|
Rock Climbing consists of climbing small boulders, rocky cliffs and rock walls several hundred metres high as well as artificial walls. The two distinct styles are aid climbing, where equipment is used for both upward progress and climber safety, and free climbing - where equipment is used for safety only. Rock Climbing is now a worldwide activity in which competitions are open to both men and women. Competitions take place on outdoor and indoor artificial structures. They are held at all levels, including the annual World Cup and World Championships every 2 years.
In competitive Rock Climbing, the objective is to climb the highest and the fastest in the shortest amount of time. There are 2 categories of climbing; ‘classical’, in which routes are designed to be difficult and points are awarded for style with a 2 minute time limit. The other category is ‘speed’, where climbers are timed in a first climb, then matched in pairs, the fastest climber with the slowest. They then climb identical walls at the same time, and the one who reaches the top first wins.
Freestyle Climbing is a more popular style, and is divided into 3 categories:
Bouldering – climbing on blocks or boulders about 5m high, generally without a rope.
Top Roping – in which the climber is attached to a puller with a rope, on walls about 25m high.
Lead Climbing - separated into sport climbing (sometimes called air climbing) with equipment on walls about 100m (with pre-installed fixed protections), and traditional free climbing on surfaces of unlimited lengths and using holds.
Equipment
In aid climbing, equipment is used for both upward progress and for the safety of the climbers. Whereas in free climbing, equipment is used for safety only.
Rope diameter varies from between 8mm and 11mm, and are made of nylon with a braided core to provide strength. Ropes are solid but flexible and do not twist easily.
Climbing harnesses, which are attached to the rope, support the climbers around the thighs and hips.
Helmets are worn for protection against falling stones and from contact with rock walls.
Clothes must not impede movements and are therefore light, resistant and simple.
Climbing boots must be adherent and close-fitting so that climbers can feel holds. Climbers must have boots which are effective and precise, so they decide the flexibility and age of the boots they wear.
Other items of Rock Climbing equipment include straps, carabiners and pitons.
History
The sport was created in the late 19th century and was first practiced with limited handmade equipment in mountain-climbing centres in Germany, Great Britain, Austria, France and Italy - from which the two styles of aid climbing and freestyle climbing developed. |