Rockport Shoes - Indoor Rock Climbing.

Indoor Climbing is a derivative of Rock Climbing in which people scale artificial Climbing walls. These are manmade walls that climbing holds are attached to in order to mimic actual mountain walls. Ultimately, Indoor Climbing imitates the feel of real Rock Climbing, but in a controlled environment. The techniques, equipment, and guiding principles are comparable to those of Rock Climbing. The sport's concept is simple: Climbing walls are bolted with holds and are located under a roof so as to be considered as a venue for Indoor Climbing.

Indoor Climbing had started to become widely known during the 80s when Indoor Rock Climbing gyms played an important role in introducing many people to Climbing. The gyms provided a safe, comfortable environment which accommodated to beginners and advanced climbers. Indoor Climbing's popularity increased even more when people started to offer lessons to those who are interested in it. There are other reasons why some people choose to do Indoor Climbing. Some areas either don't have a good natural wall to scale or it is just to dangerous to climb them because of bad weather or loose and falling rocks. Also, gyms are more accessible than normal Climbing locations.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

It is common for people who wish to take up Climbing to wonder which of the two styles would better suit them.

Here are a few of the differences between Indoor Rock Climbing and Outdoor Rock Climbing:

*Indoor Climbing is ideal for enthusiasts who are in need of constant practice before they try out the real thing, or for climbers who want to train all year round.

*Surfaces in Indoor Climbing can be easily seen, as distinguished by holds on the artificial wall. With natural walls, holds are usually not apparent, making the climb more challenging.

*It is easier to focus in indoor climbs because distractions are considerably minimized not like in Outdoor Rock Climbing where the environment itself can be a distraction; wind conditions, weather, and bugs.

*Indoor Rock Climbing has different levels which climbers can try out and master. Outdoor Climbing routes are diversified since mountain holds are not predetermined. Every slope and crack may serve as hand and foot hold for the climber.

*Indoor Climbing promotes competition since some walls are tailor-made for competitive climbers. Outdoor Climbing focuses on the act of climbing itself, pushing the climbers to the limit.

Although Indoor Rock Climbing comes close to Outdoor Rock Climbing to a point, there are some things that Indoor Climbing can never give you such as the breathtaking view of the landscape below and that feeling of accomplishment as you reach the summit of a difficult mountain wall.

Why Go Indoor Climbing?

Here are some reasons to try Indoor Rock Climbing:

*It's not your typical recreational activity. Indoor Climbing has benefits such as improving your physical fitness, as well as your self-confidence and sense of achievement.

*It builds better social relations since Indoor Climbing requires communication with other experienced climbers to learn and develop your skills.

*Indoor Climbing is ideal for team building, improving trust, and friendship as some sessions require more than one person in order to complete the climb.

Go… Try it out. I know you want to ;)

I'm just a guy that loves rock climbing and is trying to help the sport grow a little more. I recently started a blog about rock climbing at with info on techniques, equipment, shoes, a climbing dictionary, styles and many other things.

Rockport Shoes - Do You Love Rock Climbing – Become A Professional From Rock Climbing Schools.

There is a spurt of popularity for rock climbing as a sport. This may be because it is aided by a host of rock climbing schools which are infusing love for this outdoor hobby through aggressive marketing with the youth. Rock climbing is an excellent hobby for people who love outdoors and the challenges of nature. Though rock climbing is not as dangerous or difficult as mountaineering, it still needs a high level of dexterity and stamina that can come only with a lot of practice and focused training.

Rock Climbing Schools Bring This Hobby In Your Backyard

Those who are bitten by the rock climbing bug, need to learn the ropes involved and that it possible only when they could practice with and under the guidance of a professional rock climber. Assuming that most of the people who fall in love with rock climbing live in the city, leading active and busy economically productive lives, it would be difficult to get sufficient learning practice for a continuously extending time. Hence, rock climbing for most people would remain an amateur hobby to be indulged in every now and then when the possibility presents itself in the form of a scheduled or unscheduled vacation.

This is where the rock climbing schools offer invaluable service. One who would love to learn rock climbing can take the advantage of the proximity and facilities offered by the rock climbing schools and indulge in this amazing sport. The availability of these schools makes is possible for anyone, anyone at all who would love to learn rock climbing, to learn, practice and train for it.

You will find that these rock climbing schools create a gamut of simulated surroundings which can challenge your talents and teach you to handle any type of situation as you would encounter in the wild. You will have the advantage of having professional rock climbers teach you the tricks of the trade that normally would take you years of practice and training to discover. You will also profit by the fact that the guides in the rock climbing schools are on the stand by judging your capability and drawing your attention to the areas that you need to perfect before you can go and practice this sport on your own, outdoors.

There is a lot of fun in rock climbing and it is now possible to learn it without having to take a vacation for it. Make the most of the opportunity – check a rock climbing school today.

John Mailer an avid sports enthusiast has written these articles on rock climbing instructions to help you get started in this exhilarating sport. His other passion is snowboarding

Rockport Shoes - Getting a Grip on Rock Climbing Shoes

The first time you go rock climbing, you probably wore your basic hiking shoes. When you are ready to get serious about the sport, you need to consider upgrading.

When rock climbing, your feet serve a very important purpose. Depending on the climbing and terrain, they usually act as anchors for your movements. As anchors, it is important that they grip well. Regular cross trainers and the like are designed for many purposes, but climbing is not one of them.

Climbing shoes are more or less exactly what they sound like. They are designed for the unique grip requirements you need when scaling a boulder or wall. They tend to look similar to bowling shoes, but without the soles. They are also designed with rugged material and a lace up design. The toe is really where the magic happens. The shoes are designed with a "sticky" rubber toes that is soft and provides maximum grip. The first time you try them, you will be shocked at just how much grip they provide.

There is a downside to climbing shoes, however. They have a very limited us, to wit, to climb. If you try to wear them for any other purpose, such as walking to the climb, you feet are going to be punished. You are also going to wear out the shoes and they are not particularly cheap. Most people carry their shoes to the base of the climb and then put them on only when they are actually ready to start.

Climbing shoes have come a long way in the last 20 years. The choice used to be very limited and the quality was hit and miss. Now, there are plenty of choices and quality is very high. The key to finding good shoes is to understand what kind of climbing you are going to be doing. Start with a general purpose climbing shoe that isn't massively expensive. As you climb with it, figure out what you like and dislike. When it is time to buy your next pair, you should have a better idea of what you want in a shoe.

Climbing shoes make a world of difference. The grip levels are superior to anything else you could possibly wear. If you are getting serious about climbing, you should definitely buy a pair.

Rick Chapo is with NomadJ - makers of rock climbing journals.