Bay Area Rock Climbing

Rock climbing in the Bay area is plentiful. Of course the Bay Area climbing opportunities and quality drastically increase to some of the world’s best rock climbing once you make the trek to the Sierra Mountain range about 4 hours from San Francisco. Nevertheless the Bay Area athletes can find great quality climbs close to home. The possibilities range from local climbing gyms to multi-pitch rock climbing opportunities all within a 2 hour radius of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Many locals will hone their skills on local crags ranging from East Bay Indian Rock to Castle Rock State Park near Los Gatos.

This is an overview of Bay Area Rock Climbing opportunities for the local climber. Much of the climbable rock in this area is granite similar to the same rock found in the nearby High Sierra. Granted the routes are not nearly as long- most climbing is single pitch climbing or less, however it allows ample opportunity to refine climbing skills as well as for strength training.

In the North Bay near Marine there are some nice options for single pitch rock climbing and bouldering. Mt. Tamalpais offers incredible views as well as world class hiking and mountain biking trails. There are several options that allow for good top roping opportunities or even some lead climbing using traditional gear for the Bay Area rock climbing enthusiast.

In the East Bay near Berkeley Indian Rock is a well known area that was used as early as the 1950′s and 60′s for Yosemite climbers as a training ground. Even though the climbing may not be as tall as in Yosemite National Park the quality of the granite rock is superb and offers fun bouldering and some top roping possibilities.

In the South Bay Castle Rock State park is the standout climbing spot for the entire Bay Area. There are several rock formations that allow for incredible top roping opportunities as well as the rare bolted routes as far as rock climbing opportunities go that can hone ones head game. Goat rocks unique” Swiss cheese” style rock allows for great beginner practice. Nestled in the Santa Cruz mountains this place offers an incredible setting for the close weekend climbing trip. Treks and Tracks offers rock climbing classes in Castle Rock State Park to students of all ages and ability levels.

Further south and to the East of San Jose Pinnacles National Monument offers some of the highest quality rock climbing in the Bay Area. The volcanic rock created is known for its numerous knobby hand and foot holds, which offers a unique climbing experience. The height of the climbs range from 45 foot routes to 600 foot multi-pitch climbing adventures. The Pinnacle National Monument’s moderate winter temperatures make it an ideal fall through spring climbing destination.

Treks and Tracks offers all levels of climbing instruction in the park throughout the year.

Author: Jakob Laggner
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Various Types of Climbing – Bouldering, Alpine, Sport and Trad

The extreme sport of climbing has grown and is gaining popularity as people become obsessed with completing harder and harder routes. The main types of climbing are Bouldering, Alpine, Sport and Trad (Traditional).

Bouldering is where a climber ascends a boulder with a friend (spotter) directing them to a crash mat, should they fall as usually no rope is used. The equipment needed is minimal usually just climbing shoes, a chalk bag and a crash mat. When Rock climbing, a climber would use a lot more equipment for safety purposes such as ropes, nuts, camming devices along with climbing shoes, a helmet and a chalk bag to ascend rock formations.

Alpine or Ice climbing is probably the most extreme form of climbing. Climbers use special equipment including Ice Axes and Crampons to ascend ice or hard snow formations. Ice screws would be used in situations where ice obstructions prevent a normal ice screw from rotating.

Trad climbing or Traditional climbing is a type of climbing where the focus is to leave nature as it was found. Climbers use gear that is non permanent for protection. Gear is placed and removed at the end of a climb once a route is completed. Equipment used for Trad climbing includes a rope, climbing shoes, belay device, karabiners, quickdraws, slings, a harness, a helmet, chalk bag, stoppers, hexes, nut key and a camming device. Trad climbing requires a number of knots for climbers to tie in to. To tie in the climbers at both ends of the rope a Figure 8 knot is used. Trad climbing focuses on adventure, risk and self-sufficiency.

Sport climbing relies on permanent anchors that are fixed to the rock for protection unlike in Trad climbing. Sport climbing requires gymnastic ability, strength and endurance. Pre-placed bolts form a route up a rock face creating a sport climb. Sport climbing requires the following equipment: a dynamic rope, a climbing harness (for both climber and belayer), a helmet, quickdraws, karabiners, a belay device, climbing shoes, a chalk bag and slings. Sport climbs enable climbers to concentrate on the difficulty of the moves as they don’t need to place protection along the route. Sport climbs are rated on how difficult they are. The UK uses the French rating system which considers the overall difficulty of the climb. Grades start at 1 (very easy) and the system is open ended. Each grade can be subdivided by a letter (a, b or c).

