What you need to know about sports climbing

Since sports climbing has made its way into the Olympics, more people have been starting their journey in this sport. Even if some of them did not become a frequent climber, they might have posted pictures about climbing on their social media. So, what makes this sport so addicting? If you want to give this sport a go, where should you start?

Different type of climbing

Sports climbing has been divided into three types of competitions in Olympics: (1) speed climbing; (2) bouldering; and (3) lead climbing.

Speed climbing – the name is self-explanatory. Athletes have to climb up a wall of 15 metres tall and stop the clock when they reach the top in order to time themselves. This puts your explosiveness and execution of climbing plan to test.

Image credit: epochtimes

Bouldering – this is the most popular type in Hong Kong among all three. It requires climbers to climb up a wall of four or five metres tall without climbing ropes. It sets the highest bar on techniques and tests your improvision, explosiveness and experience.

Image credit: Mega-STONE-Climbing-Gym

Lead Climbing – this is a relatively traditional type of climbing. It requires climbers to climb up a wall of at least 15 metres tall with climbing ropes. Though the routes may not be as challenging as bouldering, it challenges your endurance, memory of the route and improvision, which is not an easy task even for the professionals (I personally think it takes a lot of guts to let go at the top…)

Image Credit: Dapro Indoor Climbing Gym

You may also have heard of outdoor climbing. It is basically bouldering or lead climbing outdoor on the real rocks. It gives climbers a completely different experience with challenges set by the nature when surrounded by the beautiful scenery.

Image credit: fieldmag articles

Equipment

Image credit: Liberty times net

If you are taking on a challenge from the nature, do remember your crash pads!

Bouldering is something you can do solo but you will always need a partner for lead climbing. When you are climbing, your partner, also the belayer, will be controlling the belay. When you fall or come down from the top, your belayer is responsible for controlling the speed of your fall using the friction between him and the belay to save you from injury.

Level

To me, climbing is a sport that looks rough but requires high level of attention to detail, which is what charms me. As mentioned above, not only does lead climbing or bouldering require a good level of strength, it also puts your mind and mentality to test. Using indoor bouldering gyms as an example, every route could be testing different qualities, such as balance, core power, bounce etc. Though every gym might vary a little, their level generally starts from V0 and the bigger the number, the harder the route is. At about V3 or V4, you can call yourself an intermediate climber! Do bear this in mind, even if you are an Olympic champion, there is no guarantee you can send all routes at your first attempt. Learning from failure is key!

Safety always comes first!

When it comes to safety, we have a couple pointers for you to protect yourself and the people around you.

Pay attention to your surroundings

Never rest or walk pass right below or next to the wall. The climbers on the wall could fall without seeing you. It is your responsibility to pay attention to what is happening around you. If you have to walk pass the wall or pass through an overhang wall, make sure you are aware of whether there are any climbers climbing on the wall. If there is one, either take another route or wait until the person’s feet are back on the ground before making your way.

We often sit on the mat during breaks. Make sure you constantly pay attention to see if anyone is climbing or is starting a new route around you. Same theory as the previous paragraph.

Also, as one of the basic manners in climbing, plan your route before you climb to see if it will clash with a route that another climber is already climbing. If there is a clash, you should wait for the other climber to finish his or her attempt before your attempt. If the both of you clash on the wall, not only could accidents happen, but this also substantially affects the climbing experience. This is considered as a very impolite thing to do in a climbing or bouldering gym.

Tidy up your personal belongings

For the equipment that we mentioned above or other personal belongings, be reminded not to put it close to the wall or where people would step on when they fall or jump down, otherwise people could easily be hurt.

Remove your accessories, particularly the ones on your hand

Accessories, such as your watch, bracelets or even your wedding ring, are highly recommended to be removed and put away properly. Any type of climbing requires the use of your hands. Your accessories could be in the way and impair your climbing experience. They may also risk being damaged. Can you imagine having your wedding ring with its diamond knocked off by the wall?

Cut your nails 

It is strongly recommended to cut your nails, both fingers and toes, before you start climbing, otherwise nail injuries could be on the way. Also, climbing shoes are generally very tight so you could hurt yourself with long toenails!

Landing posture

Lesson one of climbing is to learn how to fall properly! When you decide to come off the wall, you should first jump away from the wall. When you land, slightly bend your knee and land with both your feet together. You may roll back if necessary in order to absorb some of the force. Make sure you consult the professionals if you want to learn more. There are coaches who can teach you the proper posture in most of the indoor climbing gyms. Simply ask at the reception!

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I am sure your kind heart would not want me to lose my job so allow me advertise a little! If you need any of the equipment that we listed above, Lab-Or has provided a one-stop shop for you to purchase and compare the products conveniently. If you cannot find what you want to purchase on our platform, please be welcome to let us know. We will reach out to the relevant brand to see if we can also have their products listed on our platform! Lab-Or also provides detailed information about indoor climbing gyms in Hong Kong, hoping to make your life easier in looking for the right gym for you. See you on the wall!