What is Indoor Climbing?
One of the more interesting new sports emerging World wide is indoor climbing? What is Indoor Climbing and what is making it such an instant hit with normally outdoor oriented enthusiasts?
What is Indoor Climbing? It is often called Indoor Rock Climbing and that gives a clue to its true definition. Indoor climbing takes place on a simulated rock wall located in an indoor gym. The idea is to learn the skills of rock climbing in a safe and controlled environment. Although some indoor rock climbers do not ever make the step into outdoor climbing, indoor climbing gyms provide learning and practicing venues for those planning to move outdoors eventually.
The few critics of indoor climbing usually focus on the “indoor” part of the experience. They claim that the true joy of climbing comes from the blue sky above you and the smell of fresh clean air as you labor up a “real” rock face. One of the main counters to this criticism is the fact that indoor climbing is available year round. It does not matter if the wind chill is dipping near zero and a foot of snow covers the ground. The indoor rock climbing gym is still ready to provide its challenge.
The wall is designed and produced by several different “climbing wall” manufacturers that make each wall unique. The ideal wall has several levels of difficulty and caters to both experts, honing their skills, and beginners learning new ones. The climbers are required to wear safety equipment that does nothing to make the climb easier, but provides protection from falls. The artificial rock face has terrain features and moveable hand holds that can often be rearranged to allow a wide variety of climbing routes.
Most of the climbing facilities serve dual purposes. They are called gyms because the act of climbing is a physically demanding activity that not only serves as exercise but also sharpens other skills such as coordination and confidence. Many of the patrons of climbing gyms are serious climbers practicing skills and keeping themselves in physical shape. Others are simply fun seekers enjoying a new experience. Most of the larger indoor climbing gyms cater to both groups. They offer instructions and social activities for the casual customers and serious competitions and challenging climbs for the more advanced patrons.
Indoor climbing is a safe way to get a feel for the sport of rock climbing. Many indoor climbers go on to experience the thrill of the outdoor climbing world, but others are content to stay indoors trading that clear blue sky and fresh air for safety