Climbing is fun but can be dangerous; it requires athletic ability and technical knowledge, make sure you have the right gear and knowledge to keep you safe.

Author: Nicki Prince
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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How to Rock Climb – The Different Types of Rock Climbing

When learning How To Rock Climb these are the more common styles or types of rocks climbing.

Bouldering – climbing low routes that are relatively safe without the use of ropes. Components for safety may include a pad of some sort at the base of the climb and/or someone on the ground to direct a climber away from potential hazardous areas.

Top-roping – an anchor at the top of a route provides a point to run the rope through as it is tied from climber to belayer. The belayer then is responsible for making sure the climber does not fall very far. This is considered the safest type of rock climbing, and is ideal for the newcomer.

Traditional climbing – the climber or climbers place any and all required safety gear as they climb and remove it as they progress, when they have completed the climb, nothing is left behind. This form of climbing does not deface the natural rock and leaves no trace after the climbers are gone, therefore ecologically it is the best form of climbing, though perhaps not the safest.

Sport climbing – in sport climbing any and all safety gear is permanently attached to the rock along the determined span or route(s).

Scrambling – in scrambling the climber basically uses his hands and feet to accomplish a route. Scrambling is generally a free solo style, however protection and rope are used on advanced routes that are “technically”, normally scramble routes.

Free climbing – a form of climbing where the climber may use safety gear as a backup to prevent injury, but only uses their strength, balance and ability to actually perform the climb. This is in contrast to aid-climbing where the climber utilizes the gear to help reach the summit.

Lead climbing – The leader will climb from the start point with his rope as the second climber belays him. He establishes or utilizes intermediate safety points as they progress through the climb. The second climber catches up to the lead climber at every point, and thus they belay each other as they go.

Aid climbing – as the climber ascends the route they place gear at intervals to assist or “aid” the climb. In this type of climbing the gear and rope may be used to directly help the climber reach each point in the climb.

Free soloing – the climber climbs alone and without the use of any safety gear. This type of climbing is probably the most dangerous and potentially lethal.

Rope soloing – a form of climbing where the climber starts a route with the rope tied off allowing them to belay themselves as they go. This could be done as free climbing or aid climbing or even a combination of the two.

Solo aid climbing – this type of climbing usually involves a harness and at least some safety gear or protection but no rope. The climber will free climb as much as possible and only use safety gear as required by the circumstance. The climber may or may not use the gear to “aid” in the climb.

Deep water soloing – this is a form of free soloing where a climbers route on the rock face is over a body of water deep enough to protect the climber from serious injury in the event of a fall.

Simultaneous (simul) climbing – this is climbing where two climbers progress up a route at the same time. Much like lead climbing except the roles may reverse at any given time. A form of traditional climbing, usually one climber places the safety gear and the other collects it as they go.

Author: Carlos Bombino
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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How to Rock Climb – An Introduction to Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is the art of scaling or climbing up a natural rock formation to reach the top (summit), a stopping point, or the end of a predetermined “route”. There are probably as many opinions on how to rock climb as there are climbers.

Make no mistake about it; rock climbing is a sport. Although it is not an Olympic event, it is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.) as a sport. All sports have their respective equipment or “gear” and rock climbing is no exception. Rock climbers must maintain a variety of specialized “tools” including but not limited to; climbing shoes, harnesses, chalk sack, rope, and a host of anchors and other gear.

As with any sport, climbers are athletes and as such must be in good physical condition. A climber relies on strength, endurance, skill, and balance to keep safe from injury while enjoying the climb and not exhausting all their energy. Keeping fit is a large part of the climbers lifestyle because it could make the difference between fulfillment and serious injury or even death.

Skill acquisition through training and experience are also very important to a climber. Climbing is a potentially dangerous sport and must be treated as such! while a good climber will always look to “stretch” his or her abilities, they should never attempt a route that far surpasses their skill level.

There are two basic types of rock climbing – traditional or “trad” and sport climbing. Within these two types are several categories due to the many different formations available around the world. Knowledge of these types and styles is crucial to evaluating and executing each climb safely.

