What is a Kilonewton and Why is it Important for Climbers to Know?
Have you ever looked at your climbing equipment (carabiners, quickdraws, slings, etc.) and noticed a number with a “kN” following it? That is the symbol for a kilonewton or kilo-newton, which is a measurement to quantify force. Climbing, whether it be rock climbing, mountaineering, or indoor climbing, is a captivating and challenging pursuit that demands…
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The Benefits of Climbing
Climbing, both indoors and outdoors, has gained immense popularity in recent years. It is a physically demanding activity that involves ascending natural or artificial structures using specialized equipment to help mitigate the inherent risks. While climbing may seem like a thrilling adventure, it also offers numerous benefits that extend beyond the adrenaline rush. Let us…
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Climbing with Children
Climbing with children can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It is an opportunity to introduce kids to a fun physical activity, provide an opportunity to build confidence by pushing through challenges, instill a love for the great outdoors, and foster a sense of adventure. However, it is important to approach climbing with children carefully…
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Climb, Recover, Repeat . . .
Climbing is a fun, exhilarating, and challenging activity that tests both your physical and mental strength. Whether you have been climbing for a long time or are just getting started, it is important to take proper care of your body after a climbing session. Recovery is crucial for avoiding injury and ensuring that you are…
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Keep Climbing As We Get Older
As we age, our bodies change, and so do our abilities. However, this does not mean that we should stop doing the things we love, such as climbing. As a challenging and rewarding activity, there are many older climbers who continue to climb at a high level. Here are some climbing tips for older climbers…
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Become a Stronger Climber
Climbing is a challenging and rewarding sport that requires a unique combination of strength, endurance, technique, and mental focus. As a climber, you are constantly pushing yourself to reach new heights and conquer tougher routes. To become a stronger climber, you need to train both physically and mentally, be patient, and set realistic goals. Let…
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Moving from Indoor Climbing to Outdoors
Indoor climbing has become an increasingly popular sport. It is a great way to stay active, have fun, get/stay in shape, and challenge yourself mentally and physically. At some point, some who have only climbed indoors begin to think about venturing outdoors to climb. However, transitioning to outdoor climbing can be intimidating. Climbing outdoors requires…
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Auto Belays: Pros and Cons
An auto belay is a mechanical device that is used in rock climbing to provide an effective and efficient way of lowering a climber to the ground after they have completed their climb. They eliminate the need for a climbing partner who belays the climber, belaying is manually controlling the rope to hold the climber…
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You Might Be a Gumby If…
PART 2 Gumby (noun) guhm·bee | gu̇mbē An inexperienced, unknowledgeable, and/or oblivious climber; one who lacks coordination, common sense, or know-how. Experienced climbers can spot and cast contemptuous glances at Gumby climbers. However, we should not be too quick to disdain new climbers. They keep our sport alive, interesting, and exciting. Their sense of awe…
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You Might Be a Gumby If…
Gumby (noun) guhm·bee | gu̇mbē An inexperienced, unknowledgeable, and/or oblivious climber; one who lacks coordination, common sense, or know-how. Gumby is an American clay animation character created and modeled by Art Clokey in the 1950s. He was the subject of a couple television series, a feature-length film, comic books, and other media. Since his first appearance,…
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