Rock Climbing

The Flatirons are a series of sandstone rock formations on the outskirts of Boulder, Colorado. The east faces of the Flatirons tilt back at a gentle 50 degree angle, providing classic friction and...

Rock climbing requires the use of safety equipment such as the climbing belt. There are many brands and types to choose from when looking for the right climbing belt but one of the most important...

Dynamic climbing rope is designed specifically for rock climbing. Its main function is to absorb forces generated by a lead fall while climbing. This dynamic aspect reduces forces on gear and the...

The emphasis of my eHow articles is on trying new things and exploring the world in order to learn more about you, others, and simply gain perspective on life. rockclimbing changed my life in ways...

Top roping is a safe, popular form of rock climbing because the rope is anchored from above and catches the climber immediately in the case of a fall. It's a good way for beginners to get started,...

Carabiners are utilities that play a role in a variety of activities ranging from industrial processes to rock climbing. Carabiners have also become popular fashion accessories.

Nylon climbing rope is literally a climber's life line and taking proper care of it is critical. If your rope has become damaged or frayed near one end, you can cut off the questionable section...

When you fall while rock climbing, tremendous forces are exerted on your body through the climbing rope tied to your harness. A properly fitted harness will help dissipate these forces in a way...

You're several pitches up on a steep rock face and suddenly you hear a 'pling' and know that you, or perhaps your climbing partner, just dropped the rappel device. Fortunately, you can improvise a...

Rock climbing is an increasingly popular sport due to developments in rock climbing safety equipment technology. Before you attempt rock climbing, gain a thorough understanding of all equipment...

Rock climbing is a fun and challenging sport that can be enjoyed by people of all levels of expertise. However, before you start your way up a rock wall, you have to be prepared for what happens...

Zorbers are gear that is often used in rock climbing on challenge courses to provide a belay system for facilitators. A zorber is also the standard gear used for climbing on LEAP anchors, which...

Bouldering enthusiasts seeking to climb their next obstacle without fear of injury should they fall will need to employ the use of a crash pad. These pads are placed on the ground to cushion a...

It is important to clean nylon rope to prevent a reduction in life, strength and effectiveness of the rope. Each year nylon rope will shrink in length and should be measured regularly to verify...

There are several belaying devices on the market for rock climbing. A gri-gri is a newer device using auto-locking technology that helps to eliminate belayer error.

Rock climbing shoes, which fit the foot tightly and have a sole of sticky rubber, significantly enhance the experience of climbing. As early as the 1920's in Boulder, Colorado, climbers of the day...

There are many ways to climb a rope, but the simplest and most efficient method, which is used by the United States Marines and physical education classes across the country, depends on particular...

An indoor climbing wall can be an ideal way to train for rock climbing during the winter without having to spend lots of money at a climbing gym. Climbing walls can be constructed in a basement, a...

People climb ropes for many reasons. For example, artificial aid climbers, who use equipment rather than their bare hands to ascend rock faces, often climb ropes. Typically, the first person...

Picking a pair of climbing shoes can be an overwhelming task, with so many options to choose from. Control that bewildering feeling by keeping the following tips in mind while shopping around.

Various types of people, including rock climbers and tree climbers, use rope-climbing techniques. Expert advice should be sought before utilizing either mechanical ascension devices or friction...

Rappelling is a way for climbers to descend a steep surface with a rope while keeping their bodies under control with special equipment. In Great Britain, rappelling is known as "abseiling," which...

Whether you are climbing indoors or outdoors, the right climbing gear will make climbing both safer and easier. The type and amount of gear you will need depends on the type of climbing you are doing.

Rock climbing has exploded in popularity during the past two decades as improved gear and technique has increased the safety of the sport. But people die pursuing the sport every year. Sometimes...

When rock climbers are faced with a massive boulder, the need and desire for belay and high climbing equipment disappear. As long as it's not too high, the act of bouldering is when a climber...

The Black Diamond Super 8 is a figure-8 belay device made of anodized steel. It looks like an 8 with holes in the big and small ends. The device can be used for rappelling and belaying, although...

Rock climbing has grown from a fringe sport pursued by a ragged band of misfits in the 1960s to a mainstream activity that people from all walks of society enjoy. Part of the increase in...

Rock-climbing shoes endure tough conditions. On the outside, they become covered in dirt and grit. On the inside, they accumulate all the sweat your feet and legs generate during climbing. But you...

Butterfly coiling a rope is a quick and efficient way of keeping the rope manageable, and it eliminates the need to carry a bag to and from the climb, a desirable feature when a backpack would be...

The figure nine is a variation on the classic figure eight. It is mainly used in industrial rope access for connecting rappel lines to anchors. With all major benefits of a figure eight, it has...

The Figure eight with double loops, usually referred to as figure eight bunny ears, is commonly used for tying small Y-hang anchors for rappel lines or creating two loops at the end of a haul line.

The alpine butterfly is easy to tie and has diverse uses. Because it can be loaded in three directions, it is commonly used for creating tie-in points in the middle of a rope or isolating a...

If you need to make an emergency or recreational rappel and don't have the proper supplies, you can tie yourself a saddle, or a harness, out of rope. Use climbing-rated rope or cordage, which can...

The climbing harness is a critical part of your climbing gear system. In most cases you can and should use a harness professionally made for rock climbing --- these are commercially available in...

We have all seen it: a disaster of disorganized gear at the local climbing crag. Everybody knows the guy who is struggling to untangle his rope and his shiny new equipment. It is obvious that he...

A correctly fitted rock-climbing harness not only offers safety but also comfort for all-day rock sessions. Harnesses are designed to react a certain way when a climber takes a fall, and an...

Rock-climbing walls are a popular way for gym-goers to add a little excitement to their workouts. They're also a great way for climbers to stay in summer shape over the long, dark winter months....

Rock climbing is a technical and challenging sport. As the sport gained popularity during the past several years, a vast array of gear emerged, much of which was spurred by technology and new...

Hundreds of thousands of people in the United States practice the sport of rock climbing. Rock climbing is much safer when climbers use proper equipment, and the modern improvements to equipment...

Rock climbing has developed for more than 100 years now. It is a very popular modern alternative sport or leisure activity, with climbers simply ascending for the fun of it or competing against...

A rock climbing safety check is extremely important. Failure to do them could lead to serious injury or death.

A belayers roll in rock climbing is extremely important. The rock climber in many ways is trusting you with his/her life. Pay attention.

Sport climbing is a dangerous sport and should only be attempted by people that have a good understanding of the sport. You could be killed or seriously injured of you don't. I take no...

Spotters are a necessity when it comes to bouldering. There are even (rare) times in sport and traditional climbing that call for a spotter. The spotter job is to break the climbers fall.

Bouldering is always a great day of climbing. You can send multiple routes in a single day or practice extremely hard moves safely and close to the ground. Also, so that you don't have the extra...

A rock climbing harness is an essential piece of equipment in the sport of rock climbing. It is the device that holds the climber securely around the hips and attaches the climber to the climbing...

Rock-climbing walls are popping up all over the place as a lucrative business as well as an enjoyable sport. Rock-climbing enthusiasts visit the walls as a way to hone their skills and stay in...

To prepare for a single rope rappel, set an anchor. Find a fixed object to which to attach the rappeling rope, or use a eye bolt to make your own. For this, a cordelette is very useful and...

You may have heard this many times before, but you need a good pair of rock climbing shoes to fully appreciate and safely accomplish the sport. And depending how much climbing you end up doing,...

With almost any sport, there's a certain amount of equipment you'll need to have in your possession to fully appreciate the given athletic activity. Rock climbing is no different. And if you're...