Climbing Rack » extreme sports

Wakeboarding Equipment – The Future of Sport is Extreme!

admin — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:52:27 +0000

People have been playing games and participating in sport, probably since the beginning of time. It is true perhaps that early sport may have been very primitive and a far cry from events we now see but the concept of competing, either as individuals or in teams has been around forever!

The first recorded history of the Olympic Games dates back to 776 BC. In those days there was only one event, the 192 metre dash. I don’t know why they didn’t keep that one in!

There is much debate as to what exactly is the crucial factor when deciding what is sport and what isn’t and this debate rumbles ever more furiously on when it comes to what are now considered to be extreme sports.

For example why is snowboarding considered to be “extreme” and skiing generally not? I mean, they both involve hurtling down near vertical slopes of ice on bits of manufactured plastic or carbon fibre!

Despite these quandaries, extreme sport has literally taken off in the last couple of decades and there are no signs that this trend is slowing down. The growth of the sports is almost as extreme as the events themselves!

Video game culture has raised the profile too, with hosts of snowboarding, skateboarding and even surfing and wakeboard games. Snowboarding also made its debut in the 2008 Olympics in China, further evidence of its increasing popularity.

Of course, with new “things” come new marketing opportunities and it is becoming more and more common to see specialist extreme sports shops and stores on your local high street; smaller stores and large emporiums too are springing up, supplying all your wakeboarding equipment and climbing gear amongst lots of other exciting stuff!

The internet has surely helped to increase the exposure of a lot of the extreme sports, some of which are now practically household names, such as snowboarding, skateboarding and climbing, while others still have a bit of work to do. A quick search in one of the internet search engines for the sport you are looking for, is very likely to throw up thousands, if not, millions of results for your desired search!

Along with all the news and gossip from these sporting worlds, there are also a host of online stores, where, here too, you can order your new snowboarding equipment and extreme clothing.

Have You Heard Of The Concept Of Extreme Racing?

admin — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:51:08 +0000

One of the hottest new extreme sports is called adventure racing. Far from being a sport with one set of rules, it features a variety of competitions like an Extreme version of the Olympics. The name tells you all you need to know about the makeup of the sport: it’s all about competing and winning. Whoever crosses the finish line first wins. Be forewarned! The combination of a highly competitive sport matched with the extreme sports makes for an adrenaline rushing experience.

As a touch of information to those of you who are new to the thought of extreme sports: competing in an extreme sport isn’t about having a some kind of death wish or enjoying getting hurt, or even a desire to take crazy and outlandish chances. Extreme sports competition is all about challenging yourself to beat the odds, no matter what. It’s about achieving a level of focus and determination, which results in accomplishments you had previously doubted yourself capable of. Several sports “officially” qualify as adventure racing. We’ll take a look at some of them.

Many of these races can be quite long and involve training as rigorous as marathon or triathlon training and in fact many of the athletes cross-train in other sports. Adventure races often have an element where navigation is a stand-alone event, but even where it’s not it’s still an important component in every event. Navigation is all about your ability to read a topographical map, use a compass, and find a target location before your competitors. Again, this is similar to paddling in that it’s many competitors’ weakest skill.

The next is Hiking or Scrambling which is held on any and every terrain and in any kind of weather. These competitions often start with a run from an easy starting point to and through tricky terrain which requires hiking and scrambling. FYI: scrambling is climbing difficult terrain without ropes and using only your hands for balance. You can’t grab things to pull yourself up. We’ve all paddled a canoe, rowboat, or kayak, but it’s usually across a pool, a gentle lake or a calm bay. Adventure racers paddle in all water and weather conditions. Being good at paddling in all conditions is a huge advantage in adventure racing because for many adventure racers it’s their weakest event.

Many races will include a climbing or rappelling element. This is an important event to practice so you can stay safe and be fast. You need to buy lightweight climbing gear and only bring what is absolutely necessary so you don’t weigh yourself down needlessly.

Most people think that for a mountain bike race you should get rid of the extra weight like the headlight. This is a bad idea in the world of adventure racing because there’s a good chance you’ll be racing at night. A good idea is to employ a powerful lightweight headlamp with high and low settings. Tip: everyone on your team should have the same bike so you can swap parts when necessary, which can be often.

