The human body is one of the most complex systems in the world. With over 600 muscles, 206 bones, we are a built machine. But, how you use your machine is up to you. Many use their bodies to conquer the tallest mountains, or the shortest boulders. Sport climbing combines mind and body, in a strategic and endurance filled sport. Sport climbing is a rapidly growing sport in America and in the world, because of the convenience and thrill. It is estimated that in the United States alone, more than 100,000 people have taken up rock climbing as a recreational sport. I have personally experienced the world of sport climbing. My experiences lead me to a great rock climbing instructor job. I have made many successful climbs with only minor set backs. The hardest part of climbing to me is when you get to a difficult part of the wall and you get extremely tired or need to make a leap to the next hold.

The history of sport climbing derives from both traditional climbing and mountaineering. Instead of bringing your own spikes and wedges to climb up a cliff, one uses bolts that are pre placed into cliffs. These bolts can be found not only at indoor climbing walls, but at many natural cliffs far from civilization. This new way of climbing started in France in the mid 1970's when climbers used bolts instead of traditional climbing equipment.

Safety is one of the biggest factors in any sport one participates in. When one is at the top of a 100 ft. cliff a fall could kill them. So, in climbing a climber uses many tools to keep safe. A helmet when climbing out doors is essential to prevent head injuries. A harness is used to secure the body in case of a fall. The harness is linked to the rope via a metal clip called a carabiner, which locks to ensure safety. The rope is a strong piece of equipment and essential to a climb. Also, a belayer armed with the same equipment as the climber and more. The belayer uses a tool known as an ATC, short for Air Traffic Controller, and this piece of equipment is used to secure the climber in case they are to fall. Of course nothing is for certain, that is why one must check all safety equipment and have double checked by the belayer to ensure safety. Safety is number one on any climb, whether is be indoor or outdoor. Even if one does not fall other injuries can result, as in any sport. That is why it is important to warm up and stretch before any climb. The joints of the hand, wrist, and elbow are at risk the most during climbing. Shoulders are at risk during one armed holds, resulting from bad positioning.

To be a successful sport climber, one must understand how the body works and how to gain the most out of the work. Sheer strength and endurance are two important elements in a climb. The most important element in a successful climb is one's mental attitude, because one must plan where they are going to place their hands and feet to make it to the top of a cliff. To practice these maneuvers, many climbers, sport and traditional, by bouldering, which consists of few but very extreme holds, where one must position the body to move side ways across a plane. A climber training by bouldering never goes above five feet. Thus a harness and rope is not needed. But, instead climbers use a crash pad and a spotter to protect them from a fall.

If directions are followed and everything is double checked, then a climbing experience can be very rewarding and athletic. Many who climb once get hooked and climb for a very long time. If you are interested in climbing, contact your local gym or athletic store to find the closest indoor climbing wall and CLIMB UP! If you have any questions about this article and Rock Climbing please feel free to E-mail me at Fire911fighting@aol.com .

Brandon