Newcomers to the sport are encouraged to start with “bouldering” and/or “top-roping”, (both will be covered in another article). A smart potential climber will start with the basics and advance to the next level of skill only after having mastered the previous, all the while working on their strength and endurance. Remember, safety first is the name of this game!

Author: Karl Alberts
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Rock Climbing Sites in the Philippines

Who says the rainy season can stop you from enjoying various recreational activities in the Philippines? Rock climbing at different indoor sites in Manila and other cities across the archipelago is available all year-round. Though the sport is relatively young in the country, rock climbing is continuously gaining more popularity over the past few years. Its challenging cliffs and its availability, in the case of indoor rock climbing, appeal to younger generations and the young at heart.

Here are some of the recommended indoor rock climbing destinations in the Philippines.

Metro Manila

The busy life in Metro Manila has given way to the construction of several indoor climbing sites in the metro. These are Power Up Gym in Quezon City, Planet Rock in Makati, Gravity Gym in Paraaque, and Camp Sandugo in Taguig.

Boracay Island

Doing non-water recreational activities is also possible in the island paradise of Boracay. After soaking into the crystal-clear water of the white sand beach, flex your muscles and go rock climbing at D’Wall Climbing Gym. It is located at D’Mall near Boat Station 2.

Lumban, Laguna

The Caliraya Recreation Center in Lumban has facilities for fun-filled activities. Aside from kayaking, zorbing, and skiing, this world-class property is also an ideal place for rock climbing. It is home to the largest fiber glass wall in the Philippines.

Marikina

Aside from being the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, Marikina is also making a name in rock climbing. The city, which is also famous for its various tourist attractions, hosts the country’s first bouldering-only climbing gym named VX Boulder. The 600-square-meter facility also has a badminton court and a matted floor for health buffs.

Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.

Author: Allan Merin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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7 Things You Will Need As a Beginning Rock Climber

If you are considering rock climbing as your new recreational activity, you might not be lucky as I was to have all the basic climbing gear being donated to you. Even if you can get some things as a birthday present, where do you start. Not many people can afford all rock climbing gear at once, while beginners might think that “all” is needed, I shall start with what is necessary and move one toward what would be good to have. If you are only starting, visiting a local gym might be the simplest solution. Many climbing gyms offer climbing gear renting, so you may try different climbing shoes, harness and a helmet maybe. Once you are sure you like rock climbing and you are ready to invest in climbing equipment, here’s a list of things you will need.

1) Climbing shoes – there are many models on the market, all around models, bouldering friendly, crack climbing specific and so on. Your first choice should be comfortable pair of climbing shoes, which should fit you a bit tighter then the regular shoes. At this point don’t think about getting two sizes smaller shoes, the ones pro climbers are wearing. It will be to painful and you’ll lose enthusiasm.

2) Calk bag – I know this doesn’t sound as something as important to be on second place, but truth is, with a pair of climbing shoes and chalk bag with some climbing chalk inside, you are ready for bouldering, either in the climbing gym or natural rock. There are several models and sizes, just pick and choose the one you like the best.

3) Climbing harness is next on our list. There are many good manufacturers such as Petzl, Metolious, SingingRock and so on. Since you might have your harness a bit longer than your first pair of climbing shoes, you might get a more comfortable one such as Petz Corax or similar. Watch out for good padding and adjustment straps.

4) Belay device – is mechanical pieces of climbing equipment used to control a rope during belaying by applying friction to the rope. There are several options available, I suggest you take the one you will be the most familiar with. By this I mean, you will have to take a belayers course of some kind, so that you know what you are doing. Someone’s life will depend on your belaying technique.

5) Climbing rope – although it would seem that climbing rope would be higher on our list, since you will always need a partner for climbing, either top rope, sport or trad, you might consider splitting the cost of the rope with your favorite climbing partner. Since good dynamic ropes are priced 100$ and more, you don’t have to have your own. The same goes for quickdraws in section 6.

6)Quickdraws – Once you feel safe and want to move on from top-roping, your next step would be sport climbing which requires sets of quickdraws. 10 quickdraws should be enough for most of todays sport routes, and I would recommend that you split your quickdraws with your climbing partner, as you will never use them climbing alone. They are all equally safe, but more expensive ones are much lighter which you will only appreciate if you climb long routes. If you climb shorter, 8-10 quickdraw routs, you may want to save your money for something else and get the regular weight ones.

