Indoor rock climbing facilities are becoming increasingly more common, and are a great experience for seasoned athletes, casual climbers, men, women and children alike. With the equipment provided, anyone can learn to climb at their own pace and skill level.
Rock climbing facilities, which are a fair substitute for climbers who are not within easy distance of actual cliffs, are usually in the style of a gymnasium lined with jutting-out artificial rocks. The walls themselves are often angled - obtusely for those new to the sport, to help them retain their balance, and acutely for experienced climbers and those with great strength. A high-level wall may even run parallel to the floor at times, giving the climber the impression that they are clinging to the ceiling of a cave. The aim of the climer is to simply reach the top of the wall, either via a chosen route or whatever means are necessary, by clinging to the walls.
The walls are festooned with rocks made out of a durable synthetic material. Rarely will you find two of the same size and shape - in order to make the experience authentic, the rocks are misshapen and sometimes are bored with holes. Many facilities will tag their rocks by color to indicate an "easy" or "difficult" path up the wall, and a climber holds only onto the rocks that are part of the chosen path. "Easy" path rocks are more numerous and may be shaped in ways that the hand naturally fits around, whereas a "difficult" route's rocks will be few and far between, set very close to the wall, incredibly tiny or simply tough to cling to. There are also usually paths of medium-difficulty available, and the path system is available on most walls so that the climber can choose to become adept at each route in turn before moving to another path or wall.
One of the most important things found in an indoor rock climbing gym that are not available to natural cliffs is the rope system attached to the ceiling and floor. These ropes are fastened at one end to the harness worn by the climber, and at the other to the floor and the "belayer". The belayer is an instructor or friend whose job it is to keep the rope taught for the climber during their ascent, lest they fall, and slacken it accordingly for them to descend once the climb is over. This system makes the activity much safer and lessens worry for inexperienced climbers. A belayer must usually pass an in-facility test after a quick training class to ensure that they can correctly perform the task without potential injury to them or their climber.
The joy of reaching your goal successfully after trying a new and difficult path is a freeing feeling of great accomplishment. Anyone can learn to climb, no matter what their physical strength or age, and rock climbing builds upper arm strength and agility. Thanks to these indoor facilities this sport is now available to all, so be sure to look for one in your area, and give it a try.
