rock+climbing

Rock Climbing
Rock Climbing is a sport or leisure activity for many people. People like rock climbing because it is adventurous and great exercise. Rock climbers get to see breathtaking views that people who do not rock climb never get to experience. Rock climbing is a challenging, risky sport that can be dangerous. It is very important that anyone who is going to try rock climbing take lessons to learn about special techniques and equipment. There are different styles of rock climbing. Indoor climbing has become very popular because it is a safe place to learn and practice climbing. Climbing walls are found in gyms, at family recreation sites and in special places just for indoor climbing. Traditional climbing is the style of climbing that uses ropes and harnesses and is done on steep rocks, cliffs, and mountain rock faces.

One of the most important pieces of equipment that a rock climber needs is a good pair of special climbing shoes. The shoes need to fit tightly so they never feel like they are going to slip off the feet. They should be tied tightly but not so tight that they feel uncomfortable, cutting off circulation. The shoes should fit like a ballet slipper and are never worn with socks. They need to have a good grip on the bottom.
 * Equipment[[image:rockclimbingshoes.jpg width="177" height="181"]]**

Just as shoes help climbers get a grip on the rocks with their feet, chalk is needed to help climbers get a grip with their hands. Climbing is a tough sport and can work up a sweat, so climbers need to carry their chalk with them. Some climbers carry loose chalk in a chalk bag around their waist. Chalk also comes in a solid ball that can be rubbed on the hands.

Rock climbers also need climbing ropes, a belay device, a climbing harness and a climbing helmet. The harness fits around the climber's waist and legs. Connected to the harness are the ropes that secure the climber to anchors.


 * Techniques**

Rock climbing requires that the climber is skilled at many different techniques. One thing that a climber needs to know is how to tie good knots. They need to know how to tie a variety of knots such as the overhand knot, the figure-8 knot, and the water knot. Another technique that rock climbers use is something called belaying. Belaying is a method for securing the climber. Another person called the belayer, controls the rope that is attached to the climber. The belayer holds on to the rope and lets it out slowly so that if the climber falls, they do not fall far. Rappelling is the name for the technique of descending down a rock or wall.

http://www.rockclimbing.com/ http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~sedwards/climbing/**
 * References