Enjoying Rappelling With Mountain Climbing

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:43:19 +0000

Mountaineering, mountain climbing, top rope, bouldering or rock climbing, whatever you want to call it, these names all pertain to the wonderful and exciting sport of reaching the peak of a goal. Experienced climbers know the adventure and fun in store in climbing a mountain. There are many trails, sites and stopovers that can definitely provide you a whole new perspective. People sometimes need a change of scenery to refresh the body and the mind. Mountain climbing and exploring the outdoors can give the right setting for such needs. This is also a good opportunity to get closer to nature. Thus, it is best for you to explore this wholesome activity. This is one good way to challenge your body. This is also a way to stimulate the mind and spirit by giving it a refreshing drive. You will do more than just mere hiking when you go mountain climbing. You will also get to learn how to work well with other people in a group, proper balancing, controlling movements, following a lead and even taking safety considerations. Rappelling is also one thing that you can only enjoy here. It will definitely be one of the best decisions you will make in your lifetime. Thus, if you are interested in learning the many ways of mountain climbing and rappelling, you must do your homework. Research on how you can start on this activity and take initiative in making this plan a reality. Some Helpful Tips for Climbing and Rappelling Activities For most beginners, this exciting sport will have to be properly prepared to ensure safety and fun at all times. Here are some points to keep in mind when you go mountain climbing and rappelling. 1. Climbing Guides First consideration is the need to take caution at every step of the way. It is best to get the assistance of a climbing guide. Basically, the guide will keep you on track. Make sure that he or she is qualified enough to take on the task. A certification by the IFMGA or the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association will be a good assurance. 2. Get Proper Instruction There are many equipment, terms and techniques that you will encounter in climbing. These will come in handy as you communicate with fellow climbers and learn the various ways they do their climbing and rappelling. As such, it is best to get the right education when it comes to such things. There are instructions offered by climbing guides, groups or organizations that can cater to your level of ability. Be sure to take this opportunity. The beginners can be best taught the proper ways in climbing and rappelling through training. Indoor man-made rock walls will help in giving you a feel of what you will face outdoors. Most people find rappelling down more difficult than climbing up. If you train indoors, you can learn rappelling techniques until you are confident enough. This way, you can easily learn even if you are still trying to overcome your fears. You can also choose to get personal instruction on your rappelling abilities. The personal instructor can very well adjust to your pace and guide you in every detail that you need to focus on. 3. Have the Right Equipment Any climbing and rappelling endeavors must also be supported by the right equipment at hand. Make sure you have all the necessary things on hand. The helmet is a must to keep you head safe from any falling debris, bumps, or bruises. The climbing shoes must also be worn to keep you safe from any slippery steps. Check also the climbing package. Make sure you have all the tools needed like the food, rope, chalk, harness among many others. Make sure also that you take care of your equipment really well. For example, if you want to focus more on rappelling, you must keep the necessary things at hand. Protect your rappel and know how to use it when the need arises. By doing these things, you can easily focus on the fun experience. Conclusion Mountain climbing and rappelling may be foreign to you for now, but with the right research, preparation and training, you will definitely be one of those raving on how fun these adventures can get.

Climbing Gear – More Than a Bit of Old Rope

admin — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:34:15 +0000

It is fair to say that climbing gear and equipment has come a long way since Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay found themselves at the top of the world, on the summit of Mount Everest in May of1953.

One wonders how they did it really, with the primitive equipment that was then available to them. Although climbing the biggest mountains remains a worthy and dangerous challenge, thanks to the advancement in technology, conquering these giants has become a much more frequent occurrence.

A climber has to exercise a lot of faith in the climbing gear he or she uses and therefore it is important to be confident in the equipment of choice.

Let’s have a quick glance at some of the essentials in a climber’s arsenal

If you are just beginning your climbing career or in the process of upgrading all your climbing gear, what are the best ways to get hold of new equipment. Well, there are lots of extreme sports and specialist climbing stores now on the internet, if you enter your search you are bound to discover what you need.