7) Climbing helmet – might fall into “something else” category. There are different opinions on wearing helmets, but it seems they all fall under personal preferences. Climbing helmet can save your life. Good enough for me. Don’t go cheep on these. There’s something about wearing a comfy, secure and light but sturdy helmet that a few extra dollars in your pocket can’t explain.
And remember, rock climbing can be safe!

Author: Daniel Wurzberg
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Five Popular US Rock Climbing Destinations

With hundreds of thrill seeking activities out there, rock climbing has probably been around for the longest time, and is still one of the best. However, what are some of the best routes the United States has to offer? Let’s take a look and find out.

Seneca Rocks – West Virginia
West Virginia is the perfect venue to rock climb because a massive 90% of the land is forestry. Seneca Rocks is situated at the northern end of River Knobs, and it is the perfect spot to go if you are a beginner or an expert, as it has routes varying in difficulty. Seneca Rocks has a massive 375 mapped routes, and those are just the ones that have been mapped!

Arrigetch Peaks – Alaska
Alaska is truly one of the greatest rock climbing states due to its heavy mountainous surroundings. The majority of the summits at the Arrigetch Peaks are around a staggering 6000 feet. Since 1964, thousands of eccentrics have visited the peaks to try and overcome them, but be warned, these peaks are not for beginners, mostly because of the weather.

Hueco Tanks – Texas
This low-mountain range in Texas is one for the beginners; however, advanced climbers will also find some tricky assents. Hueco Tanks have been recognized as one of the best places for bouldering (rock climbing without ropes/supports), therefore, any expert rock climbers that are looking to boulder for the first time should seriously consider Hueco Tanks. Before you visit Hueco Tanks be warned, the Texan state is trying to outlaw rock climbing in this area, claiming that climbers are damaging rock formations and vegetation, so make sure you check the news before booking.

Acadia National Park – Maine
Maine boasts beautiful and breathtaking surroundings, which make climbing an exceptionally attractive hobby. Acadia National Park has eight main mountains with bare rock summits. They are ranked among some of the best in Maine today. Acadia National Park also has the tallest mountain on the US Atlantic coast, so this should be considered for more experienced climbers.

Minnehaha – Washington
Located in Spokane, Washington, Minnehaha is one of the most popular ranges Washington has to offer. Once again Minnehaha has varying difficulties and is also known for its bouldering. The two most well known summits are The Dihedral and Don Quixote which are unsurprisingly the two hardest.

Before you go to rock climb at any one of these locations, check to see the difficulty of the mountains, this way you will not be in for a surprise. The rock climbing assents are rated from 5.0 up, it used to be that it stopped at 5.10 but this scale has been made open because new mountains seemingly cannot be ranked by the old system.

Regardless of which state you live in or visit you will find somewhere to rock climb. America’s often mountainous land act as the perfect surroundings for people who are looking to start, or experts in the rock climbing game.

Author: David M DuPont
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Rock Climbing – Different Types

When most people thing about rock climbing they think that there is not much involved in the sport. A person, some rope, and a rock face. However, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Rock climbing has far more to it than just a person climbing a rock. First, there are four basic types of rock climbing: top ropping, lead climbing, bouldering, and free climbing.

First let’s further discuss top ropping. Top ropping requires two individuals: a climber and a belayer. The climber, as one would assume, is the person climbing the rock. The belayer is the anchor and the person who feeds the climber rope. The belayer remains on the ground at the base of the rock at all times and is responsible for keeping the rope taut in case the climber falls. In a top ropping situation, the rope is fed through a quickdraw at the top of the climb and the climber never has to worry about clipping or unclipping the rope. The rope is help taut at all times and the most a climber should fall is a few feet (depending on the elasticity of the rope).

Lead climbing becomes a bit more difficult. In lead climbing, once again there is a climber and a belayer. However, during a lead climb, the climber has to clip into the anchors using quickdraws throughout the climb. The rope is passed through one end of the quick draw and the rock anchor is attached to the other end of the quick draw. As one can imagine, lead climbing can be a bit more dangerous. A climber can fall 10 feet or more, depending on the location of the last quickdraw. Generally in order to start a top rope climb at an outdoor climbing location, a lead climber must first climb the rock and attach a quick draw at the top of the climb in order for a top ropping climber to begin.

