Good footwork, agility and balance are essential components in rock climbing and mountaineering. Once you have perfected these techniques, it will enable you to tackle technically difficult climbs more proficiently and with increased confidence. Understanding Balance Before you can improve your balance techniques, it’s important to understand the physiology of [...]
You need to be fit to negotiate increasingly more challenging climbs and whilst there are different kinds of training methods you can adopt to get you into peak physical condition, the main emphasis will be focused on training which is related to strength and endurance. Strength Training Strength training is [...]
Whilst physical strength and endurance training will be vital for you to succeed in any climbing expedition, they will be worth nothing if you’re not mentally prepared for the task you’re about to embark upon. Pre-Climb Mental Preparation There are many factors to consider when it comes to being mentally [...]
Anaerobic training is a form of exercise that doesn’t rely on using extra oxygen as it uses energy from other sources. It’s a shorter process than aerobic training and is a type of training where you don’t normally work to a level where you’d noticeably get out of breath. However, [...]
Aerobic training describes any form of exercise which generates oxygen in the body. It helps to increase your stamina as well as your energy levels. However, although it’s not aimed at building muscle mass nor does it focus on strength and power, it is aimed at keeping your muscles toned, [...]
Altitude fitness training is the practice of climbers and some other endurance athletes who can spend several weeks of their training regime at altitudes of over 8,000 feet above sea level. Although acclimatisation to high altitudes is something which all ambitious climbers must get used to, ‘altitude camps’- as they [...]
When out rock climbing, preparation is the key to reducing the risks and there are several things you should do before venturing out to climb. The Weather Before you even attempt to set out on a rock climbing trip, you should be fully informed about the weather conditions in the [...]
When it comes to rock climbing etiquette, the two main areas of focus are on safety and about ethical considerations towards both conservation and the environment as well as consideration for others. Climbers are only too aware that mountain climbing and any form of rock climbing can be dangerous so [...]
Canyoning is gaining an increase in popularity as an outdoor adventure activity. Often referred to as ‘gorge walking’ in some parts of the world and as ‘canyoneering’ in the United States, canyoning is, in broad terms, an activity which encompasses a range of techniques used to descend gorges, ravines, mountainous [...]
Any climb or walk that exposes you to extremely cold conditions can put you at risk of suffering from hypothermia or hypoxia if you’re not prepared which can be life threatening when out rock climbing or mountaineering. Hypothermia is usually categorised into three stages. Hypothermia - Stage 1 Your usual [...]
If you are going rock climbing, then in addition to carrying a rope, you’re going to have to know how to use it which means learning all about the various knots that can be tied and which knots are suitable for which particular stretch of climb. It’s estimated that there [...]
The UK has a recognised grading system for each of its climbs in the UK. This allows you to gain a perspective on how easy or difficult a climb would be and to tackle climbs that are within your current level of ability. It also enables you to move on [...]
Whilst for some people there is no greater thrill than climbing up a snow-clad mountain or hurtling down it on skis or a snowboard for that matter, it’s important that you pay great attention to the possibility of avalanches. Whilst there are several techniques to adopt which may give you [...]
Multipitch climbing has the obvious advantage over top rope climbing as with the latter, your distance is restricted by the length of the rope. With multipitch climbing, you need at least two people to climb and, in groups of two, and often more, it’s simply the manner in which you [...]
As in any sport, rock climbers will inevitably suffer from their fair share of bumps and bruises but many common injuries like muscle strains and tears etc could be prevented if certain procedures were followed. Warming up before climbing, using ice and other means to treat injuries as soon as [...]
Rock climbing is not an activity which you can truly enter into without having at least undertaken some physical conditioning training and the more serious you are about your climbing goals, the better your conditioning will need to be. The main areas of focus are strength and endurance and training [...]
There are many different designs of climbing harnesses .Most harnesses which are used in rock climbing are worn around the waist although you can also buy chest and full body versions which are especially useful for young children who may have just started out in climbing and give them more [...]