Explore The Rating System About Climbing

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:31:27 +0000

Climbers trying to scale a mountain need to know what its characteristics are and the level of difficulty involved for a successful climb. This is why mountains have a rating system for climbing. For beginner climbers and climb leaders, this is one of the most important technical information about mountain climbing that they should learn. The rating system is a widely accepted grading method that tells a climber the level of skill and stamina required to scale a particular mountain for free climbing. The system rating also varies from one country to another. There are several types of mountain climbing rating systems, including the Ewbank, UIAA, French and British and Irish. Ewbank Developed by John Ewbank, the Ewbank system was originally intended to provide a rating for the difficulty level of individual moves required for a climb. These days, other considerations are included, such as technical difficulty, strenuousness, exposure and protection levels. This is a system that is used in countries like South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. UIAA The UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme) is a rating system used for Austria and Western Germany. The French rating system is used in France, Italy and Spain. You probably might encounter this system for especially difficult climbs. British and Irish The British rating system uses the technical grading and the adjectival grading. The technical grading establishes the level of movement difficulties required for the climb and the adjectival grading rates the general difficulty level. It uses the same system as the French rating and grades are often prefixed with ‘F’. An adjectival rating system indicates the general difficulty assessment of a climb. Essentially, it consists of: M – Moderate D/Diff – Difficult VD/VDiff – Very Difficult HVD – Hard Very Difficult S – Severe HS – Hard Severe VS – Very Severe HVS – Hard Very Severe E1, E2, E3, E4, etc. – Extremely Very Severe. This is also an open-ended rating, although the latest climb with the hardest grade is at E11. A confirmed climb graded with the highest difficulty so far is E9. In case you’re wondering, ‘E’ for Easy is hardly used as an adjectival rating for mountain climbing. Also, if you looked in some guidebooks, you might find more detailed descriptions to rate a climb, such as ‘Mild Severe’ or ‘Mild Difficult’. These are used to include several factors that could vary such as conditions from the ground and on different elevations. The YDS The YDS or the Yosemite Decimal System was developed particularly for mountain climbing in the Sierra Nevada. It consists of the climbing grade, class and protection, although usage for the latter two varies. This is the rating system that is used in North America and often consists of two numbers. The first number indicates the class while the second indicates the level of difficulty. The grade indicates the approximate number of hours that a normal climb requires and is often used for mountaineering. This isn’t used for shorter rock climbs. Grade I – requires 1-2 hours Grade II – less than 1/2 day Grade III – one-half day Grade IV – one day climb Grade V – two days Grade VI – more than two days Grade VII – one week or more The YDS Class indicates the technical difficulty of a climb. Class 1 – indicates a mountain climb that is good for trail walking, with a small chance of sustaining a fall or injury that is fatal. Class 2 – indicates a mountain that is possibly steep and requires some scrambling, especially off-trail. A Class 2 climb can mean that a climber will need to use his hands or a tool like an ice axe for balance or to pull himself up. This class also indicates a greater chance of sustaining a severe injury, although it’s still not considered fatal. Class 3 – means that the mountain climb will require hand and foot holds and tools such as crampons and ice axes. The use of ropes may also be indicated. Class 4 – requires ropes and anchored belays. Otherwise, falls could prove fatal to the climber. Class 5 – not only requires ropes and anchored belays but also protection points, spread intermittently throughout the climb. This can also indicate increasing difficulty as the climb progresses. Class 5 also indicates rock climbing on a nearly vertical or vertical rock. The protection rating used by the YDS is often optional, but it is quite useful when trying to determine the requirement for protection quality and spacing during a climb. G – stands for Good, indicating solid protection. PG – is Pretty Good, with a few sections where placements are either non-existent or poor at best. R – is Runout, meaning some placements are spaced far apart X -means no protection and that the climb is very dangerous Some guidebooks list a rating system for a climb in extremely detailed figures, such as 4.5, 5.2 or 5.6 that’s why climbers need to study the rating systems used in a particular area to familiarize themselves. It is also important to note that improvements in climbing gear and equipment and increase in climbing standards also meant that a climb rated with a high level of difficulty may currently be recognized as a moderate climb. These are some slight changes that mountain climbers should be aware of. For successful and safe mountain climbing, it is absolutely necessary to familiarize yourself with the rating system used. Wherever you are in the world, you will know what to expect and be prepared for your climb.

