Images of climbers hanging off of 1,000-foot monoliths or mountaineers standing atop snow-capped peaks can be intimidating. But climbing is a sport that can be safe and accessible to everyone. As indoor rock gyms continue to sprout out in major metropolitan areas around the country, it's important to differentiate the forms of climbing so you can find one that is best suited for you.
Bouldering
Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that involves short walls, usually between 10 to 15 feet in height at an indoor rock gym, which a climber can easily jump or fall off safely. When venturing outdoors, bouldering walls can be as high as the climber wants them to be so it is not uncommon to see climbers with crash pads -- large foam pads that provide a soft landing -- beneath them. Bouldering is not as endurance oriented as other forms of climbing. Depending on your skill level, bouldering routes, or "problems" as they are called, can provide intense physical and mental challenges. Bouldering provides experienced climbers with an opportunity to practice difficult moves safely and allows beginners an opportunity to learn the basics of rock climbing and improve flexibility and finger strength.
Top Rope
Top rope walls normally tower over boulders, but the climbers are safely attached to belay ropes that are anchored above them. All the climber has to do is worry about each move. At ground level, a belayer watches them and pulls back rope to prevent slack in the climber's line as they ascend. If the climber slips, the belayer can easily catch them and stop the fall. Your local indoor rock gym will likely require you to complete a short belaying course before you can begin top rope climbing. Learning knots, such as the figure eight follow-through and the safety knot, are important for safe top rope climbing. Top roping allows climbers of all levels to experience climbing at higher elevations, sometimes several stories high.
Lead Climbing
Reserved for the most experienced rock climbers, lead climbing provides endless opportunities to challenge some of the tallest rock faces in the world. Lead climbers will begin their ascent tied to a belayer on the ground with no pre-established rope above. As they climb, they will insert hardware into the rocks, such as cams or nuts, and then attach their rope to the hardware using a carabiner. This will provide points of protection if they fall. Lead climbing normally involves two experienced climbers. The first climber will set the protection points while the second belays from below. Once the first climber reaches a spot high above, he will anchor and belay the second climber, who will clean up the protection points as they ascend. It is important that climbers leave no trace of their visit.
Mountaineering/Alpine
Climbing the world's highest mountains requires many different skills. Mountaineers will often have proven rock climbing ability, high altitude wilderness camping experience, an aptitude for route finding and ice and snow climbing expertise. Mountaineering, or Alpine climbing, involves much more gear than is needed for lead climbing. Clothing that can handle subzero temperatures, ice axes, crampons and even eye protections are vital to survival. Aside from the risks of frostbite, avalanches or falling, mountaineers also have to be concerned about acclimatization -- adjusting to the thinner air at higher altitudes. High-altitude sickness is one of the leading causes of injury and fatalities on the world's highest mountains. But not everyone is going to climb Mount Everest. In fact, mountaineering can be a rewarding and challenging experience when done safely. Beginners can start by contacting local outdoor sports and climbing shops to learn about guided tours and classes. Start small by scaling shorter mountains. New Hampshire's Mount Washington, which stands at more than 6,000 feet, allows less-experienced mountaineers to ascend into conditions similarly felt at higher altitudes. Understanding the risks and climbing with experienced climbers is the best way to enjoy the thrilling sport of Alpine climbing.
References
- "Rock Climbing: A Trailside Guide"; Don Mellor; 1997
- "Climbing"; Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge Series; 2008
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