| You’ve decided to become a rock climber. | | | | speed and finesse, if that suits you better. |
| Yet all you know is what you’ve seen on | | | | Whatever the choice, it should depend upon the |
| television or in movies. That doesn’t | | | | strengths you already have. |
| matter. You’ve decided and that’s | | | | - Whenever possible, rely on your legs to move |
| that. Let’s pretend that you come from a | | | | you. It is very unwise to sap unnecessary |
| land where there are no large rock formations | | | | energy from your upper body when your legs |
| whatever. Here are some basic tips and | | | | can easily get it done. |
| suggestions to help in your understanding of what | | | | - Raise one foot at a time. This will further |
| it takes to engage in this extreme sport. | | | | prevent you from using your upper body to lift all |
| Tips for Good Technique. | | | | your weight. Avoid doing so whenever you can. |
| - Rock climbing is mentally challenging. The | | | | - When you feel your muscles tightening, when |
| ability to clear your mind and focus is essential to | | | | you feel that a cramp is coming on, just stop. |
| your success as a climber. If you’re able to | | | | Go no further. Don’t wait for the cramp to |
| meditate as you climb, you’re worlds ahead | | | | happen to stop. Look for a nearby ledge or just |
| of those that can’t. Use whatever works | | | | hangdog (rest on your gear or on the rope) until |
| for you. There is no one way for all. | | | | all muscle tightening has disappeared. |
| - Control the center of gravity (COG). This is | | | | Tips when Resting. |
| usually at the center of your body, somewhere in | | | | - Check and secure your footholds. Make sure |
| your abdomen. (Hopefully not lower than that!) | | | | that the next handholds are above your head. |
| All of your movements begin here. You’ll | | | | - Keep your arms in a relaxed position by |
| want your legs directly beneath you or to equal | | | | straightening them out. It really does make a |
| distances on each side of you. | | | | difference. |
| - Observe other climbers. This is especially | | | | - Lean back into the wall and not away from |
| educational when you are belaying a good | | | | it. Energy is uselessly lost when you lean out and |
| climber. Ask questions as they come to you. | | | | have to pull yourself back in to continue the |
| Understanding will go a long way when you try | | | | climb. Your COG will have been in your arms |
| the moves yourself. | | | | and you don’t want that. |
| - Practice the techniques you’ve observed. | | | | - Plan your next move. Locate your next |
| Learn them. With repetition, these techniques will | | | | holds. Position your hands and feet, even |
| become more and more comfortable. Eventually, | | | | practice the movements. This improves each |
| you may discover that these new moves are | | | | chance for a smooth execution, especially on |
| exactly what you need to complete a particular | | | | difficult sections. |
| section of a climb. | | | | These are very basic tips and recommendations |
| - Climb when you’re tired. It seemed a bit | | | | to quicken your understanding of what it takes to |
| nuts when I first learned this. But it really can | | | | engage in the sport of rock climbing. When you |
| help a new climber. Climbing tired forces you to | | | | understand, you can better implement safely and |
| plan each move with deliberation and not speed. | | | | then improve quickly. And once you’ve |
| It also forces you to consider your energy | | | | received certified instruction on how to climb, |
| reserves and learn just how far you can go in this | | | | you’re outta’ here. Just remember to |
| condition. | | | | always respect the air and space around you for |
| - Work on your weak points. Spare some | | | | there is no safety net. Be safe up there. |
| climbs just to work on your weak points. | | | | Len Q. is a master blade sharpener and an |
| You’ll vastly improve your climbing ability and | | | | adventurer who strives to protect the natural |
| bring you closer to becoming a good climber. | | | | world. If you would like to learn about |
| Remember that it isn’t a good idea to work | | | | - Knife Sharpening: How to |
| on your good points during the same climb. | | | | Sharpen Knives, Maintain and Store Them |
| Work on one or the other, not both. | | | | - Tests for Sharpness, |
| Tips when Climbing. | | | | Steeling and more |
| - Rock climbing can be done at any speed | | | | - Sharpening Other |
| you’re comfortable with. You may climb | | | | Edges (e.g. |
| slowly and methodically. Or you may climb with | | | | |