Rock Climbing Wall » Mobile Climbing Walls

Learning To Get A Grip On Rock Climbing Shoes

admin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:20:10 +0000

A type of footwear specially designed and used for climbing rocks and cliffs are known as climbing shoes. These are also known as kletterschuh. The requirement while climbing a rock face is to increase the grip of the foot, as it acts as an anchor while climbing. Regular sneakers and trainers are not designed for this specific purpose. So, a first timer might use some basic hiking shoes, but if interested in rock climbing and planning to climb quite frequently, it would be advisable to invest in a good climbing shoes.
Climbing shoes are designed for the kind of enhanced grip that is usually required while climbing. For this, the shoe is covered with a rubber layer and is usually only few millimeters thick, to provide the required flexibility. The rubber protects the feet from sharp, rough rock. The increased friction, as compared to bare foot, provides more maneuverability. A climbing shoe should fit very tightly around the feet. A pair of climbing shoes usually looks like bowling shoes, but is specially designed with rugged material and firm grip.
Any person who has ever tried his hand at rock climbing would know the importance of toes when climbing, which at times might take more than half the body weight. The toes of climbing shoes are designed with soft rubber, keeping this factor in mind. The rubber feels sticky and provides maximum grip. A first timer would be really amazed to find the kind of grip that these shoes provide.
Apart from usual climbing shoes, there are certain special kinds of shoes that are used by climbers for a particular style of climbing. Various high performance shoes are soled with special vulcanized rubber, which becomes increasingly flexible with increased warmth due to friction while climbing. This provides additional grip due to increased surface area between shoe and the rock. The soft rubber gets frequently worn out by the rough rock and might need resoling from time to time. Some shoes come asymmetrically shaped, to enable the climber to stand on smaller ledges.
Climbing shoes cannot be usually worn for any other purpose. Climbers usually wear hiking shoes at the base of the rock and only put on the climbing shoes while climbing.
Earlier, climbing shoes were nothing more than modified hiking shoes with different soles. But over a period of years, with the advancement in material technology, climbing shoes have evolved a lot. Today the shoes are more carefully crafted, keeping in mind the requirements of climbing. Approach shoes, which are hybrids between climbing shoes and lightweight hiking shoes, are also gaining increasing popularity. Climbing rubber is extensively used in these shoes, which could be used for hiking and some basic climbing. These are more suitable to those who enjoy hiking and only occasionally climb, as the footwear can be comfortably used for long distances.
Climbing shoes should be worn fairly tight and its not uncommon for people to buy shoes which are one or even two sizes smaller than their regular shoes. There should be no extra space between the foot and the shoe, as this would cause the shoe to dislocate and would reduce the grip. Without being uncomfortably tight, climbing shoes are expected to fit snugly around the feet. Many climbers tend not to wear socks, as this gives increased grip and enables increasingly difficult moves while climbing. A pair of climbing shoes usually costs between $100 and $150.

