Rock climbing may generally be thought of as a sport for only the hard core, but it is in fact one of the most rewarding, complex, and surprisingly healthy activities that anyone can try.

Face Your Fears!

Rock climbing is one of the few sports that physically and mentally pushes your limits and forces you to decide between pushing yourself to the top, or giving up when it gets tough. Anyone who has a fear of heights or who is afraid to take risks should try rock climbing and see the effect it can have on one’s self-esteem. Success is a great morale booster.
Rock climbing outdoors can also take you to beautiful and fascinating places, and by climbing solo or belaying someone else, it creates great personal responsibility that can come in handy as an excellent life skill.

Health Benefits            

Rock climbing is psychologically beneficial – it improves self-esteem and personal responsibility – and is also excellent for your muscles. It builds core muscles and improves coordination.

Types of Climbing:

There are four main types of rock climbing:
Bouldering is the “purest” form, where you climb with no ropes or other gear. Don’t worry though—you only climb about 10-15 feet high up. If you fall, it won’t be far.
Deep Water Soloing (DWS) is bouldering above deep bodies of water, which are safe to fall into (again, the assumption is that you will fall), but always do this with an experienced climber. This is not recommended for beginners. (Soloing just means that you have no ropes or other gear and are therefore climbing completely “solo”).
Sport Climbing is roped climbing where bolts in the wall are used for security.
Traditional Climbing describes climbing a piece of rock and equipment placed in the rock for upward progress as he/she goes along.

An important constituent in rock climbing is the belayer, the person who holds the ropes and secures the climber in case he or she falls. Being a belayer can be a very rewarding experience because it puts the life of another almost completely in one’s hands – and teaches responsibility and appreciation for one’s safety and security.