Wall Climbing

Wall climbing is basically a form of physical activity where an individual ascends a wall that is artificially constructed with grips for both the climber’s hands and feet. These artificial climbing walls can be placed indoors or outdoors. Participants utilize all the available climbing skills and techniques. It’s a way to enjoy the said activity or sport without having to travel to a selected location.

The Climbing Wall

The big climbing innovation comes in the invention of the climbing wall. It eliminates the need to travel to locations where the climb challenges your skills. Manufacturers can design and modify walls to suit a climber’s skill level. You usually will have sections of the wall designed for beginners and other sections of a climbing wall designed for more advanced climbers.

Multiplex boards are used to construct today’s modern wall. Attached to it are many different modular climbing holds. To add to the effect of climbing a surface that is as close to what nature provides, the wall is coated with sand, paint/polyurethane, and concrete. The textured surface also has protrusions and indentions. Walls can also be designed to have underhangs and overhangs. All of this is done to mimic the natural conditions climbers face in rock climbing.

Types of Walls

Walls are classified usually according to construction or the primary material used to make the artificial wall. The most basic, and perhaps earliest one, is the woody, or a wall constructed out of wood, usually plywood. The holds are either screwed onto the wall or bolted. Other types of walls according to the material used for construction include fiberglass, concrete, aluminum, and steel.

Graded Routes

A particular feature you’ll find in wall climbing is that of the graded routes. Holds are usually color coded and each set of colored holds on a wall designates a route. Each colored route designates a certain rate of difficulty or grade. The grade of each route is determined by the builder of the wall or route and the first group of climbers to try them.

Buying a Climbing Wall

Here are a few things you should keep in mind when buying materials for wall climbing. You should measure the area where you want to construct your wall. You should also check local regulations and building codes before you begin construction. Check out the available materials in your area and the construction costs. Make sure to compare pricing from different suppliers.

Beginner Tips

There are climbers who recommend starting with wall climbing before heading outdoors for activities like wall climbing. Some suggest that climbing up an artificial wall will give you a good idea whether the sport is for you or not. Some of the fundamental things you ought to do before beginning an ascent would include warm up exercises and stretching. You should also learn how to use your legs and what you ought to use your arms for.

As you gain experience in wall climbing you won’t need someone to tell you which route on the wall is suited for your skill level. You will soon learn how to read the route and smoothly climb the wall. You should also learn how to find rest spots even while on the ground. In case you slip you should also learn how to control your fall.