Learn To Climb On Snow Or Ice

admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:18:15 +0000

One of the most dangerous, yet exciting sport is ice climbing. It’s actually an offshoot of mountain or rock climbing; the only difference is everything around you is covered with ice. People may wonder why others would want to engage in such a sport and risk their lives when there are less dangerous and less expensive sports. Most people wouldn’t understand, but for a climber, climbing on ice provides a feeling of independence. When you’re out there in the snow, with temperature very well below zero, you get to free yourself from all the tensions and problems of the world. It is important to know that climbing on ice isn’t for everyone, thus, not everybody who goes out in the snow to climb will appreciate the sport. If you’re thinking of going on an ice climbing adventure, you need to learn the basics of climbing. You just don’t go ahead and climb. It could risk your life, or the lives of your companions. Climbing on ice is a serious sport, and you need to invest, both in terms of time and money. There are several schools which offer crash courses on climbing. They give you an overview of how it is to climb. They teach you the basic know-how and offer to guide you along an easy ice climbing expedition. Even if you want to take this sport as a one-time adventure only, you will still need a guide during your trip. Enthusiasts make ice climbing a lifetime pursuit. They allot several weekends during the winter just to travel to places and climb the ice. Not only is the travel expensive, but the gears are also quite pricey. If you want to climb steep ice slopes, you need gears such as crampon and ice axes, on top of the usual rock climbing gears. Before you try climbing on ice, some may suggest that you practice climbing on dry rocks in the summer. You should be able to master the necessary skills of rock climbing such as belaying and tying ropes. In this way, once you venture out on the snow, you can focus on working your way with the ice. The basic ice climbing gears are crampons and ice picks. These are sharp claws made of steel. With their help, you should be able to climb up a 40-degree ice slope without slipping. You also need belaying devices such as ice screws, harness and carabineers. Helmets and boots are also must haves of an ice climber. Of course, responsible climbers should bring with them some first aid kits, extra food and warm clothing. As an added tip, don’t go buying cheap ice climbing tools. Remember that these are the only things keeping you from falling. If you can’t afford to buy good gears right now, then save your money until you can. When you’re hundreds of feet above the ground and you’re hanging on ice, you’ll be grateful you got yourself good ice gears. Ice climbing is definitely not for the faint hearted. It is a physically challenging sport. Not only will you need a pair of strong legs, but also good lungs. When you climb, make sure that you know your companions enough to trust them with your life. There are ice slopes that can’t be climbed by individuals. Steep slopes require a group’s collective effort. Aside from physical strength, you’ll also need good climbing techniques to climb up the ice. In high altitude, the air grows thinner, thus, you should make your moves as smoothly as possibly to conserve your energy. Ice climbing classes will cost you several hundreds of dollars, but what you learn will be priceless. The sport really requires an ice climber to take huge risks. Any wrong move can cost somebody’s life. There’s no way of accurately predicting the weather. Nobody knows when an avalanche is coming. And if the group’s not familiar with the terrain, the snow could blot off the trail and you might find yourself lost in a mountain of ice. But if the group gets to the top safely, there is no feeling more satisfying. The peak provides a picturesque view of miles of unspoiled vast mountains. And as an added bonus, having shared the dangers and risks of ice climbing, the group feels a stronger bond between them.

