Outdoors Fun

Yosemite climbing

Yosemite rock climbing visitors could not ask for a more picturesque backdrop, than the beauty that runs throughout Yosemite National Park. Most are quite surprised at the number of challenging climbs located throughout the park too. There is something for everyone, from climbing mountain passes to watching Old Faithful spout into the sky. Even for those not interested in hiking trails, there are plenty of thrills for everyone. (more…)

Dan Osman - Speed rock climbing

A few years ago, many action/adventure movies were centered on rock climbing. Brave explorers and rescuers would venture out onto ice covered cliffs to save the ones they loved. Many would show stunt men and women making perilous leaps and narrowly managing to grab onto a slight bit of ledge. Is this what rockclimbing is truly about? Yes, there are inherent dangers, but for the most part there is thorough training and skill involved, as well as gear designed to help climbing mountain cliffs just a bit safer. (more…)

Indoor Rock Climbing Basics : Tips for Indoor Rock Climbing Holds

For many people, a sedentary life is one not worth living. These sports enthusiasts are always looking for new adventures and new hobbies to help them enjoy the great outdoors. It is a ‘grab life’ mentality that leads them on in the pursuit of the next thrill. For some, it may be skydiving, while others prefer to put their body and mind to the test with rockclimbing. Unlike skydiving, a rock climber cannot be strapped onto a climbing guide and go from there. They must learn how to rock climb with instruction and a lot of practice. (more…)

Indoor Rock Climbing Basics : How Are Indoor Rock Climbs Graded?

As more children become overweight, it is hard to ignore the impact of what can be done to their bodies and minds if exercising is forgotten. Adults must find ways to keep their children active in order lead a healthy life. What better way than to find activities that the whole family can enjoy? Some families love to ride bicycles together. Others are turning to sports that can exercise a majority of the muscles while keeping the children interested. A great activity that everyone can enjoy is a rock climbing wall. (more…)

Indoor Rock Climbing Basics : Advanced Techniques for Indoor Rock Climbing

Just as no two sports are exactly alike, so too is rock climbing full of variations. There are a variety of styles and techniques that rock climbing enthusiasts can employ to ascend or descend a rock formation. Climbing techniques vary according to what type of style a climber utilizes. If they are free climbers, then they do not use anything other than their hands and feet to ascend. Of course, it is essential to use protective devices to ensure, that should a fall occur, the climber will not plummet to their demise. Unfortunately, some individuals feel that this is not a true testament to free climbing and as such, do not utilize any protective fall gear. (more…)

Knot Tying For Rock Climbing

Congratulations for deciding that you want to learn how to rock climb. It can be a dangerous sport, with skill being the only thing separating you from an untimely demise at the base of a cliff. You have made the decision to learn rock climbing and now you need climbing instruction. Well, that is almost true. Before you can begin learning how to climb, you first have to know the basics. (more…)

Indoor Rock Climbing Gym

Every rock climber has taken a good look at a rock climbing gym. After all, they were designed to help novices learn the important skills fundamental to sport climbing. Even for those individuals who are not interested in scaling a mountain cliff, the indoor wall provides countless hours of entertainment. For those looking to improve their skills, the artificial walls also available when the weather is not suitable for outdoor climbing. (more…)

Intro to Rock Climbing - The Gear

A bicyclist would not attempt to compete in a bike race without a bicycle. Why would a mountaineer or rock climbing enthusiast attempt to scale without the proper rock climbing gear? Only a fool would attempt to rock climb without the proper climbing equipment. It is not just for looks alone. Gear serves a purpose greater than allowing the climber to scale cliffs. It is there to save a climber’s life. (more…)

Climbing Tools: Munter Hitch / tyed off Munter

There is a difference between being good at a sport and truly excelling at it. You may never wish to compete in a sport climbing event, but that does not mean you do not want to develop your rockclimbing skills to the next level. A climbing school is a great way to improve your technical skills while learning how to increase your speed. A good school can even help you master areas with which you are having difficulty. (more…)

Backpacking Gear

Backpacking gear is pricey and buying backpacking equipment requires careful research. There’s significant information about researching and purchasing backpacking equipment and outside gear. Tips to reduce backpack weight  to achieve lighter backpacks, and practical backcountry information and info from fellow backpackers. Backpacking equipment can be lightweight, ultra-lightweight, recycled and everything in between. (more…)