Zachary FenellThe Conquest of Rock Climbing
June 27th 2008 03:36
Rock Climbing - An overview
Having scaled the slippery heights of Ice Climbing a few posts back I think its time for a brief look at what could well be the ancient physical challenge known to man, Rock Climbing.
When we were cavemen the necessity to view the surrounding area probably necessitated the need to ascend the summit of mammoth structures. As a sport the mountaineers quest developed in the European Alps and came to prominence in the late 19th century.
Demanding physical and psychological stamina, agility and control, strength and determination have to remain continually focused in this deadly pursuit. The hands and fingers are hardened to the extreme sometimes the only factor between doom and triumph.
Practiced globally, employing standard equipment like ropes, harnesses and pulleys over the years refined in durability and safety features. Aid climbing where temporary hand holds and spikes assist the climber became a prominent component of the sport in the 1920’s.
Over the centuries the techniques used to reach the apex have also benefited from technology and experience. As monuments like K2 and Everest were conquered better pre-ascent mapping and planning was possible. Obstacles that used to be tackled for the first time by each new daring pioneer are now well documented.
Abseiling or repelling down natures wonders is an exhilarating way to exit from a victorious challenge and an equally high risk endeavour. Knowledge is again a massive component to the second leg of the journey.
To end the post here is a list of recognised professional rock climbing disciplines from Wikipedia:
Bouldering - climbing on short, low routes without the use of the safety rope that is typical of most other styles. Protection, if used at all, typically consists of a cushioned bouldering pad below the route and/or a spotter, a person that watches from below and directs the fall of the climber away from hazardous areas.
Top roping - climbing with the protection of a rope that's already suspended through an anchor at the top of a route. A belayer controls the rope, keeping it taut, and prevents long falls.
Lead climbing - climbing without the use of pre-set belays. One person (the leader) will start the climb carrying one end of the rope and will gradually attach it to additional anchors as he or she climbs, thereby establishing a belay system that progresses with the climb. The lead climbing article describes additional subtypes such as trad climbing and sport climbing.
Free soloing– (not to be confused with free climbing) is single-person climbing without the use of any rope or protection system whatsoever. If a fall occurs and the climber is not over water (as in the case of deep water soloing), the climber is likely to be killed or seriously injured. Though technically similar to bouldering, free solo climbing typically refers to routes that are far taller and/or far more lethal.
Indoor climbing - climbing indoors (on a purpose-made climbing wall, typically), regardless of the style(s) used.
Video 1 - Dan Oseman's Extreme Rock Climbing Feats
Video 2 - Danger, when things go wrong
Video 3 - Beyond Gravity Trailer
Rock Climbing 101
Having scaled the slippery heights of Ice Climbing a few posts back I think its time for a brief look at what could well be the ancient physical challenge known to man, Rock Climbing.
Why, because it was there
When we were cavemen the necessity to view the surrounding area probably necessitated the need to ascend the summit of mammoth structures. As a sport the mountaineers quest developed in the European Alps and came to prominence in the late 19th century.
A speck on nature's behemoth majesty
Demanding physical and psychological stamina, agility and control, strength and determination have to remain continually focused in this deadly pursuit. The hands and fingers are hardened to the extreme sometimes the only factor between doom and triumph.
tackling the cliff
Practiced globally, employing standard equipment like ropes, harnesses and pulleys over the years refined in durability and safety features. Aid climbing where temporary hand holds and spikes assist the climber became a prominent component of the sport in the 1920’s.
The climbers silhouette
Over the centuries the techniques used to reach the apex have also benefited from technology and experience. As monuments like K2 and Everest were conquered better pre-ascent mapping and planning was possible. Obstacles that used to be tackled for the first time by each new daring pioneer are now well documented.
Coming down - The Repell
Abseiling or repelling down natures wonders is an exhilarating way to exit from a victorious challenge and an equally high risk endeavour. Knowledge is again a massive component to the second leg of the journey.
The risky thrill
To end the post here is a list of recognised professional rock climbing disciplines from Wikipedia:
Bouldering - climbing on short, low routes without the use of the safety rope that is typical of most other styles. Protection, if used at all, typically consists of a cushioned bouldering pad below the route and/or a spotter, a person that watches from below and directs the fall of the climber away from hazardous areas.
Top roping - climbing with the protection of a rope that's already suspended through an anchor at the top of a route. A belayer controls the rope, keeping it taut, and prevents long falls.
Lead climbing - climbing without the use of pre-set belays. One person (the leader) will start the climb carrying one end of the rope and will gradually attach it to additional anchors as he or she climbs, thereby establishing a belay system that progresses with the climb. The lead climbing article describes additional subtypes such as trad climbing and sport climbing.
Free soloing– (not to be confused with free climbing) is single-person climbing without the use of any rope or protection system whatsoever. If a fall occurs and the climber is not over water (as in the case of deep water soloing), the climber is likely to be killed or seriously injured. Though technically similar to bouldering, free solo climbing typically refers to routes that are far taller and/or far more lethal.
Indoor climbing - climbing indoors (on a purpose-made climbing wall, typically), regardless of the style(s) used.
Video 1 - Dan Oseman's Extreme Rock Climbing Feats
Video 2 - Danger, when things go wrong
Video 3 - Beyond Gravity Trailer
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