Cracks

In an earlier blog post, I mentioned that indoor rock climbing was discovered in order for outdoor climbers to stay in shape when the weather made it impossible for outdoor climbing. This week, I learned about trad and sport climbing which are both forms of outdoor rock climbing. While I'm still learning about techniques, I wanted to switch gears and look into what is needed to take climbing outside of the gym where there isn't a ceiling to stop you.

There are many similarities in the two forms of climbing. Artificial holds on a wall are designed to simulate outdoor circumstances, but it's impossible to have the exact same hold or crack a climber can possibly encounter on a mountain. In outdoor climbing, basically the same equipment is used, but there is a piece of equipment that is crucial for survival. In traditional climbing (trad climbing). anchors are jammed into cracks in order to secure ropes. It takes a different kind of mental strength to trust that these little pieces of metal can save you from a fatal fall. Sport climbing is different from traditional climbing in that the wall has anchors that a permanently placed in the wall. Trad climbers must remove their chocks. nuts, and other safety equipment.


While this form of climbing seems to be more difficult, dangerous, and time-consuming, the reward may be worth the extra hard work. Climbers can enjoy views and not feel restricted to being inside a building. I'm certainly not ready right now to attempt outdoor climbing since I'm still practicing with indoor climbing, but I've put outdoor rock climbing on my bucket list so that after I become more experienced with indoor climbing, I can go beyond the ceiling.

There are definitely some things you just can't get from indoor climbing. Climbing does not always require a gym or a rock wall. What can you do to improve climbing without climbing? More to come next week.