Mountain climbing is an exhilarating sport with great rewards:
awesome photo ops and a truly satisfying sense of accomplishment.
Some climbers find each experience a transcendent one; a spiritual
as well as physical triumph. Certainly, in our age of mechanized
success, climbing a mountain of any size under your own steam leaves
a larger mark on your soul than driving up an auto road or hitching
a ride on an aerial tramway.
The best thing about mountain climbing is, if you’ve got two working
feet, you’re in the running for a fun and challenging sport. Even
so, it’s a sport beginners can be woefully unprepared for if they
do not couple idealistic zeal with knowledge. The sport of mountain
climbing is rife with stories of tragedy due to lack of both preparation
and respect for the natural environment.
There are two basic levels of mountain climbing: non-technical
and technical. Non-technical is defined as simple hiking, with occasional
scrabbling over rocks or streams. Technical climbing includes rock
or ice climbing and requires more equipment. Even so, both endeavors
demand preparation and knowledge for a safe and enjoyable experience.
The very first thing for the beginning mountain climber to consider
is the boots she wears. A good pair of appropriate and well fitted
boots will make or break your experience. Find a reputable outdoor
equipment store (REI
is a great one), and invest in your mountain climbing future. It’s
important that you break your boots in well before you begin a climb
of any substance, or you’ll be miserable on the trail.
The ability to read a map and compass is imperative before entering the beautiful
but unforgiving wilderness. Even if you plan to stay strictly on
the trail, familiarity with your surroundings will contribute to
your overall safety. You might consider taking a mountaineering
or orienteering course to ensure preparedness.
Food and water will keep you going when your enthusiasm begins
to wane or your body to complain. Energy gells and bars, and dried
fruits are easily packed and packed with punch. The need for water
needs no explanation; just make sure you bring plenty.
Do not go it alone. The worst things happen when climbers and rock
jocks think they don’t need anyone. It’s just not true. Unless you’re
climbing that mole hill out back of the house that you’ve been exploring
since you were six, having an equally-prepared partner will reduce
the danger level and give you someone to high-five when you both
accomplish the goal. There is a plethora of mountain
climbing clubs and organizations that are usually
eager to welcome new members.
Let someone know where you’re going. Leave a written agenda of
your plans with someone you can trust to inform appropriate authorities
in the event that you don’t return at the appointed time. Don’t
rely solely on mechanical or technological gear, which are subject
to failure.
If your interest goes beyond basic, non-technical climbing and
hovers somewhere over rocks and ice, be prepared to invest more
of yourself and your resources. Rock climbing calls for a wide range
of equipment,
depending on the extent of your interest-slash-obsession. The same
applies to ice climbing. Either pursuit demands a higher level of
fitness than that of the average couch potato, and the gear required
for safe and proper climbing can inflict a measure of pain on your
pocketbook.
Before making such an investment, try your hand (and foot) on an
indoor climbing wall. If you find the experience whets your appetite
for a greater challenge, enroll in a class, where you can learn
the terms, skills, protocols, and techniques of safe rock and ice
climbing: balance, friction, belaying, knots, tying, rappelling,
anchors, ropes, face climbing, crack climbing, and a whole lot more.
Mountain climbing is one of those pursuits that takes life to the
top in more ways than one. Do some research, make some calls, rearrange
some priorities, and embark on a sport that will bring you face
to face with both your outer world and your inner self.
