This thread is for everything rock climbing! Heres a definition for starters!
[QUOTE=Wikipedia]Rock climbing is a sport, in which participants climb up or across natural rock formations or artificial rock walls. The goal is to reach the summit of a formation or the endpoint of a pre-defined route. Rock climbing competitions have objectives of completing the route in the quickest possible time or the farthest along an ever increasingly harder route. Rock climbing is similar to scrambling (another activity involving the scaling of hills and similar formations), but climbing is generally differentiated because of the use of hands to support the climber's weight as well as to provide balance.
Rock climbing is a physically and mentally demanding sport, one that often tests a climber's strength, endurance, agility, and balance along with his mental control. It can be a dangerous sport and knowledge of proper climbing techniques and usage of specialized climbing equipment is crucial for the safe completion of routes. Because of the wide range and variety of rock formations around the world, rock climbing has been separated into several different styles and sub-disciplines that are described below. While not an Olympic event, rock climbing is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as a sport.[/QUOTE]
Some gyms have climbing walls
[img]http://www.rockwerxclimbing.com/upload/wysiwyg/BU1r.jpg[/img]
There is also outdoor climbing
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4441292574_ae7d16b54e.jpg[/img]
[b]The lingo[/b]
Before you climb you may want to know the lingo, first.
The rating system is in ranks from V 0-16 (0 being the easiest 16 being the hardest).
There are also two types of climbing: Bouldering and Top roping.
Bouldering
[img]http://images.travelpod.com/users/_tz_/1.1230007200.bouldering.jpg[/img]
is essentially climbing with out harnesses tying you in. You climb about 12 feet high. It can be dangerous and you should never boulder outdoors without a crash pad. Most indoor bouldering gyms have pads to ensure safety already.
Top Roping
[img]http://rogerwendell.com/images/climbingphotos/athena_and_conrad_top-roping_daniels_park_spring_2008.jpg[/img]
Here is the climbing dictionary:
[url]http://www.abc-of-rockclimbing.com/climbingdictionary.asp[/url]
Some key terms you may want to know taken from the site:
[b]barndooring[/b]
This is the tendency of the body to swing outward away from the wall on steep terrain when the gravity is not centered between points of contact.
[b]campus[/b]
This is the act of using only the arms to climb. It is a method of training grip, contact, and upper body strength.
[b]crimp[/b]
This is a grip in which the first knuckle is extended, allowing the fingertips to rest on a small ledge while the second knuckle is flexed
[b]dyno[/b]
Short for "dynamic," a gymnastic upward leap for a distant hold.
[b]flag[/b]
This refers to the act of extending a leg that counterbalances the body and prevents the center of mass from barn dooring.
[b]The Benefits of Climbing[/b]
Climbers will quickly begin to develop arm, back, finger, and core strength as a result of the many reaches and holds that are repeated over and over through the completion of one climb. Climbers are successful with more difficult ascents only after working to improve the strength and endurance of their calves, shoulders, and core; their agility; strength-to-weight ratio; and flexibility in hips and hamstrings. Rock climbing is generally good mentally if you are scared of heights. Slowly gaining height and looking down as your progress will help you to learn not to fear being up high. It worked for me!
[b]Rock Climbing Addresses Four of the Five Components of Physical Fitness[/b]
- muscular strength
- muscular endurance
- body composition
- flexibility
[b]The Equipment[/b]
The most commonly used equipment is listed below. Its the basics of what you can use on an indoor climbing wall which are alot more common for people to use than climbing in the wilderness!
[b]Harnesses[/b]
[IMG]http://i944.photobucket.com/albums/ad284/elusive-design/1-1.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]A harness is a system used for connecting the rope to the climber. Most harnesses used in climbing are preconstructed and are worn around the pelvis and hips, although other types are used occasionally.[/QUOTE]
Easily one of the most important things in climbing. There are many different types of harness made especially for certain types of climbing. Such as:
- Alpine Climbing - Lightweight Harness
- Wall Climbers - Padded, Heavier Harnesses
- Sports Climber - Minimalistic, Basic Harness
[b]Rope[/b]
[IMG]http://i944.photobucket.com/albums/ad284/elusive-design/2-1.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Climbing ropes are typically of 'kernmantle' construction, consisting of a core of long twisted fibres and an outer sheath of woven coloured fibres. The core provides about 80% of the tensile strength, while the sheath is a durable layer that protects the core and gives the rope desirable handling characteristics.[/QUOTE]
Easily one of the most important things in climbing. Ropes come in two main types. Dynamic ropes and low elongation ropes. Dynamic ropes are designed to absorb the energy of a falling climber, and are usually used as Belaying ropes. When a climber falls, the rope stretches, reducing the maximum force experienced by the climber, their belayer, and equipment. Low elongation ropes stretch much less, and are usually used in anchoring systems. They are also used for abseiling (rappeling) and as fixed ropes climbed with ascenders.