Planning A Rock Climbing Trip

admin — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:26:44 +0000

Rock climbing is an act that requires a lot of mental control and endurance for coping with dangerous and tough physical challenges. It might sound a bit scary to climb rocks, but this sport has advanced a lot and has become fun and safe for everyone. It is a true test of endurance and strength. According to many people, rock climbing is personally very gratifying and exhilarating. There are several beautiful places for this and finding the right rock for climbing is half the fun. You can take on the sport indoors in rock climbing gyms for entertainment and practice too.
Planning a rock-climbing trip can be great fun. It is similar to attempting an adventurous trip. Some people prefer to rock climb to cut short distances and find fast routes. Some people are so adventurous that they attempt multi day big wall adventures. If you are a beginner, then you can take help from a guide and plan your trip after you have assembled all the required technical climbing equipment. The most important equipment that you need to take on such a trip includes a helmet, rope, chalk, shoes, chalk bag, karabiners and the belay.
Among several rock-climbing destinations, Colorado is very famous. Climbing adventurers like this place because there are approximately a thousand cliffs and crags that adorn the plateaus and peaks of Colorado. It is considered a paradise for all rock climbing enthusiasts. You can even get detailed information about good climbing areas in the state in certain books. Some other good places for rock climbing in the US are Texas and Mexico. These places attract climbers because of the high quality rock and facilities that are available all year round. You can even take help from brochures and guides for more comprehensive information on climbing history, detailed location maps, route betas and photos. These brochures also help you by recommending the necessary equipment, along with the information on how to approach descents and ascents.
Whenever you decide to go on a rock-climbing trip, it is advisable to get in contact with tour operators and travel agents and seek help from them. These concerned people can also be contacted for inquiring about possible locations. They can even provide you with guides who are experts in climbing rocks. The Internet can also prove to be very helpful in searching for appropriate venues. Several websites also offer ample information on the places and time best suited for such a trip. Some sites even allow you to plan for your next day rock-climbing trip.
Safety is a very important aspect that you need to consider when you climb rocks. Always make sure that you have the right equipment when you are rock climbing. It is always good to spend some time learning about the methods to apply and the equipment available. It is good to climb with a partner who you trust because there are chances that you may have to trust your partner with your life. Your trip can become all the more enjoyable if you go with your friends. Rock climbing is a social sport and very gratifying.

Rock Climbing Gear

admin — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:02:37 +0000

Broadly speaking, rock climbing is an act of ascending rock formations that are steep. Normally, gear and safety equipment especially designed for the climbers use this purpose. Mental control, strength and endurance are very essential in rock climbing, to cope with dangerous and tough physical challenges. It is also vital to have the required knowledge of climbing techniques and know the method of using essential equipment and gear. Although rock climbing is done outdoors, many cities are becoming home to indoor rock climbing gyms that can be used to match the skill level that is needed for outdoor climbing.
Rock climbing is a very exciting sport that involves challenge and a lot of physical exertion. However, it can be very dangerous if it is not done properly. Basically, there are two types of rock climbing:
. Aid climbing- In this type of climbing, gears such as ladders, ropes and bolts are used.
. Free climbing- In this type of climbing, no gear is used except for safety.
You need to use the right gear to make rock climbing easy and safe for you. Some of the basic equipment for rock climbing includes:
Rope, webbing and cord:
Ropes for climbing typically consist of a core of long and twisted fibers and an outer sheath of woven colored fibers. The core provides most of the tensile strength, while sheath acts as a durable layer, protecting the core. It also gives the rope some desirable handling characteristics. The two types of ropes are static and dynamic. Static ropes are not elastic and are usually used to carry or attach equipment. They reduce bounce and make it easy for the person to descend. Dynamic ropes have some elasticity and are used as belay ropes. Webbing is a flat rope without a core. It is made from exceptionally high strength material.
Carabiners:
They are metal loops with spring loaded gates that are used as connectors. Carabiners meant for recreational climbing are made of aluminum alloy. You need to select the shape of carabiners and type of gate, based on your specific requirement. Locking and non-locking carabiners are the two varieties.
Quickdraws:
This equipment is used by the climbers to attach ropes to bolt anchors and allow the rope to run through with less friction. This gear usually consists of two non-locking carabiners that are connected by a pre-sewn, short, loop of webbing.
Harnesses:
The equipment is used for attaching a rope to a person. Most of the harnesses that are used in climbing are worn around the waist, although other harnesses can be worn around the chest or full body. Sports climbers typically use minimalist harnesses, except with sewn gear loops. The Alpine climbers go in for lightweight harnesses with detachable leg loops.
Belay devices:
Belay devices are mechanical friction brake devices used when you are belaying. Belay devices allow careful control of belay ropes. The purpose is to let the rope lock with minimal effort.
Rappel devices (descenders):
These are like friction brake devices designed especially for descending ropes. Some of the belay devices can also be used like descenders. Rappel devices can be used just for descending, since it is not easy to feed rope through to belay.

