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.
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.
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.
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.
Expedition climbing: There are no rules here.
You can use any kind of gear to get up. Probably the most expensive form of climbing.
Crag climbing: Multipitch rock climbing at its best.
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."
Alpinism: A blend of rock and snow/ice climbing.
Very few climbers come in this category.
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Rock Climbing India
