What Is Sport Climbing?

What Is Sport Climbing?

by

Hugh J. Lara

Sport climbing, or sport rock climbing, is a climbing sport that uses permanent anchors that are fixed into the rock. Climbers can use the anchors and supports for protection and assistance in getting up the cliff face. The use of this protection allows the climbers to fully concentrate on getting up the mountain without having to worry about the dangers of falling.

In Depth Information on Sport Climbing

There are many important terms used in sport climbing. This section is going to be an in depth look at them. The first set of terms and words to look at describe the different pieces of equipment used in sport climbing.

First up is dynamic rope. Dynamic rope is a special kind of rope that is constructed to be stretchable. Because it can stretch it is very different from a static rope which has no give. Because it can stretch dynamic rope is much better at handling extreme stresses and it will lessen the likelihood of failure.

Another unique piece of equipment for sport climbing is a quickdraw. The quickdraw is used by climbers to attach their climbing rope to the bolt anchors and other protection while climbing. A quickdraw has two carabiners connected by a loop of webbing. The webbing is usually less than a foot in lengh. Some climbers manufacture their own quickdraws but there are pre-made ones as well. They come in many different sizes and styles to fit different climbing harnesses and ropes.

While not unique to sport climbing, a belay device is used frequently. A belay device is used as a mechanical break to control the belay rope. The main purpose is to lock of the rope without any effort. There are many different kinds of belays out there each with there own specialization. It depends on the what the specific needs of the climber are to what belay they will get.

A climbing harness works with a belay to anchor the sport climber in. It s mainly a belt with two loops around the legs that you can attach quickdraws and belays to to anchor yourself to the cliff face. In addition to the basic sit string harness there are chest harness and a full body harness. These both offer more attachments and more support. Sometimes used in climbing they are more commonly seen used in rescue situations.

After that a climber needs runners, a helmet, climbing shoes and a chalk bag. A sling is used to hold equipment and sometimes to attach to rocks. A helmet and shoes are pretty obvious in there use, and chalk is used to keep the hands dry for climbing.

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