Rock climbing fascinates us all with the risks and thrill it involves. The unknown factors are so many that they are enough to drive people out of their comfort zones and to try this activity, even for once in a lifetime. Hundreds of thousands of climbers head to popular climbing destinations to experience this thrilling outdoor activity.
Although rock climbing can be somewhat safe if the proper safety equipment is used, without the proper techniques, people may find themselves in a risky situation when trying this activity. Technical rock climbing techniques are taught by gym instructors and professional rock climbing trainers. Let’s look into some of the best rock climbing techniques that you can follow to make your activity a risk-free one.
Rock Climbing Techniques for Beginners – Tips To Become a Better Boulderer
Pre-Plan Your Climb
Always make sure you are capable of climbing the rock you’re supposed to climb. Try to do some research on the climbing place, the number of risks involved in climbing in such areas and the climatic patterns that oppose the climb. Make sure that you know all the techniques of rock climbing, starting with tying different types of knots up to how each of your equipment functions and how to use them properly. Always have a clear route as to which you’d follow all throughout your climb, and identify any risky area that you must avoid. You can try consulting with a trained rock climber or a professional trainer to get an idea of the risks you’re going to encounter on your way up the slope.
Use Sufficient Gear
Rock climbing may cause fatalities if the proper safety instructions are not followed. Be aware of all the dangers you may encounter and try to analyze the possible ways of getting out of such situations.
Experts suggest investing in high-quality equipment as these are the things that’ll help you avoid treacherous situations. Try to purchase the best climbing shoes and the best harnesses. People often ignore these items and find themselves in a risky situations.
Relaxed and Straight ARMS
Keeping relaxed and straight arms is a key fundamental technique that allows a rock climber to cling onto a rock for an extended period of time without the climber getting tired. This may be confusing to somewhat confusing to some beginners as they might think that a flexed arm would give a tighter grip onto the rock. This is a common mistake done by the beginners as the flexing of the arms constantly burn out their energy and puts their muscles under constant strain.
If we watch the experienced climbers, we may notice that they keep their arms straight between each move and try to relax their muscles, which saves them energy to climb further. This slow and steady approach decreases the fatigue within the muscles, giving them a better chance of reaching the summit.
Hips Close to the Rock
In the rock climbing basics, effective body positioning has been focused upon deeply. This includes positioning the hip against the wall. Doing so would reduce the distance that the climber needs to move to get the next hold and changes the center of gravity. It helps the climber to climb the rock more effectively. Keeping the hips against the wall will also reduce the extensions and increase natural movement.
Feet First, Hands Second
It’s a common mistake for beginners that they usually use their hands first to grip onto the rock and then to move up the rock surface. Many people may think that using the hands to pull the body up the surface is easier, but this may be a tedious work and may require a lot of your valuable energy. Always think a little bit before you place your feet, as inability to do may result you in falling off the rock. After you’ve decided on which part of the rock to put the feet on, slowly move the feet onto the cracks of the rock and push your body upwards, keeping your arms straight and relaxed.
Imagining A Ladder
Fear of heights is normal, but you’ve got to fight the fear in order to reach to the peak. Always visualize that you’re just climbing a ladder, one step at a time. If you do this, you not only fight your fear, but also let loose of your body, saving your valuable energy.
Taking Your Time
Rock climbing can be a very exciting sport, but you may get caught up in a nervous situation where you don’t know what to do. When this happens, you’d need to be calm and you should take your time in figuring out what to do next.
Professional climbers always take their time, figuring out which route to follow and how to avoid treacherous situations.
Get Better, Not Stronger
This is another important technique that you’d need to master. Try not to wear yourself out doing hard exercises. Try to do the same one repeatedly, figuring out the ways in which you can that better and more effectively. If you try to expand your skills, strength will eventually increase consequently.
Mix up Your Climbing Sessions
As a climber, it’s very important to understand and learn different movements and styles of climbing. Focus on all the minor and major techniques that a professional climber uses. It’s also very important to mix up your climbing sessions because some exercises require heavy muscular actions whereas some very easy on muscles. Try experimenting with all the different rock climbing techniques to find the one which best suits you.
Conclusion
Rock climbing can be a very exciting sport, if done properly. This thrilling activity requires a lot of mental and physical strength, along with a good muscle coordination. The techniques mentioned in this article will help a beginner to climb efficiently and effectively. Climbers must be aware that they should always maintain the climbing etiquette. This includes wearing the proper rock climbing clothes, from the rock climbing shorts to a pair of rock climbing shoe. People must also ensure that they have the right safety equipment for the climb. This will make the climb a lot safer. You must also study the rock climbing place and the rock climbing rocks properly and identify any threats or risks that may be involved. Hope that you have a great climb!
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