An Introdcution To Rock Climbing

admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:42:11 +0000

Rock climbing is one sport that many people fall for. Lots of individuals are interested in this activity that continues to enjoy popularity. People of all ages are curious of what they can get from this rock climbing adventure. There are various aspects in rock climbing that might attract different individuals. The athletic types might very well be challenged by the exhilarating activities involved. They might enjoy the obstacles, the twists and turns. There will also be lots of walking, thus, the body will definitely get a work out. This can also encourage people who love nature. This is one way to go outdoors and appreciate the many wonders of nature as you travel your way up the rocky slopes. Those who are seeking a change of scenery or who simply want to be stimulated, rock climbing will be helpful. It can awaken your mind and spirit. The heights can give you that effect. The Basics of Rock Climbing Rock climbing is one exhilarating sport that can require a lot from your body and skills. As such, the first thing to consider is to get the proper training to prepare you to what lies ahead. Today, there are man-made rock climbing walls that you can use to train in the metropolitan areas. It is also a perfect alternative when the weather is bad. These indoor rock climbing walls can help you learn the various climbing techniques. The safety is also ensured by the rock climbing experts who will keep you in their watch and supervision. Each wall is constructed and designed to resemble the natural setting of a rock environment. There are also different levels of difficulty so you can improve your skills step by step. Some people even get addicted to indoor rock climbing as it is very convenient and fun. Just make sure that this alternative has its own purpose, but nothing can compare to the real outdoors. There are many more adventures to enjoy in the outdoors. Some Rock Climbing Tips Here are some tips that you can keep in mind so you can learn how to make the most of your opportunity to explore the outdoors. 1. Find the right location when you do outdoor rock climbing. Not all rocks and slopes can provide the optimum setting for the rock climber. Make sure that the rock can be traversed, either vertically or horizontally. This is why it is best to have an experienced guide wherever you go so that your efforts won’t be futile. 2. It is equally important to find rocks that are stable and solid. These are the ideal rocks for your climbing endeavors. 3. Choose the locations that have favorable weather conditions. It is also good to stick to a location where trails already exist. 4. Most people think that rock climbing is very dangerous because of the danger of falling. However, most of the injuries that will be encountered are due to straining of the body parts. As such, you must do the right warm up and stretching exercises to prevent the injuries on your tendons and muscles. 5. It is also very important to undergo proper training before taking on a serious climbing activity. Train your balance skills as this is useful when you go around the various surfaces. Some people work on growing large muscles. However, it is your overall strength that will matter most. Your limbs must be able to sustain strains and your fingers must have enough strength. 6. Some people will enjoy going to areas that aren’t crowded to enjoy more privacy. However, going in large groups or being close to other people will be more of an advantage during emergency situations. It is easier to get timely help when there are many companions. 7. Rock climbing equipment is also a must to ensure the safety. There are specific rock climbing shoes that will give you the right grip especially on slippery surfaces. Helmets are important to protect your head from falling debris when you climb. It is also a good way to avoid unnecessary bumps and bruises to your head. Conclusion Rock climbing is one cool activity that you can learn and indulge in. Just take the helpful tips above and you can ensure your safety and fun.

How To Plan A Mountain Climbing Event Even skilled mountain climbers try to familiarize themselves with their target area before heading off, so make

