Rock Climbing

1
Rock Climbing
2
History
Development of Indoor Wall Climbing The idea for
indoor sport climbing grew out of two main
components of outdoor rock climbing. The first is
the more tame practice of bouldering, a technique
used by mountaineers to hone their skills on
low-level rocks usually no higher than 4 to 5
feet. Basic hand- and footholds and traversing
techniques can be practiced without the aid of a
safety, rope, with little or no danger. The
second component is climbing well above the
ground on rock faces and cliffs using a climbing
partner, a rope, and safety devices to protect
them from injury in the event of a fall. During
the mid-1960s, individuals in England united
these two aspects of the sport by fitting cement
walls with bolted handholds. The resulting
"cliff" offered avid climbers a year-round
training ground. The French added refinements by
incorporating interchangeable handholds and by
developing lightweight compounds made of
fiberglass, resin, and sand to simulate real rock
(Klugman, 1993).
3
Fitness Benefits

• Four major fitness benefits from climbing have
  been identified. Components of physical fitness
  that are enhanced through climbing include
  muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardio
  respiratory fitness, and flexibility.
• When muscular strength is developed, the climber
  is able to generate maximal force in a single
  movement and is better able to make dynamic
  moves.

4
The Equipment

• Harness
• Open up the harness and step into the leg loops
  with the belay/rappel loop centered and the
  buckle off to your right side. There should be no
  twists in either the leg loops or waist belt.
  Thread the waist webbing through the main buckle.
  Important Make sure you double back the
  harness. Most harnesses have a red safety
  feature. Make sure the red is covered painted
  section on the buckle is covered. At the Rock
  Wall we have two different harnesses.

Harness Key Points 1. Make sure waist belt is
tightened above the hip bones and tightened to at
least 2 finger test. 2. Leg Loops should be
tight but not constricting. 3. Make sure all
buckles are double backed and/or the cam
mechanism works properly. C Closed
Tying in Always thread the rope through the
waist belt tie through point and leg loop cross
section. Never tie into the belay loop! Repeat
Never tie into the belay loop! Make sure the
figure-8 knot is tied correctly, dressed, and
backed up with a stopper knot.
5
Knots
The only knot allowed at the Rock Wall is the
Figure-8 follow-through. Always back up the
knot with a stopper knot.
Figure 8 knot
Stopper knot
Proper Knot Tie-In
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Climbing SAFETY Check
Before Belay/Climbing Check B.A.R.K. Use this
simple acronym to make sure the climber and
belayer check each other before climbing. Do this
every time you climb! B. Buckles- Check climber
and belayers Buckles (Make sure double
backed) Also used for brain bucket make sure it
is on properly. (Helmet) A. Anchor- Check tether.
Make sure squeeze check locking carabineer in
floor. Make sure rope not twisted in anchor
above. Eye Bolt Tight. R. Rappel/ Belay Device-
Squeeze check locking carabineer. Proper Set Up
of Belay Device and rope going through the
top. K. Knots- Double check figure-8 follow
through and stopper knot . Make sure knot
is through both center of leg loops and waist
belt. Knot Dressed and close to harness.
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Climbing Commands
Communication between the climber and the belayer
is very important. The commands are Climber On
Belay? The question the climber asks to the
belayer to see if belayer is ready. Belayer
Belay on The response the belayer tells the
climber when the belay is set and ready Climber
Climbing What the climber says to the belayer
indicating the climber is starting to
climb Belayer Climb On or Climb Away What the
belayer says to the climber to start
climbing. Lower Me A command to the belayer
that the climber is ready to be lowered Watch
Me Commands the belayer to pay close attention,
expect or be prepared for a fall Falling The
climber is falling-a statement of fact Belayer
Belay off The climbers signal to the belayer
that they are ready to be taken off the belay and
that the belayers responsibility should
end. Climber Off belay The belayers response
to the climber that the belay has ended