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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 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 [...]
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 [...]