A proper climbing helmet is an essential piece of protective equipment that should be worn whenever you are out climbing. It will protect your head should you fall or against the impact of banging your head against a rock face. You’re also at risk from loose rocks, equipment and other [...]
Rock climbers can suffer from a whole host of injuries. From falling and banging their head to ankle sprains, the wide scope of mishaps which could occur on a rock climbing trip means that many different types of injury can occur. However, when it comes down to considering the most [...]
Kids are very keen to try out new physical activities and often, the more of an adrenalin rush an activity gives a child; the keener they are to have a go themselves. There are no restrictions on the age you should begin to take your kids climbing. For the most [...]
Bouldering is a great variation on the sport of rock climbing and is an ideal introduction to some of the techniques and skills you’ll need to master if you intend to take up rock climbing as a serious hobby. As it’s also conducted at low height, the risks are far [...]
Climbing at altitude means that the air becomes thinner and it becomes more difficult to breathe. Whilst many climbers are acclimatised to this, others can experience various degrees of altitude sickness. Prevention is always much more preferable to cure, however, and whilst there are certain ways of treating it, the [...]
If you are pregnant and enjoy rock climbing, that should not prevent you from continuing your climbing activities. Providing you are sensible and don’t take unnecessary risks or take on routes that are too physically challenging, many female climbers carry on enjoying their hobby well into their pregnancies. Knowing Your [...]
Wherever you turn in the great outdoors Mother Nature appears to be throwing down the gauntlet. But these natural challenges, as any caver, climber or mountain biker will tell you, have to weighed up against how equipped an individual is to take them on. We all one to excel, to [...]
The first consideration when selecting a climbing rope is what you intend to use it for. Climbing ropes can be broken down into 3 main groups. There are dynamic mountaineering ropes which are used for arresting falls, low-stretch ropes or static ropes which are used for abseiling, ascending and rigging [...]
Nordic walking derived its name from its original introduction in Finland by cross-country skiers who as some of the fittest athletes around, decided to incorporate it into their summer training program. Crossover Appeal Its popularity lies in the fact that it is combining the benefits of walking with the more [...]
Unlike road cycling the one thing you can be certain of when out mountain biking is that there are sure to be sections of terrain which will be very steep. You will need to adopt certain techniques to accomplish these passages in the most efficient way and whilst going uphill [...]
Abseiling by its very nature, involves the process of descending from height using ropes and other equipment. Therefore, the majority of popular abseiling routes will be, by implication, the same as the most popular climbing locations as it is simply a discipline most commonly associated with rock climbing and mountaineering. [...]
Wherever there are mountains there are sure to be some fantastic bike rides to be experienced. Here are just some of those around the UK that are very popular and, given that they are all long distance routes, you have the opportunity to bike the whole route, which may take [...]
Britain is rich in the amount of fantastic climbing locations we have especially given its size. And, with it also being an island, you’re never that far away from cliffs even if there are no mountain ranges close by. The Peak District The Peak District in Derbyshire is considered by [...]
Effective communication skills between team members are absolutely crucial to the success of any rock climbing or mountaineering expedition but the success of the expedition or trip is not just about talking and listening. Team First Communication skills within a group and how effective they will prove to be all [...]
The risk of falling rocks is one of the most common dangers to rock climbers and mountaineers which is why it’s imperative that you wear an approved climbing helmet as a form of protection. So many people have been killed or seriously injured by falling rocks and not just by [...]
As most knowledgeable climbers will be aware natural erosion gradually affects the composition of any mountain, even though it may take hundreds or even thousands of years to manifest itself in any noticeable form. However, with the millions of people all over the world who share a love of mountaineering [...]
The ‘Leave No Trace’ initiative can be traced back to the United States in the 70s and 80s when the National Park Service the Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service began to look at ways in which they could educate people towards taking steps to minimise [...]
The focus of this article concerns your own personal safety when out riding off-road on a mountain bike. There are however, other articles in this section which are also worth looking at as they relate to safety too, especially with regard to considering other people’s safety when you are out [...]
