As one of the more popular low-impact exercises, an estimated 25 million people enjoy rock climbing every year. It can be done outdoors or all year-round, indoors, on a rock climbing course. While it is a safe sport when for those who are appropriately trained who follow safety protocol, even slight mistakes can cause serious injury. Those who take up the challenging sport must follow preset safety measures to ensure they stay safe. If you are a rock climbing newbie, the best thing you can do for your safety is to familiarize yourself with these rules before going out and getting to climbing, or better yet, climb at an indoor course with the supervision of an experienced professional who can teach you the ropes, so to speak.
Before you decide to go rock climbing for the first time, ensure you are prepared with:
- A good attitude: You should be mentally prepared before rock climbing, because although it is an exhilarating sport, it is also difficult and takes concentration and agility.
- Appropriate physical fitness: Rock climbing is not a sport meant for beginners. You should be fit before you attempt rock climbing for the first time.
- Good balance: Maintaining good balance is incredibly important for rock climbing. Practice yoga or Pilates with one-legged stances to ensure your body is conditioning and you are less likely to experience strains.
- Proper equipment: Don’t borrow your equipment from others. Make sure you have backup equipment, as well, as cheap/low quality equipment could get you in trouble.
- An experienced coach: A professional climber can teach you how to handle difficult, potentially dangerous situations. You can practice on different surfaces to sharpen your skills before taking to the great outdoors.
- Good hydration: Don’t neglect drinking water before and during rock climbing to prevent symptoms of dehydration, including dizziness and instability, which can spell disaster.
- A plan to attack the wall: Before you go for it, take a look at the wall you are about to ascend. Is it steep? Does it have a good number of holds/ Figure out your climbing technique before you get started.
Outdoors or Indoors?
Outdoor rock climbing is much more dangerous than indoor climbing because there is less protection for the climber. Beginner climbers are more likely to stay safe if they start learning climbing in an indoor setting with the help of a coach, where they are more protected from harm. Indoor climbing is also usually much easier than outdoor climbing, because you don’t have to contend with the elements, sharp rocks, or critters that may provoke alarm. Don’t forget to check the weather before you go outside for a rock climb.
Want to learn more about how to prevent sports injuries? Contact ProFysio today at (732) 812-5200.