Rock Climbing Techniques

admin — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:23:16 +0000

Rock climbing usually indicates climbing steep rock formations. A climber may or may not choose to use gear and safety equipment used in rock climbing. However, certain crucial gear and equipment is essential and generally used. Rock climbing requires great amount of physical strength, mental control and endurance, along with the knowledge of climbing techniques. Rock climbing is, in general, a dangerous activity and accidents can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities.
Originally an outdoor sport, many cities around the world have artificially created, indoor rock climbing venues popularly known as rock climbing gymnasiums. They can be modified to match the skill level needed for outdoor climbing and are increasingly gaining popularity among people. They are introducing new people to this sport, as it is seen safer than the outdoor version.
If the rock climber decides to use climbing gear, it would usually consist of a rope system, tying, belaying and lowering. Alternatively, some climbers use nothing but chalk powder on their hands, to avoid slipping due to perspiration. But for amateur climbers, it is essential to use climbing gear and also to use professional help to learn the tricks and techniques involved in rock climbing. This is required to avoid injuries and fatalities.
It is a common trend for climbers to work in pairs, with one person climbing and the other belaying. Belaying is the technique of controlling the rope such that if a climber falls, he does not fall very far. The belayers job is to feed the rope to the lead climber through a belaying device. The leader is one who climbs up and places protection in a continuous process. At this time, the belayer is ready to arrest the rope, in case the lead climber falls.
Rock climbing is broadly categorized as free climbing, and aid climbing. In free climbing, the climber uses only natural features of rock formation. In aid climbing, artificial device placed in the rocks are used, which support either complete or a part of weightof the climber. Aid climbing is usually practiced on those rock formations, where natural features required for free climbing are not available.
Free climbing is further divided into various categories according to the technique used. Some of them are:
. Traditional Lead Climbing mostly uses removable protection, but fixed protection may also be used at times. The team ascends, with the leader leading them and placing protective devices along the way. The climber, on falling, does not rest on the rope, but begins all over again. Many, as the cleanest style, see this style as the climber following the leader removes the protective devices and thus, hardly leaving any traces along the attempted path.
. Sport Lead Climbing uses pre-placed permanent bolts for protection. So, the leader does not have to carry additional devices and only carries some quick-draws to clip onto the already placed bolts. But this style carries its own risk, as the permanent bolts are likely to get dislodged or decay over a period of time. In case of a fall, the climber usually rests on the rope before beginning again.
In Top Rope Climbing the rope is suspended form the anchor located at the top of a short climb.

The History Of Rock Climbing

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:59:27 +0000

Rock climbing is an exceptional sport because when you are hanging off the face of a cliff, there really is not any other way to define it. Once you get the hang of it, then it is a fantastic experience. If nothing else, there is usually a great view!
Late 19th century marks the initiation of rock climbing. The earliest home for the rock climbers was Colorado and the place became famous for climbing at the turn of the 20th century.
During the initial stages, rock climbing was considered a part of mountaineering and mountaineers indulged in rock climbing as preparation for climbing expeditions. Initial climbers of Germany and Great Britain were crazy about this sport and set remarkable standards in climbing. Rock climbing gained popularity in the year 1920, in United States.
There are basically two main types of rock climbing techniques, aid climbing and free climbing. One of the most basic forms, a free climb is a climb without support. In a free climb, the climbers use their fingers to grasp the cracks, edges and flakes and they also use shoes made of sticky rubber soles for additional support. To prevent serous falls the climbers use ropes or other forms of protection. Free climbing was the only method during the early days. Earlier climbers used equipment only when they were unable to advance beyond a difficult move.
In aid climbing, the climbers use equipment and to support their body weight while they ascend on pitches they use ropes and hardware. Aid climbers also use pulleys and tools to move gear up the rock wall and slings or etires to rest in.
American climbers discovered that the piton, which they used in aid climbing considerably, damaged the rocks. This then led to the invention of slinging machine nuts, the alternative to the piton in the mid 1960s. During the early 1980s, they began combining the aid and free methods in France. This combination reduces the difficulty in climbing, thus making climbing styles much better.
Throughout the 60s and 70s, the United States was considered as the pioneers in rock climbing, and many dedicated climbers worked towards improving rock-climbing techniques. It was only recently that climbing was declared a sport. Nowadays, this sport now uses the most advanced climbing equipment, as compared to the older climbing techniques. As this sport is growing in popularity, climbers chose harder individual moves and harder routes. In the 1980s, a new safety gear was invented to ensure the safety of the climbers as the new trend was to undertake short ascents. Due to the introduction of indoor walls, rock-climbing techniques now this sport can be practiced without risking the hostile terrain outside.
During the recent years, due to success and tragedies associated with mountaineering activities, there have been tremendous improvements in climbing equipment. The sports popularity has resulted in some countries introducing climbing permits. The Access Fund is the national organization that helps climbers gain access to the climbing areas and also assists in handling the environmental problems associated with cliffs in the United States.

