended for l’Escalada – a practice climbing site where the river Aude has created an incredible cathedral of limestone in the mountains of the Pyrenees. There is also a Forest Grimp in Quillan, with ropes and cables suspended between a large area of trees to create many aerial games and rope pathways. You can also hire canoes and go white water rafting in Quillan.Traveling to LanguedocIf you’re flying to Aude in Languedoc Roussillon, there are 3 main airports – Carcassonne, Perpignan and Toulouse. The busses and train service in Aude tend to be punctual, however are only occasional. Car hire is available from a range of companies at the airports in Carcassonne, Perpignan and Toulouse.Bottom lineAude and Languedoc Roussillon have a wide range of vacation attractions for both winter and summer holidays – truly something to suit everyone.

Motor Home Enthusiasts Enjoy the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is an American landmark that everyone has to see at least once in their lives. It is one of the most popular motor home destinations in the United States.
You can see a picture of the canyon and get an idea of how beautiful it is, but it is nothing like actually sitting on the canyon’s edge and looking down.
The Grand Canyon is inspirational. When you look into its depths, the walls of rock chiseled over thousands of years lead you to contemplate how vast nature is. It is truly awe-inspiring.
You can watch the shadows creep along the buttes as the sun moves across the sky. It is a natural light show with changing colors.
The Grand Canyon has a south rim and a north rim. These two areas of the park are very different.
The south rim has more to do. There are lots of overlooks, hiking trails, museums, information centers, and lodging.
The north rim is somewhat more desolate, cooler and at a greater elevation.
Because the south rim is so popular, it is often crowded. During the summer months, you’ll see tourists climbing over each other to get a look at the breathtaking view. If you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to go during the off-season, in the winter or fall. Many prefer the north rim, where there are fewer people and you can enjoy the peace and quiet.
The most popular activity on this kind of trip is backcountry hiking. While you’re hiking, you will see rock formations and views few have seen before. Hikes range from day trips to overnight backpacking adventures. Hiking here is very strenuous so be prepared.
It can also be dangerous. There are temperature extremes similar to the desert: very hot during the daytime and very cold at night. This is desert hiking at its most extreme; bring plenty of water and food. You also have to know when to take a rest. Before setting off on a backcountry hike, make sure that you are fully prepared, and it can be a wonderful adventure.
Getting a spot at one of the popular campsites during the summer tourist season can be a challenge. Wherever you plan to stay, you should make reservations in advance if possible. If space is important, you might try sites a little ways away from the bustle.
North Rim Campground
At the North Rim Campground, you can be right on the north rim, just minutes away from some wonderful hiking. The North Rim Campground has no hookups and very limited services. However, this site is as close as you’re going to get.
The North Rim Campground fills up quickly because of its prime location, so it’s a good idea to book your stay well in advance. They take reservations as early as five months ahead.
Demotte Campground
For a little more luxury, try the Demotte Campground, about 15 miles from the north rim. They allow small RVs, but there are no hookups. There is a convenience store, restaurant and flushing toilets. You can also be close to hiking trails and horseback riding activities.
The Demotte Campground doesn’t take reservations, and it fills up fast. It can be a gamble. But, it’s well worth it because the high elevation of the campground ensures that you’ll have nice cool sleeping weather.
Desert View Campground
Desert View is located on the south rim, and named after one of the south rim’s most famous lookout points. It’s 25 miles from the canyon, and operates from May until October. There are no hookups for your motor home, but the low nightly charge and proximity to the canyon make it well worth it. They don’t take reservations.
The Grand Canyon KOA
If you want to spoil yourself a little, why not try the Grand Canyon KOA? It’s actually a ways away, just north of Williams, Arizona. But it is a comfortable and not that far away, and features fun amenities like barbecues and an indoor pool.
The Grand Canyon is truly one of the wonders of the world, and it makes for a great motor home holiday.

10 Things to Do and 10 Places to Go to for Healthy Living in New York, Ny

New York is the largest city in the United States. It lies at the mouth of the Hudson River occupying the southernmost extension of the New York State. It is a complex assortment of islands. With these facts, you will definitely get a panoramic view of the entire city. Other than this, you may also get to places where healthy living is offered.1. Chelsea Piers. This 30-acre sports and entertainment complex embraces multifunctional facilities for recreation. This is an ultimate place for any sport enthusiast. It has football fields, a boxing ring, an indoor race track and basketball and volleyball courts. This is better called as a one-stop health and fitness club.2. Hudson River South. After enjoying the wonders of Chelsea Piers, you may run on a five-mile stretch back and forth Battery Park City. This spot is also ideal for kayakers, skaters and cyclists as well. 3. Loeb Boathouse. March to November is convenient months for gondola rides along the rivers of New York. You could bring your family and friends along with you as you explore the waters while doing your own boating activity.4. Wollman Rink. Located at Central park, this is regarded as New York best outdoor spot for skaters. Rates vary depending on the age of people who want to play but the idea of fun will surely be coupled by a few sweats dropping from the body. 5. Lasker Pool. Central Park must have given out the best in every healthy adventure. With the Lasker Pool in the place, you are about to enjoy swimming. Stretch those hands and start moving your feet as you swim to and from the ends of the pool.6. Central Park Drive. This is a 6-mile run and walkway for people who want to achieve a healthy lifestyle in New York. Walking and running is always known to be healthy for the heart. Circling around the park through this drive will bring out the marathoner spirit in every individual.7. Golf Club. The hitting stalls found in the Golf Club are set on four levels of fairways. Hitting a few golf balls will surely energize you as well as freshen up your entire body. This is a good place for amateurs to practice the craft.8. The Sky Rink. This rink gives a view of the Hudson River. Initially made for skating, the place is also conducive for hockey games. It is a good place to start organizing skating activities for your officemates. Try this out for one day and you will surely get back.9. Field House. Wall climbing is an activity which has been out for years now. Rock climbers or a team may enjoy the 30-foot indoor provision for said active game. Finding your way to the top is never the same with the tactics you need to learn before you actually reach it. 10. Toga Bike Shop. Biking is not allowed at Central Park but there are a lot of other places where you could do cycling. Just rent a bike from the Toga Bike Shop and the pleasure is all yours for $30 a day. With this very reasonable rate, you could track downtown at your own pace.