Sports Climbing - Why It's Different From Other Extreme Climbing
December 4th, 2008

Sports climbing and other extreme climbing types are totally different sports. Despite the fact that both entail climbing up large structures, the differences make it so that the two cannot easily be confused. Consider each type and you will see that there is a definite difference between sports climbing and other extreme climbing.

Sports climbing is actually fairly recent in terms of popularity. Much of the sports climbing craze started during the 1980's. Since it does place an emphasis on strength and stamina, it actually helped the top climbers of the traditional sense improve. They found that the increase in strength and skill they go from the sport could be applied to traditional climbing. That then set the stage for an increase in climbing grades.

In addition, the sport of sports climbing is actually a unique form of rock climbing. It is heavily reliant on permanently affixed anchors into the rock. Usually these are bolts. This particular form of climbing puts a heavy emphasis on the physical side of the sport. When a route has already been set with bots, a sports climb can be taken on with very little equipment. For sports climbing you will usually need a rope, quick draws, dyneema and locking carabiners.

There are many areas, especially in parts of England, where sports climbing is not looked upon very well at all. Many of the rock climbers think that putting bolts in a mountain permanently takes away from the outdoor feel of the climbing experience. They also feel like the bolts damage the rock and in some ways may devalue the climb made by the first one up the mountain who probably put the bolts in for his or her own protection as the climb progressed. In countries like that, almost all sports climbing is done indoors on climbing walls.

On the other hand, in some countries like Spain, sports climbing has become incredibly popular. There, you will find a number of different places that have many sports climbs available. Seemingly in Spain, it is actually the preferred type of climb, and thus you can expect to find access to tons of sports climb routes wherever you go.

On the other hand, other extreme types of climbing, also known as traditional climbing, is completely different. Traditional rock climbing is climbing where the routes are climbed starting form the bottom of the mountain and working up without the use of any artificial holds or bolts to make their way up. The lead climber temporarily provides protection as they make their way up. Traditional rock climbing is a form of free climbing.

Depending on the country you are in, the definition of traditional climbing may vary slightly. However, in North America, it may still be called traditional climbing even if there are bolts on the route. Someone on the lead, not the rappel, must place the bolts in this type of climbing. They also may only be where completely and totally necessary for safety.

Overall, the extreme or traditional climbing may be said to emphasize danger and adventure in climbing. By forcing participants to place their own bolts and collect them along the way, traditional climbing is often preferred by the climbing purists. However, it is up to you the one would be best suited to your wishes.

The main differences, then, in the two types of climbing are where the emphasis is. While sports climbing emphasizes the strength and stamina aspects of climbing, traditional climbing places a premium on adventure and exhilaration. Though both types incorporate both aspects, there emphasis in each definitely varies. Overall, sports climbing may not be as well respected in some places in the world, but it is often seen as the safest type of climbing and thus great for beginners to learn the sport,

Sports climbing, no matter what others may think of it, is a growing sport that shows no signs of slowing down. Much of the craze that is sports climbing is due in no small part to the growing number of indoor climbing walls in sporting goods stores, gyms, and now even some spas. Indoor climbing is a form of sports climbing and is a fantastic way to learn the sport before you hit a real live rock. Even outdoor sports climbing is a leap from the indoors since weather conditions can really play a big part in your climb, the grip you can get, and your overall sense of wellness as you climb

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