Basic Rock Climbing Terminology

admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:42:05 +0000

Thinking of enrolling for a rock-climbing event this vacation? Well if you are new to rock climbing, you need to access a lot of information on rock climbing, including the equipment required, the place to go for rock climbing and first aid manuals. You will also find yourself learning a new lingo!
That is right a new lingo, which is used by the rock climbing community. Most of the amateur rock climbers ignore this very important aspect and think that they will learn as they take the training and go for their first rock-climbing expedition. However, this is a very big mistake because if you are not accustomed to rock-climbing lingo, you may find yourself standing against more insurmountable objects than the physical ones.
Like many other sports, rock climbing has also evolved a language unique to the sport that the climbers must learn if they want to communicate with fellow rock climbers. What makes the terminology more interesting is that they do not have an obvious meaning. There are many rock climbing specific words and listing all of them here would be impossible, but given below are few terms that are more popularly used than the others:
Anchor-Not the one that is found on a boat, but it is equipment that is part of the climbing gear. It is equipment that supports the belay when climbing.
Belay-It is perhaps the most important equipment within the climbing gear. It is a rope anchor system that is used to provide support for the climber. The first climber often carries the belay and as he makes progress, he keeps on feeding out the rope to the succeeding climbers. Belay is run with the help of the friction system and it also has a mechanical break, which helps the climber from plunging to ground in case he falls.
Bouldering-This is the only term that means what it sounds. It means to find large size boulders and to practice climbing on them. Bouldering is the best way to learn climbing and it is also an excellent way to build up strength for the muscles for the advanced climbers. The climber can probably throw some pads around the boulder to cushion the fall.
Crimp-It is actually an art of trying to find a finger hold where there is not any.
Elvis-This is a physical condition, where the climbers legs begin to shake because of being tired or scared or even if the climber is listening to good music. The phenomenon is also known as sewing machine.
Face Climbing-This means to climb vertically, face up and towards the rock-using finger holds and edges to work ones way up.
Harness-This is a nylon device that is worn around the waist and legs and also tied off to the supporting ropes, to support the climber. It is advised to always put on the harness while climbing for safety.
Leading-The term is used for the first climber who is also responsible for determining the route, placing anchors and solving any problems. Clearly not meant for the amateur climbers.
Pitch-A pitch does not essentially means a vertical angle of rocks, but it is the distance between two belay points.

