The first artificial climbing walls appeared in Europe in the late 1960s. They were fairly crude and were mostly a way for outdoor rock climbers to practice when the weather was bad.
As artificial walls improved, climbing competitions began to move from real rock to indoor or artificial arenas. Eventually, the concept of indoor climbing gyms took off in the '80s. America's first climbing gym opened in 1987 in Seattle, offering a whole new sports arena to seasoned rock climbers and novices alike.
Artificial climbing surfaces have become quite elaborate since the first crudely chiseled brick walls of the '60s. Today, walls are typically constructed of epoxy, resin, fiberglass and a variety of other compounds with surface textures and interchangeable hand- and footholds. These surfaces are collectively called "plastic," and "pulling plastic" is what thousands of indoor climbers do on a regular basis.
Indoor climbing facilities are great places to get started in climbing. Climbers can concentrate on proper movement and technique under controlled conditions without having to worry about weather or hazards that can be present in outdoor climbing situations.
Unlike many rock climbing areas, climbing gyms are easily accessible, making it possible for weekend climbers to practice during the week without a big time investment. They also allow people to climb in regions where natural rock formations are rare.
Gyms typically feature top-roped routes. That means that the rope runs from the climber through a point attached to the ceiling and back to the belayer on the floor. Often the belay device is anchored to the floor, as well, to prevent the belayer from being pulled into the wall if the climber falls.
Climbing-route heights average between 20 and 40 feet, and hand- and footholds are scattered up the face. Many gyms also offer routes on which a climber can lead or clip into preset bolts and attach the climbing rope about every body length, while moving upward. Plus, just about every indoor climbing facility has a bouldering area. Here climbers can practice moves while close to the ground, with a crash pad beneath them, so a harness and a belayer are not necessary.
One of the great benefits of indoor climbing is that it requires minimal gear. With the following items, you can be off and ready to climb at your local gym or REI store.
If you're just getting started in climbing, consider renting or borrowing the basic gear before you buy it. This helps you learn which styles and sizes work best for you. Most indoor climbing gyms rent many of the items listed above. Contact your local REI for rental details.)
Take a Class
Make the Most of Your Time
Climbing indoors involves its own set of risks. Most frequently, climbers suffer from overuse injuries or burnout. Injuries of the forearms and hands are common, especially tendinitis. To prevent injury, climbers should take some precautions:
The rock gym is an excellent place to push your skills and build strength for outdoor climbing. It is not, however, identical to climbing a mountain or a steep rock face.
People who start out climbing indoors need to be aware that, although the movements and some of the equipment are the same, climbing indoors does not completely prepare them for climbing on real rock in the great outdoors. In addition to physical skills, outdoor climbing requires sound judgment and awareness of environmental factors that can only be learned through practice outdoors.
Almost every REI store has an indoor climbing wall available free to REI members. Contact the REI store nearest you and arrange to give indoor climbing a try.
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