I have been
climbing since I was in high school. When I first started, I was a major dork. I wanted a sport so hardcore to do that it would suck the nerd right out of me. I thought that no one would ever make fun of a rock climber. It didn't work. I was still dorky, but I loved rock climbing. I soon learned that there are a lot of reasons to like rock climbing. This article is some of the reasons why rock climbing is awesome.
The Test. climbing is physically demanding. You need strength, dynamism, kinaesthetic awareness, balance, power, speed, endurance, and focus. It is an activity that will challenge even the most fit individuals. Going climbing is rewarding because it is the act of conquering an obstacle. Emerging triumphant over a climbing challenge can fill you with confidence and self esteem.
Be Free. When you reach the top of the rocks, you are doing something that most people only dream of doing in their lives. You are accomplishing an activity so great and adventurous. This feeling is unmatched by any activity I have ever done before.
See Nature. As with all outdoor sports, climbing gives you a chance to get outside and enjoy nature. More than just getting out there and seeing nature, rock climbing helps you to get to know new locations and see unique views of nature. From the top of towers, cliffs and ridges, you can find an overlook with a unique view of nature. Few things are more enjoyable than finishing an all day ascent of a big wall and watching the sun go down over the distant mountains.
Lifetime activity. Most sports you can't do forever. Climbing, on the other hand, is a life time sport. It offers enough levels of skill that it can never be conquered. It is not a high impact or contact sport, so you can keep doing it until you are older. Keeping yourself strong and active will also help to prevent osteoporosis and other age related problems. So it is never too late to start, and it will never be time to stop.
Going
rock climbing may not have made me into the amazing cool guy like I expected, but it certainly was a rewarding experience. I have a blast every time I go out and I don't plan on stopping rock climbing. It can be a sport with risk, but with proper training and consistent vigilance, it can be safe and fun for years to come.
