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Rockclimbing

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personal experience

basics elements of rock climbing

Personal Experience

I had my first taste of artificial rockclimbing when I took up the rock climbing lesson in safra adventure club last year.
the venue was at bukit merah safra club.

I was with one of my friends at that time and he became my buddy for the first time.During first half of the session we were introduced to some of thebelaying terms and was taught to put on the .After that we went outside to have a try. Quietly I waited with my friendsmoking and chit chatting away while we see the rest of the guys taking turn to try to conquer the wall of artificial rock. Though it seems rather easy to me as it was only about 4-5 storey high from ground, it turn out to be a big mistake.

After all guys have tried my buddy and I take turn to climb, at the beginning it seems easy, every steps was smooth using all my previous childhood experiences ,however things started to change when I reached the 3rd storey I looked down and my leg start to turn jelly. Instantly ,I looked back facing the wall trying not to think and continued climbing but by then my hands and legs have totally stressed out with no more fighting spirit I signal to my buddy that I wanted to be down when I was stuck at around mid of level 3 and 4.

Fortunately, later on one of our instructors demonstrated on how we could overcome the wall easily. within seconds I was speechless as I saw what seems not to be a human but rather a Spiderman in action while he climbs with ease and what was most startling was he was explain to us in the midst of doing all that, keep stressing the word stretch and recovery. the footwork was brilliant. with that in mind I have my second try at the wall.

This time my mind was prepared as I have failed earlier on .I started to ascend the wall this time with more determination as I was all out .finally i reached a point where I was stuck at the 4th storey. Feeling frustrated and strained I saw a chance for me to reached the top but I got to stretch and jump at the same time with that in mind I reached but was too exhausted and signal to my buddy who was anxiously looking at me below .he hang on to the rope for me for a while I rest above for about 10 seconds letting my four limbs to recover.

soon after that I was back again thinking to myself that it was nothing if I was to fall as I have total faith in my buddy below .suddenly I did one of the proudest thing when I streched and leapt at the same time using up all my strength I did some sort of chin up in the midst of 4th and 5 storey.

Fortunately I made it and I was proud as I was the only one in out of 12 persons who learn that day to have did it on my very virgin day. I heard claps from underneath and I realized that my batch members were all happy for me as fortunately there was at least one who could make it to the top on that day.

conclusion

I realized that for one to conquer a wall what was needed was not just mere strength and endurance you needed a strong mind and good judgment and most of all the greatest buddy you could find as you don't want yourself to be asking 'Am I safe up in this height?' to yourself.

The Basics Elements of Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is probably the most popular type of climbing. It can be learned in a day, done indoors or outdoors, and uses a relatively small amount of equipment. If you've always wondered what exactly is involved in rock climbing, here's a general overview.

Types of Rock Climbing:

Trad (traditional): WIth this type of climbing, the climber does not rely on following routes with pre-drilled holes that hold quickdraws to hook carabiners into...rather, he creates his own route up the rock, utilizing mental and physical skill. The climber uses gear, such as nuts and camming devices, that will not be left permanently in the rock.

Sport: This type of climbing involves the use of ropes for safety only and clipping into bolts that are placed permanently in the rock.

The climber is belayed by someone below. This is popular in climbing gyms, as well as outdoors.
Big Wall: The ultimate rock climbing adventure! This type of climbing includes multiple pitches. Climbs like these are done on such routes such as El Capitan in Yosemite and can take several days.

Bouldering: This type of free climbing is done close to the ground (usually no higher than six feet) without ropes. A crash pad is used below the climber to protect him in case of falls. To me, this is the essence of climbing. Many indoor rock climbing gyms have bouldering areas, which is a good place to practice before heading outdoors. The good thing about this is you don't have to have a climbing partner, it can be done alone. Although, it is a good idea to have "spotters" to help the climber fall on the crash pad.

Aid: This type of climbing uses equipment to aid the climber in his effort to scale the rock. Things such as pre-drilled holes with bolts that can be clipped into, jumars, and daisy chains.

Indoor: This is the best way to get your feet wet when learning how to climb. It can be done safely with little experience. There are several indoor rock climbing gyms located throughout the country. Lessons and gear rental are usually inexpensive. It's a good way to "try before you buy." If you get the buy, then you can go out and buy your own equipment. Plus, you can still climbing while it's raining outside.

Speed: WIth this type of climbing, getting to the top the fastest is the object. It is a popular type of competitive climbing.

Buildering: Although not recommended, this type of climbing can be seen occasionally, and usually illegally. This is where a climber ascends a building, without the use of safety ropes.

Types of Rock:
Normally, you'll be scaling granite, sandstone or volcanic.

Types of Equipment:
Shoes: Make sure they fit properly and feel comfortable. The type of climbing you'll be doing will determine how stiff of a shoe you want. Beginners want a relatively stiff shoe.

Harness: A harness is worn for safety. It is attached to a rope to protect you from falling. You want to make sure that it fits comfortably around your waist and thighs.

Carabiners: These handy gadgets are used to hook things together. You'll only need one to start out with. It'll be used to attach your belay device to your harness. You'll want to get a locking carabiner for safety. More advanced climbers, especially those climbing outdoors, will use carabiners for hooking additional gear onto their harness.

Chalk and Chalk Bag: Chalk is used on climbers' hands to give them a better grip on the rock. You can buy either raw chalk, which is a powder, or a chalk ball (less messy). The bag holds the chalk in place on your harness.

Rope: REI climbing expert Bob Ranoa suggests using a rope that is 10.5 to 11 mm in diameter and 50 to 60 meters long for outdoor rock climbing.

Helmet: Protect your brain from falling rocks! A helmet is an essential safety measure.

Belay Device: A metal device that a rope hooks through to belay a climber.

Crash Pad: This large foam pad is placed beneath a boulderer. It protects the climber from a fall. Matresses have been used also.

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