Rock climbing is a growing sport in the US and with its introduction at the 2020/2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo is now a major competitive sport. But many people also like to rock climb for their own enjoyment without competing.
Rock climbing has many forms to fit preferences and comfort levels, and no other sport is so versatile. In Northern California, we have temperate weather for great outdoor climbing, as well as great temperature-controlled facilities for year round climbing.
Bouldering and roped climbing
Within the rock climbing world, climbers can choose bouldering, which is done close to the ground, doesn’t involve ropes and relies on strategy and technique. There are also two forms of roped climbing, relying on endurance and using ropes to scale tall walls and crags. All three forms can be done both indoors in special climbing gym setups and outdoors in the natural world.
Rock climbing is an all-season sport, alone or with partners
Is rock climbing seasonal? You may think that climbing can only be done in nice weather. Nope! In hot weather, climbers take to indoor climbing in temperature-regulated facilities. In cold weather, they either go to the climbing gym or take to outdoor ice climbing—a whole new world of climbing.
Friends can’t make it? At the gym, you can still climb. Most gyms have bouldering areas and most also have “auto belays,” machines that control the rope so that a partner is not necessary. And if social climbing is your style, there are plenty of chances to participate in climbing leagues, competitions and climbing events.
Even if you climb alone, it’s the people who make rock climbing such a special culture and community. Rock climbing fosters a mindset of respect for nature and for other people; no matter the stage or status, everyone can encourage each other.
Whether going as a group or hitting the walls solo, inside or outside, no matter the weather, we can keep building a positive community in the North State area through rock climbing.
Speaking the Language of Climbing
• Route: The path from start to end of a specific climb; made up of holds.
• Holds: Multi-shaped, colored and textured grips affixed to a climbing wall.
• Sequence: Envisioning potential combinations of moves and body positions.
• Grade: Difficulty level of the route or bouldering problem. VB (Beginner) – V16
• Beta: Information about how to climb a route.
• Crux: The most difficult part of a route
• Dyno: A dynamic climbing move that uses momentum to move from one hold to another.
• Bouldering: A kind of ropeless rock climbing featuring short routes and padding to cushion falls.
• Top Rope and Lead Climbing: Roped climbing for longer routes and taller walls in which the rope is either attached to the top of the route or carried up the route by the climber.
• Crag: A steep or rugged cliff or rock face.
Resources
Shasta Rock Club
http://www.shastarockclub.com
(530) 691-4505
Terrain Park Climbing Center
http://www.terrainparkclimbingcenter.com
(530) 809 – 0796
For North State gyms with climbing facilities, see the listings for Climbing Walls/Towers in the Parks, Recreation & Sports section.
Posted in: Out & About
Comment Policy: All viewpoints are welcome, but comments should remain relevant. Personal attacks, profanity, and aggressive behavior are not allowed. No spam, advertising, or promoting of products/services. Please, only use your real name and limit the amount of links submitted in your comment.
You Might Also Like...
What Children Can Learn From Gardening
Gardening creates bonds with children, community and nature Steven Bryan, Regional Director-South Siskiyou County, Siskiyou Community Collaborative, knows how important gardening can be to children. He says, “Gardening is a […]
North State Parent Picks for Fun Science-based Adventures
Summer is nearly here and the signs signaling the end of the school year are clear. With some daydreaming, careful planning, and input from our kids, we can look forward […]
Our Golden State Offers Seven Historical Places to Visit in Northern California
From the first steps of their firstborn, Bobby and Brandi Fano knew they wanted to raise their children with a spirit of adventure. “We wanted them to be exposed to […]
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum: Science Education for All Ages
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum inspires wonder and curiosity through science-based inquiry and hands-on activities. Serving the Rogue Valley since 2002, ScienceWorks is dedicated to the highest standards of science education for […]
