Are you looking for a new challenge? Something more than your weekly crossword, but not quite as extreme as sky diving? It could be time to give the very popular sport of indoor rock climbing a try.
The sport may seem extreme to the untrained eye, but when done correctly, it is a very safe and controlled way of having fun and keeping active.
Rock climbing is not only an excellent way to stimulate your body, it will also keep your mind sharp as you problem-solve the correct combination of moves while you navigate your way to the top.
Indoor rock climbing is designed to simulate the same setting as outdoor rock climbing. By climbing in an artificially made environment, participants are able to enjoy all the same benefits while eliminating the risk factor often associated with outdoor rock climbing. Indoor rock walls can range between 6 and 15 metres in height, with climbing surfaces spanning from 700m2 to 1200m2. Indoor walls are usually built with steel beam structures and fiberglass sheathing to portray a rock-like texture. They can also be constructed using plywood with wood beam structures for support or even a combination of both techniques. Many avid climbers build their own personal walls, which adds a whole new challenge to the sport.
An important part of the climbing walls is climbing holds. They are bolted into the wall to create the climbing route. Holds have various designs to aid the climber through the route. The climbing routes are usually divided into levels of difficulty. Climbers can monitor their progress and set goals to make it to a more difficult route.
Historically, rock climbing is considered to have emerged from the sport of mountaineering. Climbing in the mountains has always involved climbing over rocks and up cliffs. One of the earliest recorded climbs was Antoine de Ville's ascent of Mont Aiguille in 1492. See www.rock-climbing-for-life.com.
It wasn't until the 1950s that rock climbing began to hold its own as a sport separate from mountaineering. Over the following decades, people became very excited about this new adventure sport and by the '80s, the focus had progressed to more difficult climbs and routes. This type of climbing became well known as sport climbing. Sport climbing played a huge part in changing the history of rock climbing and inevitably led to the establishment of indoor rock climbing facilities.
New ventures can seem daunting in the early stages. Your local indoor rock climbing facility will have guides to give you an orientation, including the equipment needed and how to wear it, necessary knot tying for beginners and how to work with your partner.
Brisbane climber and personal trainer Tamika Hilder took up the sport because she had grown tired of the gym scene and couldn't find motivation in her individual outdoor training. She had climbed a few times before, but decided to get serious by committing to a membership at her local indoor rock climbing centre.
Tamika recommends trying a couple of casual sessions first before you commit to a membership. You can hire all the equipment you need until you decide whether this energetic pastime is for you.
If it is, Tamika advises investing in a good pair of climbing shoes, which will make a big difference. She also recommends climbing technique classes. "The technique classes will improve your climbs big time, prevent any injuries and allow you to climb for much longer because you won't wear yourself out."
If you are climbing casually, it can be expensive as it is more than the cost of a casual gym class. But if you are keen and really enjoy it, then the biggest expense is buying your own equipment – shoes, harness and chalk bag, and then the membership. A membership will work out more cost-effective in the long run and help you stay committed. Tamika said she spent about $300 on good quality equipment and about $14 a week on the membership.
"It's absolutely worth it as the gear will last for years and, because I'm climbing twice per week; that works out to be $7 per climb."
Tamika hasn't turned back since signing up and has been climbing consistently each week for the past four months. Indoor rock climbing provides more than just personal health and achievement. Businesses are using indoor rock climbing classes for team building activities. The sport places a lot of emphasis on trust and also forces people to overcome their fears.
If you are looking to conquer the unknown, this is probably territory worth stepping onto.
Rather than taking the leap alone, ask a group of friends or family to come along for the adventure. Before long, you may be ready to take your climb to the great outdoors, but that's a whole new story…
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