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:27:52 +0000

map, read the guidebooks, ask people who’ve had experience in the area and scout a route. Once you know what to expect from the area in and around the mountain, decide on your pacing – how fast or slow you will be traveling, what time you’ll start, what kind of terrain will be involved and how far before you stop. Find out if you could use your own car to drive to the area and if there is parking available. If not, ask about shuttle services that may be provided. Get some mountain outing skills You don’t have to be a certified mountain man to enjoy a mountain outing, but your group should at least have one or two people who know something about living and surviving in the wilderness. At least have one person who has skills such as, how to navigate the mountains, start a fire or put up a tent. Make sure your fitness level and mountain skills are sufficient for your outing. Don’t attempt to go on a mountain outing hoping to get through with luck and a few basic skills. Make sure the technical skills of at least one group member exceed the difficulty level of the hike or outing. Mind the weather Consider the season when you’re planning a mountain outing. Knowing what to expect can help you organize a safer and more enjoyable trip and prevent unpleasant surprises that might occur. Check with the weather bureau about weather conditions a day before your outing and on the day itself. Never, under any circumstance, try to go on a mountain outing when a storm is headed your way. Contact the forest service They are in charge of the campgrounds and in many areas in the US, people who go out for mountain hikes, picnics or outings are required to register before heading out. They can also alert you on the hazards and dangers that you’ll need to watch out for during your outing. Dress up for the occasion It’s a mountain outing, so dress in clothes that will be comfortable and still provide protection. Wear the appropriate shoes, hats and jackets and if you’re going in winter, wear the right type of clothing that will provide sufficient insulation and protection, including gloves and snowshoes. Food and water Plan your meals during the mountain outing and bring enough food and water to last you during the trip. Have extra provisions just in case you run out. Bring your med kit Sure, it’s an outing and you’re out there to have fun, but remember you’re in unfamiliar territory. Little accidents could occur, such as cuts, bumps, scratches and insect bites. Bring a first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauzes, adhesive bandages, insect repellant, antibiotic ointment and blister pads. You might also want to bring over-the-counter medicines such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic over-the-counter drugs. For insect bites and allergies, bring anti-itch lotions and ointments. Gear up Bring the necessary tools and equipment you will need during the outing. Tents and camping gears, flashlights, blankets, matches, fuel, forks, knives, can openers and other things necessary to make your trip comfortable and safe should be packed up and stored in your bags. Don’t forget to bring your maps and guidebooks and make sure you can easily access them during the trip. Fill ‘er up Make sure your car has a full tank of gas before heading out. On your way to the mountains, check out the gas stations along the way and take note of the nearest station from the parking area once you’ve reached your destination. It’s also a good idea to have an extra gallon stashed in case of an emergency. Leave something behind Before leaving for your mountain outing, leave a copy of your itinerary with a family member or a friend. The itinerary should include where you’re going, what time you’re leaving, who the group members are and what time you expect to return. Appoint a leader It could be you or somebody else who has the essential navigation and climbing skills. Get at least two or more group leaders if you have a bigger group. This will help break down the number of people to a manageable level and will make it easy to track individuals to account for their presence or absence. Before the hike, the group leader/s should count how many participants or group members he has. If the trip is long, he should do this periodically during the hike and do the counting again once they’ve reached the camp or picnic ground. Plan for emergencies Have a sound emergency route in case you need to bail out. Make sure the group knows about this and are familiar with the necessary steps to make. Above all, plan a mountain outing based on safety. You will enjoy it more if you know that you have nothing to worry about during the outing and that you can go home safe and sound when it’s over

Know About The Weather For Mountain Climbing

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:45:34 +0000

If you’re going to climb a mountain, better come prepared. For all its majestic views, mountains can be especially hazardous if the climber is inexperienced or ignorant of certain conditions involved. One of these is the weather. Weather in the mountains can be notoriously unpredictable and can change quickly during the course of a day. This is why it’s absolutely necessary to find out about weather conditions before heading out for a trip. Remember that once you have begun your ascent, you are at the mercy of the mountain and you can’t do anything about the weather. You need to be prepared to face it. Starting out Always refer to the weather reports during the week before the climb. It is necessary to know the general conditions during the days preceding your climb so you can assess your route more accurately. Sunny weather during the climb will not assure a safe trip if a storm passed over the area the day before. This is a consideration you will need to be aware of. You might also want to check with the forest service before going up the mountain. They often maintain regular monitoring of the prevailing conditions in the mountains and can advise you on whether it’s safe to climb or not or which areas to avoid or keep to during your climb. Dress up for rain At ground level, you probably won’t have any problems with mountain weather. Prevalent conditions are likely to stay the same all day. But as you climb, weather conditions can change. Even when you’re climbing during summer, it’s best to bring rain gear. Mountains are generously blessed with precipitation and it’s not unusual to be rained on during your trek. Wear sensible shoes and protective clothing. You can also opt to dress in several layers, so you can add or remove as mountain conditions and personal comfort dictate. Oftentimes, it’s necessary to bring insulated clothing to protect you against extremely cold conditions, especially at higher elevations. It is also possible to experience snow in the mountains even during summer. Mountain summits can also be the site of storms because of the nearly constant presence of clouds. Precipitation in these locations can also be high and rain often occurs in these areas. Climbers should watch out for sudden drops in temperature and sudden rainstorms when they are near the mountain top. The risk of rain Rainy weather in the mountains can spell many dangers for climbers. For one, rain can cause slippery rocks and terrain. It can also cause mudslides in unstable areas of the mountain. Mountain rivers and streams can also be a hazard because of rain. Since these feed off the water brought by the rainstorm, they can increase in depth and flow speed rapidly and can quickly turn into a strong torrent of water right after a rainstorm. Lightning Summer storms can bring lightning. This is especially a threat near the summit. Climbers have been struck by lightning before, so it’s best to schedule your climb to avoid this accident. Since storms occur during late mornings or early afternoons, it’s best to begin climbing during the early hours of the day to avoid increased risk of getting struck. Climbing in the snow Avalanches are a threat to any climber especially during winter and spring. Heavy snow with strong winds usually produce unstable snow packs that cause avalanches. What may seem like a solid, reliable ground covered with snow can quickly change into a dangerous avalanche that can sweep a climber away, burying him under several feet of snow. Rockfalls can also be caused by ice that form in the night which attach rocks to the surface of the mountain. During the day, when the weather is warm, the ice can melt and dislodge the rocks. In the spring or in summer, snow can melt under the sun and weaken a patch. If a climber accidentally steps into one, it can cause the ground to fall under his weight and cause an avalanche. Sunny weather At higher elevations, it is absolutely necessary to protect yourself against the sun’s rays. You may not feel the heat because of the colder atmosphere, but you are at a risk of suffering from a sunburn. Protect your eyes with the proper eyewear and wear a sunscreen or a sunblock.