Strength Training For Rock Climbing

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:16:48 +0000

Rock climbing is one of the most exhilarating outdoor sports one can opt for. You can rock climb on a real rocky mountain or on an artificial rock wall, indoors. Rock climbing requires great skill, patience and above all the strength to climb rocks. Strength assists in improving the climbing ability, although it is no substitute for technique.
While climbing, one has to remember that before you start pushing and pumping your muscles for the strenuous rock climbing activity make sure that you have enough endurance and strength to deal with the training and the final rock climbing event. One thing more that an amateur climber should know is that strength training involves all the major muscle groups. Hence, strength training is needed so that all the muscles become supple and flexible enough to endure the rigors of this laborious activity.
A strength-training program for rock climbing should concentrate upon the muscles of the legs, torso, midsection, arms, neck and forearms. And although the forearms are not contemplated as a major muscle group, their exercise is particularly important, as a climber should have a very strong grip.
There are a number of strength training programs laid down by various rock climbing training institutes that recommend a variety of exercise like:
. Leg extension
. Leg curl
. Hip adduction and abduction
. Pullover
. Lateral rise
. Chest-cross
. Triceps and lower back extension
. Biceps curl
. Neck extension and flexion
. Forearm extension and flexion.
All these above-mentioned exercises are single-joint exercises that help make the muscles strong enough for rock climbing. Just as there is a set of single joint exercises, similarly there is another set of exercises for multiple joint sets. All these exercises play a very major role in preparing an individuals body for rock climbing and emphasize on high and low resistance. The exercises not only help in improving muscle strength, but also endurance as compared to standard training.
While doing these strength exercises, it is advised to opt for relatively slow lifting and less strenuous movements because the sport of rock climbing is very tensive and prohibits fast, momentum-assisted repetition. To get the maximum benefits from strength training exercises, it is better to control the training speed but maintain a constant tension of the muscles so that they can build an endurance capability that will prevent your body from buckling even under intense pressure.
Strength training exercises are the best exercise activities to increase the functional capability of the musculoskeletal system. If the activities are performed with care and precision, they produce remarkable results in a short period of time. These basic strength-training exercises also suit hikers and can be safely recommended as part of an exercise regime that helps in the overall conditioning of the body.
A very interesting fact about strength training is that there is a considerable difference between the activity of climbing itself and strength training. Strength training allows a person to push his physical limitations to an extent where he can fail. In fact, it ensures that the bodys resistance power is increased. The activity of climbing absolutely forbids the climber to do so, as it can be very fatal.

Rock Climbing As A Strength And Cardio Workout

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:16:47 +0000

Most of those who love sports fancy rock-climbing. It proves to be one of the best ways to workout and helps to improve both, physical and mental strength. Rock climbing has come a long way and is now not only restricted to the professional climbers. However, the professional climbers do get due respect due to their achievements and skills gained in rock-climbing.
You need to prepare yourself for rock climbing. As you need to be aware of the equipment required for climbing, you also need to seek help from the professionals, if you will be climbing for the first time. You also need to know the type of clothing suitable for rock climbing.
This is one form of exercise that helps to reduce almost 380 calories within half an hour and one more advantage about rock climbing is that you dont get easily bored. Rock climbing involves lot of energy, but it is not possible to burn calories very quickly, as compared to a gym workout.
Rock climbing shapes your upper and lower body and also increases your strength and stamina. It is also useful as a cardio workout. As you climb a rock, you use your arms to hold and hang and at the same time your legs are used to move forward vertically, from the side of the wall. The climbers are saved from lot of back and knee pain.
Rock climbing is a good workout and there are many different techniques involved in climbing, to climb in a better way and reach a longer distance. It is very important to warm up your muscles in any kind of exercise. This concept is also applied when you are climbing or teaching someone to climb. Initially, you can make use of some low and easy moves.
As this keeps your muscles prepared to face the strain when you are climbing. You need to stretch all your muscles, including your leg muscles. This type of stretching is useful for muscles, as the muscles get prepared to face the strain when you are climbing.
In case of a cardio workout, one can choose the option of top roping in an indoor climbing gym. This improves your heart rate as well as muscles. In case of a cardio workout, it is always good to start with some easy routes that help to warm up and later on, as you gain experience, you can switch on to the difficult ones.
As climbing involves lot of movement of arms and legs it helps to develop and strengthen these muscles too. Another way to attempt cardio exercises is by climbing up and down. Especially climbing down proves to be very useful.
Depending on the movement involved in climbing, the leaner muscles of the climbers get improved. It is important to concentrate on climbing that helps you to build flexible muscles. Take proper precaution while climbing, in order to be safe and enjoy the exercise.
Thus, rock climbing involves a lot of hard work, dedication and enthusiasm. It is a world of adventure and thrills. There are many books available on rock climbing in the market and online too.

