Are you drawn to mountain climbing but don't know how to get started? In this article, you will learn about the advantages and benefits it brings to your body and mind. If you are a complete beginner, you will find out how you can start pursuing this adrenaline-filled sport.
History of mountain climbing
To begin with, let's take a look back and clarify how mountain climbing originated. The first human journeys to the mountains were not for sporting purposes, but for food. Later reasons for visiting the mountains included the collection of rocks and minerals, as well as military conflicts.
The first mentions of journeys to the mountains in Europe date back to the 16th century. The main reason for staying in the mountains was subsistence, hunting chamois and other animals. There were also individuals who were lured by the prospect of wealth. So-called mineral seekers were popular - mostly inhabitants of foothill villages, who knew the local environment best. By collecting minerals, they got to know their surroundings, and thus became mountain guides. Over time, their hobby became a job. Not only did they earn a living by collecting minerals, but they also gained their first clientele. These were various scientists interested in the curiosities of nature. Later, people from the higher social class joined, who at that time already had an interest in nature. It was not until the late 19th century and early 20th century that mountain climbing first began to develop as a sport and leisure activity. The greatest expansion of mountain climbing occurred around the middle of the 20th century, when the first peaks exceeding 7000 m above sea level began to be "conquered". The largest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, 8848 m above sea level, was climbed on May 29, 1953 by E. Hillary and T. Norgay.
Why pursue mountain climbing? What advantages does it bring?
Mountain climbing as a sporting activity has become very popular, thanks in part to several benefits it brings:
1. Movement beneficial for the whole body
The movements we perform while climbing naturally exercise a wide range of muscles, partly because you work mostly with your own body weight the whole time. You not only improve strength and endurance, but also coordination and balance. Climbing is often recommended by physiotherapists to improve movement coordination and strengthen the upper body. In addition, you also improve concentration, without which it is difficult to manage in this sport. In mountain climbing, you must strategize and think about every single step you are about to take.
2. Mental hygiene
Once again we can mention the importance of concentration, which leads to a kind of mental hygiene, in which you realize that the only thing that matters at that moment is correctly executed movements and steps. Thanks to this, you are able to completely switch off from everyday thoughts and the responsibilities of daily life, and focus on the present moment. Every route ends with a reward in the form of beautiful views and scenery of the surrounding landscape and a feeling of satisfaction for the performance given.
3. Positive effect on the respiratory system
We probably don't need to write about the beneficial effects of high mountain air, everyone knows them. However, it should be noted that increasing altitude, and thus decreasing oxygen in the atmosphere, can affect everyone differently.
4. Overcoming limits
The growing desire to conquer the summit of a route not only eliminates fear, but also pushes limits. It constantly forces you to overcome your strength, not only physically, but also mentally. We learn to be grateful for the little things that in everyday life seem taken for granted, e.g. that we don't have to sleep outside in the cold, but at home in a warm bed. These are small things that we become aware of at the moment we lose them, and suddenly they are no longer so obvious.
5. Self-confidence and ambition
A very important part of this sport is a positively set mind and confidence in yourself. Negative thoughts are set aside, as they do not help in any way. In mountaineering, you can meet a lot of new people, both more experienced and less experienced, with whom you will motivate each other and push your limits. Ambition forms when you start thinking about the routes you failed to conquer, and you return to them with the desire and determination to change that.
How to start with mountaineering?
1. Start on the wall
You have to start somewhere, and artificial walls are perfect for that. Let yourself be guided by someone experienced and get familiar with the basic principles of climbing. You can start with bouldering - it is a type of climbing on small rock blocks, lower walls, without the use of a rope. In bouldering, you more or less climb only sideways, which is also called traversing. The advantage is that you climb only a few meters above the ground, on which special mats are placed. This type of climbing is suitable for beginner climbers, thanks to its low demands with regard to experience and equipment.
2. Pay for a mountaineering course
You can start with a course right away, without prior experience with an artificial wall. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, you will learn the basics of mountaineering and movement on rocks. You will get to know the basic mountaineering equipment, the basics of belaying and securing. You will learn to independently handle situations after a fall and provide first aid. There are summer and winter courses. In the winter ones, you will learn to overcome snow, use crampons, ice axes, ropes, and last but not least, gain practical knowledge of avalanche prevention and rescue during mountaineering accidents.
3. Get your own mountaineering equipment
If you are serious about mountaineering, it is time to buy your own equipment. The first thing you need to get is a sit harness - the so-called seat harness, through which you are tied to the rope. Another important part is head protection, a mountaineering helmet. Wearing it is very important, never climb without it. A fall or injury from a rock falling from above can occur. You will also need a chest harness, which stabilizes you with your legs facing downward in case of a fall. In addition to those mentioned, you need to get a few other things.
Everything you need:
- Sit harness/seat harness
- Mountaineering helmet
- Belay devices, buckets
- Anchor plates,
- Ascenders/jumars,
- Rappel brakes,
- Ascending straps/footcords
- Ropes
- Carabiners, quickdraws
- Chalk bag
- Mountaineering backpack
- Ice axes
- Crampons
4. Train
Practice makes perfect, and this also applies to mountaineering and climbing. You will not always manage to conquer everything you want, but the important thing is not to give up. Even very simple exercises such as squats, push-ups, pull-ups, back and abdominal exercises can help increase your endurance and strength. You can also add some aerobic exercise - running, cycling, swimming, running up stairs, indoor stairs. However, the best training is climbing itself, though every bit of extra work brings you closer to your goal. When climbing, we must not forget about proper breathing, which is often underestimated. By holding it, we deprive ourselves of strength, which is why it is necessary to also pay attention to proper breathing.
We have expanded our offer with a range for mountaineering, as our vision is to provide practical products for outdoor hobbies and an active lifestyle. We believe that this will delight fans of this adrenaline sport. Now at Waragod you will find basic equipment needed for climbing and mountaineering from the French manufacturer Petzl.
Source: https://www.infoglobe.sk/horolezecky-sprievodca/lezenie-historia-horolezectva/
