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Popularity
of Rock Climbing Reaches New Heights
By Katie Hoffa
Not genetically lucky? Too lazy for rigorous 5 a.m. practices? Is
there such a thing as sports after high school, or are intramurals
the extent of the normal college students' sports activity?
The same rush of adrenaline from competition and challenge is still
indeed available to you: if you think you can handle it. The popularity
of extreme sports has been skyrocketing for years, but the sport of
rock climbing has been permeating ORU with its adrenaline-raising,
discipline-demanding rawness.
From problem solving to flexibility and balance, rock climbing is
not a sport for the passive. "Rock climbing is challenging both
physically and mentally," said junior Tim Loerke, who works at
New Heights Rock Climbing Gym in Tulsa.
The varieties of rock climbing are vast. For the beginning climber,
indoor rock walls are the way to get acquainted with the sport. In
"top roping," the climber wears a harness that is attached
to a rope. This rope is connected to a pulley system and controlled
by a person at the bottom.
Belaying, as this process is called, causes the climber to swing helplessly
in mid-air, suspending them by the rope and harness, protecting him
or her from falling to the ground, should the grip on the holds be
lost.
More proficient climbers may choose "bouldering" to hone
strategy and skill. Bouldering provides a greater challenge than top
roping because it is done on a 10- to 12-foot wall with no ropes at
all. Only thick foam mats at the base of the wall protect falling
climbers.
Improving technique and the strength to body weight ratio are two
keys to becoming a better climber, and the best way to develop these
is to practice.
Rock climbing is a total body workout because it develops strength
and cardiovascular endurance. While training is important to prevent
injury, beginning climbers should allow their bodies to adjust to
this new kind of stress by climbing only. "Because muscles develop
faster than tendons, a workout program can actually cause damage in
the beginning," junior Evan Essenburg said.
Essenburg and Loerke both suggest exercises such as pull-ups, wrist
and forearm curls, lat pulls and squeezing tennis balls to enhance
performance and prevent injuries. This improves the strength to body
weight ratio, enabling climbers to hold themselves up longer and pull
themselves up more easily.
So what does it take to get started? It's as easy as each individual
wants to make it. A trip to an indoor rock climbing facility such
as New Heights Rock Climbing Gym will provide everything needed to
embark on the challenge, whether experienced or starting for the first
time.
Rentals and a climbing pass will cost a visitor about $19 ($9 for
the shoes, harness and belay and $10 for the climbing pass). A top
rope safety course for $2.50 provides basic knowledge for the beginning
climber.
Break out of the typical sports, venture toward the edge and join
the world of extreme sports. Whether taken as an HPE credit or simply
to scope out a potential new hobby, rock climbing is a daring way
for adrenaline-rush addicts to get their daily dose of adventure.
"Man, you just have to do it to understand. It's such a rush,"
Loerke said.
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