Climbing Wall

Expertizing On the Various Techniques of Climbing Wall

Do you know what a climbing wall is? It is a kind of wall artificially constructed that has grips for hands and feet. These are mainly for indoor climbing but they are sometimes put to outdoors too. Some of these walls are made of wood or brick, but most of them are made of a thick multiplex board with holes drilled into it. These kinds of walls generally have places to attach belay ropes. These walls can be used for the purpose of practicing wall climbing.

Each of the holes has a specially formed T-nut that enables modular climbing holds to be fixed to the walls. For manufactured aluminum and steel walls, engineered fasteners are used so that one has secure climbing holds. The front side of the multiplex boards is covered with concrete, paint or other textured products that are loaded with sand. The wall might also contain incuts, bulges and other surface structures. The structures mimic situations of outdoor rock climbing.

There are primarily two rock climbing methods. These are:

Lead Climbing Wall

This is a technique of climbing used for ascending a route. This is a predominant technique of rock climbing. A lead climber attaches himself or herself to the length of the elastic climbing rope. He or she periodically attach protection to the route and clips into it. There is another person who acts as a belayer performing roles of holding the rope in case of a fall, taking the rope while moving forward.

This climbing technique is less restricted than top roping because it does not require a pre-placed anchor at the top of the route. The lead climber does not require an anchor point while they are climbing upwards. The body and limbs of the climber help in upward progress. In the event of a fall, carabiners can be placed for the purpose of catching.

Basics of lead climbing

A lead climber needs to wear a harness that remains tied to one end of the rope. He/ her partner acts as a belayer. The lead climber is the first one to ascend the route by periodically placing the protection to ensure the safety of all the climbers in the row.

The distance between two protection pieces can be anything between three to forty feet. Most commonly it is found to be between six to twelve feet. The length of fall at any point should be twice the distance of the most recently placed protection. When the lead climber reaches a proper spot for placing an anchor or if he/ she runs out of protection then either the belayer lowers the climber to the ground or the lower climber is belayed by the leader or the former belayer towards the anchors.

Bouldering Climbing Wall

This is another technique of rock climbing. This is practiced on small rock formations or on artificially made walls. These are called boulders and the climbing is thus known as bouldering. The climbing does not require any equipment bit the climbers use the climbing shoes in order to have a better foothold. They may also keep chalk to keep the hands dry and have a firmer grip. Some also use bouldering mats to make themselves safe from injuries in case of fall.

Basics of bouldering climbing

Rock peeling is a constant process in bouldering. Unlike lead climbing, the rope is not used as protection. In its place, one has to use padding and partners.

           A spotter ensures that the climber's head or shoulders do not hit the ground.
           The crash pads are thick mats that help to cushion falls.

Advantages of wall climbing

Climbing walls is a practicing form of rock climbing where one gets to learn the tactics of rock climbing before actually doing it. The sport is very much demanding both mentally and physically which tests the climber's agility, strength and endurance. Balance and prompt decision making are the most important factors of the sport. People can take a course on climbing walls before they go on rock climbing trip. The following pointers are the advantages of climbing walls:

           Combines cardio and strength into a single workout
           Strengthens and tones one's muscles
           Makes more flexible
           Increases mental strength
           Reduces stress factors
           Enhances finger strength
           Burns excess calories
           Prevents chronic diseases
           Conquers all fears
           Strength into a single workout

If you are the one who is in search of a thrilling experience then climbing walls is the right option for you. Go take a course on wall climbing and get on to an adventure trip to the rocks!