subject: A Safe Journey Towards The Skies: Rock Climbing Safety Tips [print this page] This population is still increasing in number which may also be due to the increasing number of indoor climbing gyms or facilities. However, rock climbing is considered a dangerous sport which is why it involves several safety measures, gears and special equipment since you are trying to defy the effects of gravity. The safety of the climber also greatly depends on his or her skills and physical condition. There is no denying that the higher you go the greater are the risks.
Here are safety tips when involved in rock climbing:
1. Wear Proper Gear This sport involves several special gears like proper shoes, clothes helmet and many more. To add more protection and support to tendons, one can tape around elbows, fingers and wrists. Using a figure eight taping technique at the back of the hands and wrists will also minimize skin abrasions. Chalk is used to prevent fingers from drying; thus, reducing friction which eventually avoids development of blisters. Proper climbing shoes should also be worn. This kind has leather tops and soles made of sticky rubber compounds. A helmet is also an important element that may save ones life from the impact of falling or from falling rocks or debris. One should regularly check his gears and must replace old or worn out equipment. Before climbing, one should estimate the route to make sure that enough gear is brought.
2. Always Check Harness After wearing the proper gears, one should also check his harness before climbing. Inspect your knots, buckles, belay and rappel system frequently during the process. Before leading a route, one should make sure that the rope is properly threaded through the belay device and that these are attached to a locking carabiner to the harness. Long ropes are also used to ensure that anchors are reached. A stopper knot is also made to avoid being dropped to the ground.
3. Be Alert Concentrate on what you are doing. Never talk on a cell phone, visit the climbers at the base or do unnecessary things. When belaying, always pay attention to your leader because he has the greatest risk of falling. Proper rope clipping should also be done. Avoid back clipping and make sure that the carabiner gate faces the opposite direction of your route. Locking carabiners are also use on important placements.
Although accidents may happen, they are usually rare. The most common problem is overuse injuries which affects vulnerable body parts such as the elbows, wrists and hands. On one hand, rupture of tendons may also occur due to stress rotational force at the knuckle joints and fingertips. On the other hand, shoulders are at risk for rotator cuff tears due to incidences of one-armed hold. Finally, muscle strains of the lower extremities are also very common.
To prevent such injuries from happening, proper physical conditioning and warm up exercises are very essential. Beginners should gradually engage in this sport because there is a great physical demand for this activity. A routine on proper stretching of the neck, arms, shoulders back and legs should also be done after the warm up period.
Together with physical preparations, it is also vital to be mentally prepared. One should take time to focus and relax to achieve a good mindset confidence about the sport. This should be done before climbing and even after the activity for a tempered enthusiasm.
With mans drive for adventure, the emergence of extreme sports is on the rise. People are able to express themselves or feed their inner desires through these activities. However, it is important to always do things with safety. No man will be able to enjoy whatever life has to offer when he is no longer around to do so.
