Is rock climbing your favorite hobby? As a beginner, the basic technique you need to learn is toproping. Toproping is one of the most easy, safe and approachable techniques. With an increasing number of gyms offering indoor climbing, it is always recommended to join an appropriate toproping course in any local climbing gym. You can also get a list of few gyms online.
Equipment required for basic indoor toproping: Shoes of a good quality are a must for climbing. Though it is possible to get equipment like climbing harness, carabiner and the belaying device from your local gym, it is always recommended to have your own set. You also need to carry a chalk bag. Don’t choose the most expensive shoes in case you are a beginner. As you are not aware of your foot techniques, you may end up destroying them. Ensure that you buy tight shoes so that your feet don’t slip, but don’t go in for very tight ones, as you need to be comfortable while climbing.
When you are selecting a carabiner ensure that you purchase a good pear-shaped locking carabiner. It should have a screw gate or a locking gate. The belay device is the most important equipment for climbing. You need to select one depending on the kind of climbing you are opting for. However, the auto blocking device proves to be the best option for the beginners. These auto-blocking devices automatically block a fall if the beginner tends to make any belaying mistake.
However it’s not a good practice to rely on this property of blocking device. A better approach is to opt for the trial of the various devices in a safe environment and then select the appropriate one that suits you the best. Don’t change the devices frequently as you need to get a feel of your own equipment.
If you are planning to buy a climbing harness, then you need to understand your climbing style and the future projects you plan to handle. A well padded harness is usually preferred for long climbs, but in case of pure sport climbs, a lighter harness is more comfortable. If you are not sure which one to choose, then first get them one by one on rent. The techniques involved in toproping are equally important along with the equipment used.
Toproping is done with the help of a climbing rope that is already run through a locking carabiner fixed to a rock-hard anchor at the top and in the case of indoor toproping these are built into the climbing wall. Always seek help from an experienced climber when you are climbing outdoors. The top-roping involves two ends of rope hanging down. One end of the rope is used by the climber and the other is used by the belayer. Once the climber reaches the top the belayer blocks the rope and allows the climber to lean on the rope.
. First and foremost learn to handle all your equipment.
. Learn all pros and cons involved in the belaying technique.
. Learn how to descend safely.
. Learn how to walk down a cliff while being lowered.
. To ensure safe landing, check the essentials before you start climbing.
Rock repelling is a form of rock climbing, and it is meant for those who are extremely adventurous and the true dare devils. But, it is always advised to attempt rock repelling under the proper guidance of professional rock climbers. No matter how good you are in this sport, you never know when danger lurks. Despite this, rock repelling seems to be a popular hobby and the preferred choice of many.
Rock repelling is done with two ropes. The main rope is attached to the anchor, and also has an equally secured rope running down the rappelling line, down the rock. The repellers secure themselves by attaching one more rope to the anchor via a connected descender. The belay loop is used to attach the descender to the harness. You need to follow the basic rules and the belay is set up as a back up for the repeller. You need to conduct all the prescribed safety checks before the repelling begins. Ensure that anchor is set up with the rope; also the anchor should be tightly secured. Do keep a back up in case of emergency. Do not forget to check the buckles and belay, they need to be secured and closed properly. The belay should be in place, before you start repelling.
Before you begin with rock repelling you need to plan certain things. Starting with the basic, make sure that you search for a climbing surface that suits your ability. Check if the weather is suitable before you start for rock repelling. For example, if it rains it is risky to repel, as the rock surface becomes slippery. So you need to take all the safety precautions and preplan before you begin with rock repelling.
Rock repelling is an adventurous and exciting experience, but it may turn out dangerous if you don’t follow the safety rules. So be a little cautious and enjoy the adventurous experience. Make sure the gates of the carabiners are closed and locked properly. Do not forget to set your descending device. Last, but not the least, check all the equipment you are going to use like helmet, shoes, gloves, kneepads and harness. You start by holding in your stronger hand the main rope right below the descender. Secondly, you put this hand at the side of your body, against or behind the hip. In doing so, you have just created a breaking system for yourself.
Once the repeller reaches the top, he controls the speed of the descent simply increasing the amount of friction on the line using the break hand. Finally when the repeller reaches the ground, he quickly removes the gear, to avoid any damage to the rope.
If you are really excited and are planning to attempt rock repelling, but are not sure how to go about it, then you can join any one of the several rock climber groups. You can find a list of such groups on the Internet. Also, if you want to learn all the basics of this sport and be more confident, then you can also select a course that helps you access the necessary maps, travel guides, guide books, atlases etc.
Without supervision and guidance, rock climbing can be a very dangerous sport. It requires a variety of equipment and gear, which are created to ensure safety. By learning, how to use the gear efficiently, a Rock Climber can protect him from injuries.
Climbing Ropes
A Single Rope- The most common rope used in rock climbing is the single rope, which can be used in a variety of techniques and routes. The single rope is popular among climbers for its simplicity, even though the maximum abseil achieved is half of the actual original rope length.
Twin Ropes- These ropes are used together as a single rope. The twin ropes aid during shock loading and thus suited for alpine climbing or routes where free falling is inevitable. By tying the twin ropes together, a full rope length abseil can be employed. The system is not as safe as the double Rope System, though the durability is the same.
Double Ropes- A double rope is extremely strong and durable and needs to be used in pairs. In a double rope, both the ropes are tied to each other and the entire rope is used in abseil.
Harnesses:
To add to the safety factor during rock climbing, a variety of climbing harnesses have been made available. Each of these harnesses is unique and created to aid both; amateur and professional climbers. Given below are different types of harnesses:
A Sit Harness- A sitting harness is often used to avoid the full body harness. The harness aids climbers, suffering from spinal chord or vertigo. It consists of a leg loops, waist belt and is worn around the hips. This type of climbing harness provides comfort for movement.
Chest Harnesses- The harness is used in avoiding injuries of the back, as it helps in climbing or descending with a heavy pack. It is advisable to use the chest harness and the sit harness together as it prevents inversion of the body.
Full-body Harnesses- A Full-body Harness is a readymade combination of the Chest-and-Sit Harness. The harness was specifically created to aid young climbers as well as adults with frail figure.
Climbing Shoes
Climbing shoes help rock climbers in enhancing their performance and in the application of technique. A variety of climbing shoes are available in the market that offers the climber control and safety. Given below are different types of footwear used in rock climbing:
The climbing shoes for ‘Edging Rock’- These types of climbing shoes have supportive coverings and shock absorbing material inside the shoe to avoid feeling sharp ‘edges’ or angular rock faces. These shoes are made stiff to assist mature climbers on mastering climbing techniques. These shoes possess an inner lining that protects the leg muscles, stops lactic acid formation in calves.
The Smearer Rock Climbing Shoes- A smeared shoes has a more modern make, offering flexibility and grip to the climber. These shoes are made for professional athletes that do not need assistance while climbing, thus accounting for the rounded edges on the shoes.
Climbing Slippers- A climbing slipper can grip overhanging rock faces, smaller holds and cracks. Made for strong feet and offers lesser protection internally.
