Find the Right Teacher and Climbing Equipment for an Exhilarating Sport

If you're looking for an addictive recreational hobby, you've got to check out rock climbing. My bro got me hooked.  At first, I thought this might be an extreme sport that was too dangerous.  if you think the same way, it might be because you just have not had a proper introduction to the sport and the proper rock climbing equipment. This is not a crazy, death defying adrenaline junkie craze. Well, I suppose it could be if you made it that way. For those of us who are a bit more conservative, rock climbing can be a wonderful and relaxing experience that's great exercise. Once you've acquired the skills, you simply need to find the right climbing equipment.

The first piece of rock climbing equipment that I purchased was a harness. If you're like me, you might have some trouble dealing with the harness setup when you first start out.  Over time, setting up the harness will become easier. Other rock climbing equipment that I eventually purchased and that you should look into includes:

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• Proper shoes that will protect your feet from sharp rocks, yet provide the friction you need for a good foothold.
• A rope with continuously knotted nylon fibers, which gives the rope strength and prevents it from fraying (the ends might fray, however, unless they are burned).  Shops that specialize in climbing equipment generally sell rope in 165-foot lengths.
• Carabiners will be used all of the time in your climbing venture, and are an essential component of the climbing equipment you will need.  Carabiners are usually D-shaped solid aluminum rings that have a spring-loaded gate.  The gate opens to admit rope, but is usually kept closed with the spring.
• A belay device, often shaped like a figure 8, will hold the rope in the event you start falling.  They are easy to use.
• Protective devices include lightweight aluminum wedges and hexes that are wedged into cracks in the rock.  They are designed so that they are hard to remove by pushing down, but easy to remove by pulling up.
• Webbing, camming devices and other gear.

Quality climbing equipment and further information can be found on specialty sites throughout the Net.  For as enjoyable a sport rock climbing is, the climbing equipment that's necessary for safety is not all that expensive.  Visit some shops and hobby sites online for an idea on pricing.

"Find the Right Teacher and Climbing Equipment for an Exhilarating Sport" contributed by Franklin Seymore