Shopping Tips For Rock Climbers

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:58:32 +0000

Rock climbing is a thrilling sport and one that is growing in popularity. Today, people of all ages are taking up this sport for fun, but physically, this sport is very demanding. The many aspects of rock climbing appeal to those pursuing this sport because it can be done indoors as well as outdoors.
Though this sport is safe, but every rock climber has a story to tell about a fall, particularly if he has been climbing outdoors. However, most rock climbing injuries occur to the hands, elbows, tendons and straining causes shoulders. Although these of injuries cannot be prevented, but with proper warm ups and stretch-outs, they can be reduced. You dont have to be a superman and you also dont have to be in great shape to start rock climbing and enjoy yourself, but it is always advisable to use the right rock climbing equipment for the journey ahead.
To get started in this sport, all you need is some equipment such as a harness, ropes, shoes and helmet. Other important equipment includes belays and carabineers. These are the devices that make the ropes easier to use in team climbing and also help to secure solo climbers. Most of the equipment can be rented. Rock-Climbing is a fun sport for kids as well as adults and a guided climb makes a great family outing.
The equipment includes:
Helmet: The most important equipment in rock climbing is the helmet. It protects your head from the debris that falls while you climb and also guards against bumps and bruises caused due to head bangs against the rock surfaces.
Rope: This is probably the most essential equipment. The usual length of the rope should be at least 50 to 60 meters, with a diameter of 10 to 11mm. Before using the rope, ensure that the rope can be stretched under tension, as this is essential in order to protect the climber in the event of a fall.
Shoes: Rock-climbers use special shoes that are strong and fit well.
Harness: A safety-climbing device, which is usually attached to a rope, is called as harness, to stop the climbers fall before he hits the ground. This rope passes through the webbing loops and these loops are the most important parts of the chain that protect the person from falling. The harness is wrapped around your thighs and waist to safeguard you from falling. Chalk powder is rubbed on your hands for a better grip. This chalk powder is stored in the chalk bag, which is hooked to the harness with hooks called as karabiners.
Before buying the safety equipment, you should have thorough information about the gear. There are several rocks climbing books and sites that provide excellent knowledge about all the rock climbing techniques and the equipments required for it. During shopping for rock climbing equipment, the best person to guide you would be a sales person or an experienced instructor. You can also purchase rock-climbing equipment from various online shops. Many people love rock climbing and this sport has transformed from complete obsession to a fun hobby.

How To Build A Rock Climbing Wall

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:02:23 +0000

Have you ever thought of a new way to workout, if not, then here is one good suggestion: Try to build a rock-climbing wall and train yourself! Most of the climbers use their home rock-climbing walls to improve their physical strength. Your home walls can help you keep fit and you can climb as many times as you require, as a part of your workout.
Here are the four steps to help you build a rock-climbing wall:
First step
It is very important to plan properly and carefully. First, list the requirements:
. What are you looking forward to from the rock-climbing wall?
. Where would the wall be, inside or outside?
. What should the wall look like?
. What shapes and sizes could you work on?
Prepare a sketch of the wall you wish to build and figure out an estimate to know how much you need to spend on it.
Second step
Once you start designing your wall, you will get an exact idea about the actual cost and the type of material required to build the wall. You will also understand the technical aspects, like where to place the cut angles, joints and the remaining features of the wall. You need to be aware about other difficulties like technical issues that may occur while building the wall. In case you decide to build the wall outside, you should know the environmental factors like rain or snow that can affect the wall. In order to prevent the wall from these elements, you can make use of marine board.
Third step
When you start building you home rock-climbing wall, you will gradually come begin enjoying this process. It really is fun to build the rock-climbing wall within the home premises and that too, on your own.
Fourth Step
You need to give the wall a nice finish and this is as important as the initiation of the venture. For this, you need to choose a good quality paint and color. Now the fall-zone comes in, where you have to decide on what kind of padding you like to choose. You can either choose simple wood chips that are smooth and natural or you could go in for gym pads.
Once the wall is ready, you need to place holds on your wall. The bolts may easily get rusted if the wall is built outside. You dont need to give much thought, if you are really not bothered about rearranging the holds frequently. The holds are not so expensive if you can get them from your local wall climbing gym. Most gyms sell their old holds cheap, when they want to replace them. The shop owners who want to get rid of older stock also sell the same at a low cost.
As soon as the wall is built, you will be eager to climb it. As you climb the wall everyday you will get used to it and it wont be so difficult, after some time. Later, you may get bored of the same routine and so, in order to maintain interest, you need to search for new routes and bring in few changes in the wall.