Bouldering is yet another form of rock climbing and is generally done close to the ground. Bouldering is generally done without the use of ropes or harnesses due the the close proximity to the ground. Unlike top ropping and lead climbing bouldering can actually be done alone (however, it is never recommended to climb alone).

Finally, the last, and by far most dangerous type of climbing, is free climbing. Free climbing is done without the use of ropes or harnesses (same as bouldering), however, free climbing takes advantage of the whole rock face. A free climber is generally a HIGHLY experienced climber due to the extreme danger associated with the climb.

Though there may be deviations of these types of climbing, this article covers the basics. But always remember, NEVER climb alone.

Author: Brian Budzinski
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Rock Climbing is Not a New Sport

Rock climbing has been known to exist as far back as 1920 when the challenges were the Alps and the Yosemite Valley which were considered impossible to climb. Today, it has become a sport divided into styles and environments. You can climb indoor walls or climb outdoor rocks such as monoliths or boulders as well as higher rock formations.

Some of the rock climbing styles are: aid climbing, traditional climbing, sport climbing and bouldering. Each of these styles has its own rules and regulations and can be done with or without protective gear. Rock climbers have upset some of the indigenous peoples in America and in other countries who believe certain rocks are sanctuaries and should not be disturbed. That being said though their are great organizations like the Access Fund that fight to protect certain areas. The Access Fund also works with climbers to keep different rock climbing areas open. Without their support and help it would be difficult to keep climbing going especially in certain areas.

As an example in Georgia right outside Atlanta there is a rock climbing area called Boat Rock where all of the boulders were being blown up by construction crews that wanted to come in and build homes. With the help of the Access fund they were able to go in and buy up that land and save this wonderful climbing area. These are the types of things the access fund does to help climbing. As a climber we should all be grateful for what they do and support them.

Author: Kimberly Z Adams
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Adventurous Rock Climbing

Even though rock climbing was an essential part of the Victorian age mountaineering in the Alps, it is often believed that this sport began in the last quarter of the nineteenth century in different parts of Europe. This sport grew slowly from an alpine requirement to a separate athletic activity.

Today, it is a sport that is becoming more and more popular every year as more and more people take it up. Many are starting to introduce their children to rock climbing at a very early age. It is a very difficult sport and takes a while to be fully mastered.

Rock climbing is a physically and mentally challenging sport. Knowledge of proper climbing techniques and usage of specialized climbing equipment is essential as it can be a dangerous sport. So a person who wants to take up this sport needs to do a lot of research before starting.

Due to the wide variety and range of rock formations around the world, rock climbing has been divided into several different styles. Some of them are – Aid, Traditional, Sport, Bouldering, Free climbing, Free soloing, Solo aid, Indoor, Scrambling, Deep Water Soloing, Mixed climbing, Rope soloing, Simul climbing, Top roping.

It is very important to use the right gear for each style as each of the above styles has a different requirement due to the different terrains each one uses. The terrains range from very extreme and dangerous to terrains that amateurs would use.

Some of the more important gear one needs for this adventure are rope, cord, webbing, carabiners, quickdraws, harnesses, belay devices, rappel devices, figure eight, rescue eight, rappel rack, ascenders, slings, daisy chain, protection devices, nuts, hexes, spring loaded camming devices, tricams, grip savers, fingerboards, campus boards, bachar ladder, specialised clothing, climbing shoes, belay gloves, helmet, tape, haul bag, gear sling, bouldering mat, chalk, chalk bag, resin, nut tool and rope bag. But the equipment you use depends on the type of rock climbing you will be undertaking.

There is some criticism directed towards rock climbing due to several reasons. One of these is environmental concerns that many have due to the fact that while climbing soil erosion, chalk accumulation, littering, abandoned bolts and ropes, human excrement, introduction of foreign plants through seeds on shoes and clothing, and damage to native plant species does occur. But many climbers today adhere to minimal impact and no trace practices to limit their trace on the environment.

All in all rock climbing is a very interesting sport which everyone should give a try. It helps to keep a person healthy in many ways both physically and mentally due to the harsh conditions one is in while climbing and also while preparing for the climb.

So go ahead, do your research and start climbing today.

Author: Kimberly Z Adams
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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