[b]Carabiners[/b]
[IMG]http://i944.photobucket.com/albums/ad284/elusive-design/3-1.png[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Carabiners are metal loops with spring-loaded gates (openings), used as connectors. Once made primarily from steel, almost all carabiners for recreational climbing are made from a light weight aluminum alloy. Steel carabiners are harder wearing, but much heavier and often used by instructors when working with groups.[/QUOTE]
Carabiners come in two main forms; Locking and non-locking carabiners. Locking carabiners offer a method of preventing the gate from opening when in use. Locking carabiners are used for important connections, such as at the anchor point or a belay device. There are several different types of locking carabiners, including a twist-lock and a thread-lock. Non-locking carabiners are commonly found as a component of quickdraws.
[b]Quickdraws[/b]
[IMG]http://i944.photobucket.com/albums/ad284/elusive-design/4-1.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Quickdraws (often referred to as "draws") are used by climbers to connect ropes to bolt anchors, or to other traditional protection, allowing the rope move through the anchoring system with minimal friction.[/QUOTE]
A quickdraw consists of two non-locking carabiners connected together by a short, pre-sewn loop of webbing. Sometimes the loop of webbing that comes with them is replaced by a sling which is much easier to change over to make it 20cm, 40cm or 60 cm long depending on the wall.
[b]Rappelling Device - Figure Eight[/b]
[IMG]http://i944.photobucket.com/albums/ad284/elusive-design/5-1.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Sometimes just called "eight", this device is most commonly used as a descender, but may also be used as a belay device in the absence of more appropriate equipment, although it does not provide enough holding power for this to be recommended.[/QUOTE]
Figure eights allow fast but controlled descent on a rope. They are easy to set up and are effective in dissipating the heat caused by friction but have a tendency to put a twist in the rope. Holding the brake hand off to the side twists the rope.
[b]Belay devices[/b]
[IMG]http://i944.photobucket.com/albums/ad284/elusive-design/6-1.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Belay devices are mechanical friction brake devices used when belaying. They allow control of the belay rope while their main purpose is to allow locking off of the rope with minimal effort.[/QUOTE]
Multiple kinds of belay devices exist, and some of which may additionally be used as descenders, for controlled descent on a rope (abseiling or rappeling). Belay devices include both passive and active belay devices.
- Passive belay devices rely on the brake hand and a carabiner to lock off the rope. Sticht plates and the Air Traffic Controller ATC are examples of passive belay devices.
- Active belay devices have a built-in mechanism that locks off the rope without the help of any other pieces of equipment. A GriGri is an example. The offset cam in the GriGri locks off the rope automatically to catch a falling climber, much like a seatbelt in a car locks off to hold a passenger securely.
[b]Slings[/b]
[IMG]http://i944.photobucket.com/albums/ad284/elusive-design/7-1.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]A sling or runner is an item of climbing equipment consisting of a tied or sewn loop of webbing that can be wrapped around sections of rock, hitched (tied) to other pieces of equipment or even tied directly to a tensioned line using a prusik knot, for anchor extension (to reduce rope drag and for other purposes), equalisation, or climbing the rope.[/QUOTE]
Not much more than above really. I use slings personally for connecting myself to the wall when I am preparing my fast rope equipment to get back down to the floor. This means I dont have to tire my arms out and can use my feet to keep my in position while I use my hands to connect and disconnect other equipment. They are usually alot stronger than Carabiners and the harnesses so you can trust them!
[b]Climbing Shoes[/b]
[IMG]http://i944.photobucket.com/albums/ad284/elusive-design/8-1.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]A climbing shoe is a specialized type of footwear designed for rock climbing. Typical climbing shoes have a close fit, little if any padding, and a smooth, sticky rubber sole with an extended rubber rand. Unsuited to walking and hiking, climbing shoes are typically donned at the base of a climb.[/QUOTE]
Climbing shoes are specially made to help you climb. They have a solid rubber sole that makes it alot easier to stand on small foot holes when climbing and the added grip makes it alot easier to stand up properly on a wall without too much difficulty.
Thats all you need to know about rock climbing! Rock climbing is an excellent sport to participate in to increase your level of fitness. If you have ever thought about giving rock climbing a try, start with an online search for a local indoor facility. Soon you’ll be climbing the walls!
Props to Retarded Turtle for helping make this thread.
yay climbing
[editline]12th March 2011[/editline]
I always try to go to the top but then I get too scared of falling down :(
Try climbing down. I actually really fucked up my ankle jumping down
Sorry, you need to Log In to post a reply to this thread.