How To Train For Mountain Climbing

admin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:52:49 +0000

Are you ready for your mountaineering trip? Climbing a mountain isn’t like any other activity that you only have to prepare the food, gears and transportation. Apart from those preparations, you also have to physically train yourself if you want to be a mountaineer. Mountaineering is a sport which also needs a great deal of physical training, or else, you might faint before you reach the peak. Your hectic lifestyle may leave you with limited time to train prior to your trip. Thus, you will have to maximize your time to get yourself in better shape when you climb mountains. You wouldn’t want to easily get tired. Constant fatigue takes out much of the fun involved in the sport. Probably the most efficient way to physically train yourself to be a mountaineer is to try to simulate what you’d be doing in the mountains. You can try to practice climbing or bouldering moves that you have learned over and over again. You have to be able to master the technique so you can execute it properly. Take note that fitness for a marathon runners is different from the fitness that we’re trying to build. Since you’ll be climbing mountains, you need to focus on specific areas of fitness. Your training should enable you to improve these elements of fitness. A mountaineer needs to develop his strength and power. You’ll be hiking and climbing for several days while carrying the weight of your backpack. Strength is the ability to lift heavy objects, but you also need to combine speed to that ability. Mountain climbing also requires you to do powerful climbing moves. As a mountaineer, you will also have to work on your stamina. Simply put, stamina is strength with endurance. With stamina, you can get your muscles working at optimum level for longer periods. Agility is also important. It’s basically power plus flexibility. When climbing, you may have to do some stretchy moves so you can go up or go down safely. The key to effective training is specificity. Before you actually go on climbing the mountain, you can start doing the things you expect to do in the mountains. For example, you could start walking for long periods of time in the bush while carrying a heavy backpack. And then maybe proceed to a steep hill while still carrying that heavy weight. Exercises such as these should condition your body enough for the mountaineering trip. Of course, there are the basic workout exercises that you shouldn’t miss. Do some push ups, squats, sit ups and other activities. You could also use the Swiss Ball. These exercises will ensure good conditioning and collaboration between your upper and lower body. However, make certain that you’re doing the exercises the right way to avoid any possible injuries and ensure their effectiveness. To improve your stamina, run at least three times a week. You could also opt to mountain bike when going to work. Swimming on the other hand may not give you very good results in improving your stamina. Knowing all this information, you should be able to develop a physical training plan for your mountaineering trip. Mountain climbing is an activity that you should prepare for. Without proper training, you could kill yourself, or even put your companions’ life in danger. Set aside a specific time of the day each day for you to train. Start training at least a month before the day of the climb. Your training could start off from a low intensity regime which should gradually increase. You can use walking up the hill as your warm up exercise. Add a few pounds of weight each time. This should condition your body to walk long distances while carrying a heavy weight. Then of course, get down to a few workout exercises afterwards. You may want to work on a specific program for a certain day. For example, you could work on your upper body today then on your legwork next time. Also, don’t forget to eat right. Try to increase your carbohydrate intake temporarily. Carbohydrates should give you enough energy to fuel your strenuous exercises. Continue your physical training until the day of the climb. However, you will want to ease off with a lower intensity workout a day before.