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Rock Climbing

Rock climbing, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia broadly speaking, is the act of ascending steep rock formations. Normally, climbers use gear and safety equipment specifically designed for the purpose. Strength, endurance, and mental control are required to cope with tough, dangerous physical challenges, and knowledge of climbing techniques and the use of essential pieces of gear and equipment are crucial.

Types of rock climbing

Rock climbing may be divided into two broad categories: free climbing and aid climbing .

Free climbing requires the climber use only natural features of the rock formation.

Aid climbing involves using artificial devices placed in the rock to support all or part of the climber's body weight, and is normally practised on rock formations that lack necessary natural features suitable for free climbing.

Free climbing may be further subdivided as follows:

Traditional lead climbing , or "Trad lead climbing", uses mostly removable protection, but also may employ fixed bolts if these were put in on the lead. The climbing team begins at the bottom of a climb and ascends to the top, with the leader placing protective devices in the rock as he or she climbs. If the climber falls, he/she does not rest on the rope and instead lowers to a stance or the ground to start over. This approach of protection and climbing progress emphasizes the exploratory aspect of the sport and requires a certain amount of boldness. Trad leading is considered by many to be the cleanest style, as the climber to follow the leader, called the cleaner, removes the protective devices (except any fixed bolts put in on lead) and leaves but marginal traces (if any at all) of their passage.

Sport lead climbing involves the use of pre-placed, permanent bolts for protection. This frees the leader from carrying excessive gear - he/she merely clips in to the bolts with quickdraws . However, permanent protective devices, like bolts and fixed pitons, are subject to dislodgment or decay over time and thus may become an insidious hazard for a leader. In case of a fall, sport climbers often rest on the rope before beginning again. Hard sport climbs often entail many falls and rests before being completed without falls and rests. In contrast, traditional style employs no rests on the rope, starting over after falls without rope tension and generally a minimal number of falls.

Top rope climbing , or top-roping, involves suspending a rope from an anchor located at the top of a short climb. The climber is then safeguarded by his belayer who holds the rope either at the top of the route or at the base of the climb.

Bouldering may be described as climbing short, severe routes on boulders or small outcrops. While safety ropes from above are occasionally used, most boulderers feel that the most ethical form of protection is a bouldering mat or pad similar to those used by gymnasts. In addition, other climbers standing on the ground may " spot " the boulderer, to help break his fall.

Indoor climbing is a form of climbing that can involve bouldering, top roping, and leading in an indoor environment on wood or plastic holds. For most it will be the easiest way to begin the sport.

Free solo climbing : Usually describes free climbing without a rope or other protective gear. Free solo climbing is distinguished from solo climbing where a climber progressing alone uses a rope and protection devices including a self belay system.

Rockclimbing.com
Forums, Articles, Photos. User maintained route database for areas around the world.

ABC-of-rockclimbing.com
Rock Climbing Portal: Information, News, Gear Shop, Travel & Holidays and Community.

Rock-Climbing-Guide.com
Learn the basics about different kinds of rock climbing like trad, sport, aid, top rope, bouldering and their rock climbing gear.

Climbing.com
Browse the catagories & Order FREE climbing & Outdoor gear catalogs

Rocklist.com
This is more or less a complete- go to site for climbing related info

Rockandice.com

INDOOR CLIMBING

Adventuresportsonline.com
Good site for the RV traveler. You can find indoor rock gyms in any state.

Indoorclimbing.com
World-wide indoor rock climbing walls and gyms list, rock climbing wall construction, rock climbing training plans, rock climbing competitions

Touchstoneclimbing.com
Touchstone Climbing is dedicated to creating innovative and exciting indoor rock climbing centers. Our gyms offer the opportunity for climbers of all abilities to challenge and enjoy themselves in a fun and safe environment.

Austinrockgym.com
Austin Rock Gym is Austin's only dedicated indoor rock climbing facilities and offers the most comprehensive climbing lessons and services available.

Adrenalineclimbing.com

Climbboulders.com
Boulders Sport Climbing Center offers 6,700 square feet of indoor climbing. Our walls are over 38 feet tall, but don't let that turn you away. We offer climbing for EVERYONE! Whether you have been climbing for years, or your only climbing has been up and down the stair, Boulders has something for YOU! Our facility is air conditioned, and has plenty of room for large groups.

Phoenixrockgym.com
Explore our thirty foot high walls with over 15,000 sq. ft. of climbing surface. No experience is necessary. Even if you've never touched a rope in your life we will teach you the skills needed to climb safely.

KNOTS

Animatedknots.com
Essential knots with animated examples for climbing

Climbing Adventures, guides and lessons

Rock-About.com
All Rock-About classes emphasize safety, are well organized and skills-oriented. Our climbing classes and climbing courses offer something for everyone: the basics for the beginner to advanced programs for experienced climbers.

GEAR

Acmeclimbing.com

RESOURCES

Geocities.com