What Qualities Do You Need To Be A Climber?

Rock climbing takes more than simple strength. Choosing an approach up a rock face requires route-finding and puzzle-solving skills, while the act of climbing requires overall flexibility and a firm grip. Expert climbers boast a wide knowledge base, including knowledge of technical climbing equipment and the ability to tie a wide variety of knots.

Flexibility

Twisting your body into different positions to negotiate tricky angles and overhangs requires flexibility, especially in the shoulders, hips and core muscles. Flexibility comes in handy whether you're negotiating the narrow tunnel of a chimney or twisting your entire body to grab a hard-to-reach handhold.

Physical Strength

Physical strength is a vital component of climbing. Upper and lower body strength, along with core strength and the strength of your grip and feet, facilitate vertical travel. Climbers often find that their biceps, forearm and finger flexors are too tight and need stretching, while muscles that often need strengthening include the triceps, rotator cuff and the wrist and finger extensors.

Mental Strength

A climber with a strong body still needs to know how to choose an appropriate route up a rock face. Puzzle-solving and planning are necessary to avoid getting stuck up a dead-end route. Climbers often climb in pairs or groups for safety, so team-building skills and the ability to work with others also come in handy. Losing your fear of heights is another necessary part of climbing.

Equipment

Climbers need to familiarize themselves with a wide range of equipment, including climbing shoes, helmets, ropes, chalk, carabiners and harnesses, along with belay and camming devices. Climbing in a gym or with a group gives you the option of renting equipment rather than purchasing it, which could save you money.

Other Skills

Aerobic and anaerobic endurance are necessary characteristics for a climber, along with coordination and balance. Learning how to transfer your weight, position your body and move efficiently all improve your climbing ability .