Abseiling comes in many different guises. From industrial applications to charity climbs to abseiling skills required when descending from a mountain there will be some variations in the types of clothes you’ll need to wear and in the equipment you’ll need to buy. Clothing If you’re abseiling as part of [...]
There are several different climbing styles and whilst some climbers master more than one technique, many others specialise in a particular climbing discipline and the skills are often quite different from one style to the next. Traditional Rock Climbing Often referred to as a ‘trad climbing’, this is the most [...]
Making sure that you choose the right bike can make all the difference between you enjoying lots of pleasurable cycling experiences and being put off cycling for life and with so many choices out there it isn’t easy. Many people enjoy the freedom that comes with mountain biking and other [...]
Most people tend to adopt their own style of navigating their route through a cave based on what technique suits them personally and through observing others watching how they tackle the cave and by asking advice of more experienced cavers. Moving Underground The one thing you can be certain when [...]
Many people’s first (and perhaps, only) experience of abseiling has often been descending down the side of a building to raise funds for some charitable event, yet there is much more to it than that and it’s an essential skill to master if you are serious about rock climbing or [...]
Like in most adventure sports although incidents of emergencies when paragliding are rare, they do happen occasionally and it’s important to know the kinds of things that can happen and how to cope with them. Even if you’re a proficient hang glider pilot and are trying paragliding for the first [...]
If you’re out hiking a map of the area is an essential item to take with you and guide books can be very useful to read beforehand to gain a general overview of the area you intend to visit and to take with you on the trip itself as you [...]
People choose to go to an indoor rock climbing facility or climbing gym for a number of different reasons and there will probably be one located not far from where you live. Safety and Building Confidence Some choose to go to an indoor facility as it’s a safe controlled environment [...]
There are many caves of different varieties dotted throughout the length and breadth of the British Isles. However most organised caving expeditions take place in areas in the UK where the rock is formed out of limestone. Although, there are areas of caving interest in parts of Scotland, Cumbria and [...]
All around the world many lives have been lost amongst those participating in rock sports, none of it down to incompetence but because of severe weather conditions people have been caught up in. The weather, as we all know, can be extremely fickle but probably nowhere more so than here [...]
The major cause of accidents that occur when caving are predominantly caused by inadequate equipment lack of training and knowledge, poor judgement, falls, being struck by falling objects and hypothermia. With regard to hypothermia, correct clothing has been covered in another article in this section. Other hazards can include getting [...]
In addition to being one of the least expensive outdoor adventure pursuits; caving is also one of the most accessible too. You don’t have to be a supreme athlete or have any natural skill. Caving can be for anyone and of any age. All it really requires at a very [...]
Cavers are often drawn to the activity because of the historical context of the environment they are exploring. Caves are quite unique in their composition in that they’ve been formed over many thousands of years and over time, this process creates the fascinating passages which we are able to explore [...]
Whilst abseiling is usually a very safe activity if it is conducted under supervision by a qualified instructor is performed from a structurally safe venue and the equipment is all in good working order, it can be dangerous too if proper precautions aren’t taken. Preparation Preparation is the first essential [...]
The definition of abseiling (also sometimes referred to as ‘rapelling’) is “the technique that is used for descending vertical cliff faces using harnesses ropes and safety equipment”. However, the practice of abseiling has grown and expanded to a large degree over recent years and, where it was once the sole [...]
Out of all the flying sports paragliding is probably the safest of all. That said, unless it’s taken seriously and treated with respect, it can still be highly dangerous. Training and Flying Within Safe Limits As a novice to paragliding, the urge to get up in the air is possibly [...]
There are several air sports activities that are closely related to paragliding but they all have their own individual characteristics. So if you’re looking to take up an activity that gets you ‘up, up and away’, here is a brief lowdown on what you can expect from each of them. [...]
