Sport Climbing. What is it and What Makes it Different From Normal Rock Climbing? By Trendon Cato At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

A very exhilarating sport indeed, sport climbing or sport rock climbing is more or less a rock climbing race to see who first can reach up the rock. But wait, is not rock climbing a very dangerous activity, they could fall if not careful, much less to be racing. Well fortunately in this particular event instead of the attaching anchors as he/she climbs, the rock already has permanent anchors attached to the rock, and in addition they also utilize protection in the race, so the racer can concentrate all their energy into actually racing without the worry of falling. Great is it not?

Sport climbing in depth.

In sport climbing there are several important terms any sport climber or sport climber enthusiast need to know. These following paragraphs well take a look an in depth look at what they are. These terms are basically descriptions of the equipment utilized by the climbers in the race.

First and furthermost is the basics, which are runners, a helmet, climbing shoes and a chalk bag. The runners or sling are used in order to hold equipment and in times to connect to rocks as the racer progresses. A helmet and climbing shoes is pretty much self explanatory by just mentioning them. Lastly for this set, the chalk is used to keep the climber’s hand dry during the climb.

Next up is the rope, called dynamic rope which in itself is different from the normal rope used in rock climbing called static rope. What is the difference? Well dynamic rope is a unique rope that is manufactured to be stretchable where the static is not, giving it the ability to handle an increased amount of stress without worry of the rope failing on them.

Unique also to sport climbing is what is called the quickdraw. And no, it is not where you pull your gun out very quickly. It is instead what is used by climbers to attach to the bolt anchors, previously mentioned, and to the protection while the climber ascends. A quickdraw a sling with two carabiners connected by a loop of webbing (which is usually less that a foot in length). These can either be ordered pre-made or if so desired made by the climber themselves, made in different several different sizes and styles to fit the harness and ropes used by the climber.

A belay device not of course unique to sport climbing is often utilized. This device is a used as a mechanical break used to control the belay rope. The primary purpose of the belay device is to lock off the rope without any effort. Belay devices like quickdraws come in all different kinds, each with there own specific specifications. Choosing one is usually dependent on the climber’s preference and specific need.

Lastly and definitely not least is a climbing harness which is used with the belay to anchor the climber in. This is mainly a belt with loops which the legs go through whereby the quickdraws and belays are connected to anchor the climber to the rock face. Also in addition to the basic sit harness there are also the chest harness and the full body harness, which each offering more support and body attachments than the other.
This more or less a rundown of what is involved in sport climbing; hopefully I did not leave anything out.

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