Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Climbing Calk

magnesium carbonate known as Climbing chalk, applied to your hands, moisture is absorbed by the chalk and increases grip.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Carabiner

When buying a carabiner always go for the best one, it can last you a lifetime. 
however if you happen to drop it on a hard surface, be sure to dispose of it 
and get a new one, even though you may think it looks fine, a small crack could occur invisible to the naked eye, and with some pressure the carabiner could snap .. so don't take the chance.
getting a good one will cost you from R200 to R300.




Friday, February 18, 2011

Belaying

This is a very important aspect of learning to be a rock climber.



always keep your eyes on the climber when belaying! 




Knowing how to belay correctly ensures that the other climber 
is safe in an event of a fall. So here is how... 




Indoor bouldering

This type of climbing does not require the use a harness or ropes, when bouldering 
all you need are shoes and chalk, you will also notice that like the other walls, this too has routes set out for you to climb. when bouldering climbers refer to a route as a "problem" and completing a problem can take some time, as the moves are designed to challenge the skills, agility,strength and endurance of the climber, so its advisable to take breaks between attempts, allowing other to have a go.  



Some routes are setup low to the ground requiring one to be in a seated position then progress upwards, this is referred to as a "sit start ".



in the event of a climber falling, a crash-pad is provided,  this is typically made of foam, like gymnastic mats, to cushion the fall.
altimetly bouldering is allot of fun, great for trying out moves and getting to know the holds and how to use them correctly. 
















Thursday, February 17, 2011

Dynamic moves (DYNOS)

This movement requires you to leap from one hold to the other,
there is a point when your body is in mid air and nothing is touching the wall,
climbers refer to this as the DEAD-POINT



Climbing community

One of the greatest things about becoming a rock climber,
are the fantastic people you will be exposed too,
you can learn allot from them, even just by watching how they climb, belay etc...












Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Gear

When climbing safely and efficiently up walls, correct gear is vital. 
climbers use a harness to safely secure themselves when climbing very high walls 
to ensure that in the event of a fall, the harness along with a carabiner, rope and a
diligent belayer will safely catch you.
Shoes and chalk are also a very important aspects when climbing,
as this can ensure good grip and better progression.