The Cliffs of Moher

(http://s3.jrnl.ie/media/2011/02/cliffs-390x285.jpg)

The Cliffs of Moher in Co.Clare are one of my most favourite cliffs for rock climbing even though I have never climbed them before. To me it is the perfect combination of scenery and rock, to fulfil anyone's adrenalin addictions. The Cliffs of Moher are wonderfully carved by erosion from the sea water and wind. The geographical term for this is weathering.
Weathering involves wind, water or ice. The wind carves the ridges into the rock. However, it is a different action that happens with the water. The water gets caught in different cracks and holes, then overnight freezes, therefore, expands and breaks off some of the rock. This is otherwise known as freeze-thaw action.

(http://regentsprep.org/regents/earthsci/units/weathering/frostwedging.gif)

Climate and Site

You can rock climb almost anywhere in the world as long as you have something to climb on! However, more than likely, the best places to climb are very beautiful and scenic. Having said this though, hotter places are more liked than colder places, for obvious reasons. Many different places around the world have ideal areas for rock climbing. 

In the continent of Africa the main sites for rock climbing are the Eastern and Western capes because they are right sown in the South of Africa which is right out on the sea which carves the lovely routes into the sea cliffs and mountains.

There are similar types of areas in Australia, New Zealand and many areas in Asia.Thankfully you don't have to fly half way around the world to get a good climbing holiday in as you can go to many destinations in Europe! A popular choice for many climbers is places like Croatia and Italy as they have lovely climates and the rock is not too hard but rough enough to give enough grip.

The ideal rock for climbing really depends on the route you are attempting. When you are doing a route with smaller holds for your hands and feet you would prefer a rougher surface on the rock. This is because the rubber on the shoes can cling better to the wall and you will feel more solid on each move. However, if the holds on the route are bigger you may not want a really rough surface as you might want to challenge yourself and get used to relying on these holds for when you climb outdoors. 

This is pure dedication....sick!

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apKvJME8bpw&feature=related)

Gear


In Rock Climbing there are many different types of gear you need to use. In trad climbing you need a lot more gear than if you were just bouldering. In bouldering the most gear you need on you is chalk in a chalk bag! Whereas, in trad climbing you need a humongous amount which can weigh you down quiet a bit!

List of Gear: Belay plates, Carabiners, Harness, Helmet, Climbing Ropes, Chalk/Chalk Bags,Crash Pads, Bags, Bolts and Hangers, Tools, Pulleys, Slings, Climbing Shoes, Mountaineering Boots and Holds.

 

Knot: Figure of Eight.

This is a safety knot that climbers use to tie into their harness which is attached to the dead point on the wall. You have to make sure all of your knots are fully secure and that they are completed correctly. Many of these knots can and will untie under any pressure so always check all your knots and carabiners and gear in extremely secure before your ascend or descend.

Rule: Always double check your partners gear and let them double check yours!

(http://www.rockclimbing.com/gear/)
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This is what could happen if you don't rock climb carefully!
(http://cdn.screenrant.com/wp-content/uploads/127-Hours-Review.jpg)

You must always use the correct gear to have a safe climb!
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History of Rock Climbing
There is many different types of Rock Climbing such as Trad Climbing and Bouldering. Trad Climbing involves individuals or groups of people climbing up and down a rock face. There are many competitions and as you get better there are more grades. . As you develop your technique and gain the muscular strength you make light work of the 'problems' that others may find difficult. Rock Climbing has come from many years ago in Victorian mountaineering in the Alps. However, the 'sport' of rock climbing has only really started to begin in the last decade. The main areas of the development in Rock Climbing have happened in the Dolomite's in Italy, Lake District in England and Elbe Sandstone Mountains in Saxony. The goal of Rock Climbing is to reach the summit of the rock face or artificial wall. The first person ever to reach the summit on a solo climb was Walter Parry Haskett Smith who reached the top of Naples Needle in Lake District.

The other type of Rock Climbing is called Bouldering. This is where you climb big boulders without a harness. The route is much smaller and will only usually take a few minutes to reach the 'summit'. However, bouldering is very intense and is much more physical than Trad Climbing. You usually have a crash pad (which is a foam mat) and a spotter (who stands behind you in case you fall). The first man to Boulder was an Englishman, Oscar Eckenstein.

The grading systems increases in difficulty level as follows:

VD  S  HS  VS  HVS  E1  E2  E3  E4  E5  E6. 

Introduction

In this blog I am hoping to tell you about how rock climbing started and how it has developed into a sport where you do not have to be an adrenaline junkie or as strong as an ox. It has evolved over many years and has now become, for many people, a hobby and an interest where they can go 'hang out' and let off some steam. I also want to share with you my interest in rock climbing and how I feel it benefits me physically, mentally and why I do it just for the 'craic'.