Free Climbing: How To

To a rock climber, knowing how to actively participate in free climbing is unmatched. Using only hands and feet to scale a rock face is a true test of skill and courage. Before a rock climber will try their hand at a mountain side, there are some things they must take into consideration.

1. Experience is key. A climber does not come out of the womb reaching for the mountain side. It is a learned skill that takes time. First a climber will climb with experienced climbers on an aided climb. This is when you use wedges, hammers and ropes to aid in ascending a rock face. A climber must take the time to learn what to look for in the rock face, and to build up the courage that it will take to free climb.
2. Bouldering will help you learn to free climb. Bouldering is climbing a small rock surface with out ropes, picks, or wedges to assist, but with a net below to catch you if you fall. This will be a good way to feel what it will take to start your adventure up the side of the mountain without assistance.
3. Gear is Important. Although it is called free climbing, that does not imply free-falling. You must make sure you have the proper gear to help you in your protection. The shoes you wear will play a vital role. They need to be a soft soul shoe to allow you to feel your footing and to grip better in your foot holes. Wear gloves to protect your hands. A cut will take away attention to the wall before you and can cause you to make a fatal mistake. Use a vest or coat that has many zippered pockets. You will need water to keep hydrated, supplies for emergency and will need a place to put them.
4. Learn how to rope off. Even though you will not be using rope to assist in climbing, you will need to tie off to prevent a fatal fall if it were to happen. It is not the fall that hurts, it is that sudden stop at the end. Prevent major injury by tieing off and climbing safe.

Enjoy the freedom that free climbing allows you as you and your other experienced climbers ascend together up the beautiful mountain face. Never climb alone for safety reasons. Besides, who else can you brag to when you make it to the top of that trophy mother nature has supplied. Enjoy your adventure.