Rock Climbing India
Rock
Climbing in India, initially began as training for mountaineering and turned
into an exciting sport about 15 years ago. Rock-climbing is largely balance
and not strength. Balance also determines the value of strength by how much
energy you spend actually climbing
Sheer rock faces, ideal for rock climbing, can be found in many areas. The Aravali
hills have good climbing faces at Dumdama, Dhauj and Nuh, all situated near
Delhi.
The Western Ghats have Mumbra and Dudha beyond Pune. Himachal Pradesh offers
the Manali Valley, Manikaran and the Rohtang Pass. Rajasthan has Mount Abu and
Sariska which have gentler rocks. In Karnataka there are the Chamundi Hills.
High-altitude climbers will enjoy the rock faces at Sonmarg in Kashmir and Gangotri
in Garhwal, Uttaranchal. These trips are advisable in the summer and autumn
months.
Certain climbs can often prove gruelling and tough, but the magic of the beautiful
landscape, the cool weather and pure air keeps the climber's spirit up.
Most climbs are graded from 1 to the 30's. The highest grade climbed is currently
32. Serious climbing starts around 10. Beginners normally do the early tens
and then move upwards.
Rock-climbing can become complex because it involves the interplay of many elements:
you, your gear, your skill and technique.
Best Season
October
to February. Monsoons should be avoided.
Safety
Climbing is relatively safe, but that shouldn't stop all climbers from taking
precautions. Climbers are not oblivious to heights. As a climber, you cannot
afford to suffer from vertigo or a lapse of judgment. Specialist equipment such
as ropes is often used to protect climbers from falls.
Classification of rocks according to Faults
Vertical, horizontal or slanting cracks can be used for climbing. Depending
on their width one can use an appropriate technique for climbing. A wider crack
in which a climber can enter is called as chimney. If the crack is wider than
a chimney then it is called as a gully. A corner is formed where two rock walls
meet each other at about 90 degrees. A groove is formed by two narrow rock walls
meeting each other at an angle.If the angle is more than 90 degrees then it
is called as Shallow groove and it is less then it is called as Vee groove.
A small blunt and narrow ridge protruding out of the rock is called as Rib.
A much sharper projection than the rib called as arete. A position on the rock
wall where a climber can comfortably stand or sit is called a stance. A ledge
is comparatively a wider stance where a group of 2-3 climbers can sit or stand
during a climbing activity.
Indoor climbing gyms
Indoor climbing gyms help in developing many skills in outdoor climbing especially
rock climbing. Unfortunately, these are not found in India but in Western countries.
Classification of rock surface according to gradients
A
rock surface with a slope of less than 30 degress is Glacis. One can easily
walk up or down such a rock. A rock surface with a slope between 30 to 75 degrees
is called as a Slab. A rock surface with a slope between 75 to 90 degrees is
called as a Wall.
A rock portion projecting overhead and having an angle of more than 90 degrees
is called as Overhang. A rock portion projecting outwards like a roof at nearly
180* is called a Roof.
Types of rock climbing
Rock climbing Bouldering: This is the purest form of climbing and requires
the least amount of gear.
Sport climbing, Peak bagging
Free soloing: This is climbing without a rope but this is one of the
dangerous aspects as there is no room for error.
Crag climbing: Multipitch rock climbing at its best.
Expedition climbing: There are no rules here. You can use any kind of
gear to get up. Probably the most expensive form of climbing.
Alpinism: A blend of rock and snow/ice climbing. Very few climbers come
in this category.
Wall climbing: Wall climbing uses aid climbing gear to directly support
your weight on a wall. This is the opposite of "free" climbing where
gear is only used in the event of. Mixed aid and free climbing are call "mixed
climbing."
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