Once you’ve experienced the thrill of soaring above the ground and letting the wind take you wherever you want to travel you may decide that you want to purchase your own paraglider or ‘canopy’ as they are commonly referred to. Buying Brand New A brand new canopy can become something [...]
Hiking is probably such a popular pastime due to the fact that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and can be as leisurely or as strenuous as you want it to be. For some people it is an ideal way of keeping fit whilst simultaneously taking in [...]
The Countryside Code was formerly known as ‘The Country Code’ and was renamed and re-launched in 2004 to reflect developments within society over more recent years and to introduce the new open access rights which have also come into force. The code applies to England and Wales (Scotland has its [...]
With the advancement of satellite communication and computerised technologies many hikers now carry a Global Positioning System (GPS) with them to aid them with accurate navigation. However, it is always worthwhile to have back-up knowledge and to understand how to navigate simply by using a compass. Understanding the Basic Features [...]
There are many different varieties of climbing shoes to suit many different types of climbing activity. When making a choice there are certain things you should determine first of all. Considerations When Choosing the Right Shoe Firstly, the level of your competence – are you a beginner, intermediate or an [...]
As the popularity of paragliding continues to increase so, too, do the number of locations around the UK you can take part in the activity. There are numerous clubs up and down the British Isles where you can participate in the activity. However, the most popular sites tend to be [...]
The major reasons people find it difficult to survive in the outdoors in an emergency situation is down to their lack of understanding about the basics of survival alongside a tendency to panic. In knowing what the basic skills of survival are and learning how to put them into practice [...]
So many of us are able to enjoy our love of the outdoors and our participation in adventure sports activities because at some point somebody took the time and effort to train us and to nurture our love for a particular activity or activities. Without group leaders, some outdoor adventure [...]
To become an active participant in physical sports you need to have a decent level of physical fitness balanced with a careful diet to not only maintain your optimum weight but also to provide you with the best balance of nutrients specific to your particular sport. Most outdoor ‘On Rock’ [...]
As with any outdoor adventure activity we all need to be aware of the environment and, even with the best of intentions, we are all susceptible to having a detrimental impact upon the environment often without us even realising. Therefore, it is important that we don’t take our enjoyment of [...]
Mountain biking is great fun and can allow you to experience a greater area of outstanding natural beauty than if you were to explore on foot. However the inconsiderate use of mountain bikes has often given cyclists a bad reputation especially amongst hikers. It should be remembered that forest and [...]
Unlike conventional touring cycling whereby you’ll often see cyclists carrying large pannier bags on the frames of their bikes mountain biking tends to be all about a culture of ‘travelling light’ in order that the bike performs over rough terrain to the peak of its capabilities. Therefore, you won’t often [...]
Joining a caving group or club not only enables you to enjoy the experience of caving with other members with similar interests but it is the only sure method of caving safely. Because of the nature of the activity and insurance implications many clubs have a minimum age policy of [...]
Caves have a very interesting climate. They tend to be cold, wet, muddy and extremely humid. The latter is very important in terms of your choice of clothing as you’re likely to sweat a lot yet your sweat will not evaporate due the high level of humidity within the cave [...]
Paragliding has to be one of the most exhilarating outdoor adventure sports you can participate in. If you’re ever travelling in an area which is full of mountains cliffs or steep hills, you’ll have probably gazed up in awe at the sky above having spotted a paraglider in action and [...]
Hiking poles also referred to as walking or trekking poles, can be a very useful aid when you want to cross a stream or if you are walking on stony and uneven terrain. They are not designed to offer you any protection if you fall but their main purpose is [...]
Climbing as a sporting discipline can take on many guises. From low-level bouldering where belays and ropes aren’t needed and the climber can simply jump back down to the ground to full-scale mountain expeditions at high altitude - climbing can be as dangerous and tough both mentally and physically, as [...]
There is a vast choice of equipment and kit that is used when rock climbing. What you’ll purchase will depend on the types of activity you undertake and the kinds of location you visit. Equipment Will Vary Between Disciplines In addition to ropes and climbing shoes which we’ve talked about [...]
