57 Rock Climbing Facts That Will Take Your Breath Away

While some people may find it quite intimidating, rock climbing is a fun sport to engage in!

Did you know that rock climbing is one of the oldest sports in the world? Whether it is speed climbing, ice climbing, or bouldering that we talk of, this sport is the recipe for a healthy mind and body!

At the end of the 19th century, it is thought to have been a recreational activity in Italy, France, and England, where climbers would scale mountains. However, do note that the true roots of the sport are unclear due to the lack of documentation in the field.

Today, rock climbing is a popular sport all over the world, and there are many different types of rock climbing.

It has also become a profession for many people around the world, while still others partake in it as a way of keeping themselves healthy! Let's discuss some interesting facts about rock climbing!

What is rock climbing?

Rock climbing is a rather fascinating sport. Many people find sport climbing fun and enriching and the reason why people find themselves gravitating towards the sport can be varied.

Irrespective of the reason why people practice this sport, it is very good both for physical and mental health, and hence, with the proper precautions set in place, bouldering or rock climbing can become a part of anyone's life!

Rock climbing refers to the sport of climbing up a vertical rock face.

This can be done on a natural rock wall, as well as on artificial setups where boulders are created on walls.

An artificial climbing wall often comes with several safety measures and also has sponge padding provided on the floor to support and protect the climbers in case of a fall.

It is a great way of building strength and stamina.

In addition to this, practicing on an indoor climbing wall is proven to be beneficial when learned at an early age.

Artificial rock climbing is great for beginners since it allows them to master the stability methods and prepares them for more dangerous settings.

Indoor climbing can also be a great way of having fun with friends and family whilst engaging in some healthy competition.

Sport climbing, on the other hand, is more dangerous and extremely competitive.

It is also a great way of maintaining body weight and creating a healthy lifestyle.

Rock climbers often have great arm strength since they use their hands to propel themselves higher up on the rock wall.

This is consistent both in the case of outdoor and indoor climbing.

There are many different types of rock climbing to choose from.

The range of possibilities also gives climbers the option to travel all around the world and try their hands at rock climbing at different locations.

It is an exciting sport that pumps up adrenaline and causes the body to burn many calories.

Rock climbing can both be a recreational sport and a profession, which is one of the reasons why we should never shy away from learning and possibly even mastering it!

There are many records in terms of rock climbing that you can set an eye on and beat if you get exceptionally great at the sport.

If you do not intend to break any records, going up an artificial climbing wall and feeling accomplished and strong is just as great of an option!

The History Of Rock Climbing

Unfortunately, the history of rock climbing is quite unclear. This is because the act of climbing rocks has been a necessity for human beings for centuries.

It is hardly possible for us to treat the first records of rock climbing as the first incident. However, we can always indulge in some great facts about the sport as a motivational aid to step outdoors and get moving!

The first record of rock climbing that is currently available comes from 1492.

A 15th century man, named Antoine de Ville, was the first person who climbed a rock wall.

However, he hardly did this to have fun.

Antoine de Ville was ordered to climb Mount Inaccessible by his king.

Mount Inaccessible is located in Grenoble, France, and was conquered by Antoine de Ville through the application of castle-sieging methods!

The first actual instance of rock climbing comes from 1869 when a man, named John Muir, conquered a pure rock wall.

This event took place in Cathedral Park in Tuolumne Meadows, in Yosemite National Park, which is still one of the best places to head to for a great rock climbing experience.

It was the first free solo climb to ever be recorded, and started a legacy that would become widely popular within a century!

The International Federation of Sport Climbing was established in 2007, and now has organizations all over the world.

Rock climbing events are also a part of the Olympic Games!

The El Capitan walls in Yosemite Valley are known to be the most challenging rock climbing locations in the entire world and are not to be attempted by the faint of heart!

The longest rock climb was completed by two people named Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson.

This was done on the Dawn Wall, which is one of the toughest in the world!

The BaseCamp wall in Nevada is the highest artificial climbing wall in the world and is a must-visit for rock climbing enthusiasts!

Pemba Dorje Sherpa holds the record for having climbed Mount Everest the fastest!

In 2015 there were an estimated 35 million rock climbers all around the world!

Physical Benefits Of Rock Climbing

There are many benefits of engaging in the sport of rock climbing.

Rock climbing of any type is sure to be a full-body workout for you!

In addition to burning many calories, it also increases core stability. You can lose around 500-900 calories in an hour of rock climbing.

One of the greatest things about outdoor and indoor climbing is that it takes our mind off the stress of everyday life and enables us to create a mind-body connection.

According to certain studies, such activities are often recommended for people suffering from depression since it helps them to focus and create harmony within themselves.

Although it is not proven through any strong research, some people have the opinion that rock climbing is also great for overcoming the fear of heights, or of falling.

Rock climbing is proven to be a great replacement for cardio sessions that you do at the gym, and it is also very enjoyable!

Your gluteal muscles, biceps, and core are strengthen through rock climbing!

Requirements Kits For Rock Climbing

It is important to practice rock climbing with the right gear, so why don't we go through some things that you will need to begin your journey!

A good pair of shoes is an absolute necessity.

Rock climbing shoes should be tight and fitted snugly against your feet.

They should also have a sticky-rubber sole so that they can grip the rock well.

While previous rock climbers would not have access to such shoes, people who do indoor or outdoor climbing must have proper shoes to minimize the harm done to their feet.

This ensures a better grip on the rock and also reduces the chance of injuries and accidents.

A harness would be the next thing to invest in if you have been thinking of indulging in some outdoor or indoor rock climbing.

A harness is worn around your waist and legs and it helps keep you safe while rock climbing.

A harness is a piece of safety equipment that gives rock climbers a sense of security and also saves them in case of a missed step or any such unfortunate event.

A Helmet is also a great investment for any rock climber.

A helmet is essential for protecting your head from falling rocks and debris.

While it may be unnecessary in some cases, such as if you have been practicing on an indoor climbing wall, an outdoor rock climb would call for proper headgear!

Climbing rope is also essential while practicing rock climbing outdoors.

The length of your rope will depend on the route you plan to climb.

There are two types of climbing ropes, dynamic and static climbing ropes.

The dynamic rope is intended to minimize the impact on the rock climber in case they fall. It is rather stretchy, which absorbs some of the shock.

The static rope, on the other hand, is less stretchy and is designed to act as more of an anchoring system.

Carabiners are also important as they help in securing safety equipment.

Carabiners are metal clips that are used to connect the climbing rope to your harness.

A belay device is a piece of equipment that helps you control the speed of your ascent and descent while rock climbing.

Many other devices are used in rock climbing, and the number of equipment that you require is heavily dependent on the type of climbing that you are trying to master!

If you are just starting rock climbing, it is best to hire a professional guide who can teach you the basics of safe rock climbing, and can also walk you through the use of all the equipment that you will probably need!