The climbing handbook The complete guide to safe and exciting rock climbing

Introduction Climbing is truly a "sport for life." Exciting days spent hanging above breathtakingly beautiful vistas, vacations in tropical paradises, mountain adventures, the social camaraderie of a team solving a difficult sequence of moves up a time-sculpted boulder, or scaling an urban artificial wall; all guarantee days to savor, no matter what your age or ability. Climbing can be enjoyed as an occasional diversion, or as a commitment to athletic endeavors, demanding regular training and practice; it can be a hobby or a way of life. Some climbers succeed in building a successful career from their passion; others earn just enough to fund the latest adventure. Like all adventure sports, climbing can be addictive. Gravity is an ever-present companion for climbers and at times it can be an enemy. Any introduction to this sport must carry a caveat: climbing is a hazardous activity with attendant risks of falling or impact from falling rocks. Part of the attraction comes from learning how to manage these risks and feeling in control perched above an intimidating void, but even the most experienced climber can suffer an accident or make a careless mistake. Never take your safety for granted, and always accept well-meant advice with good grace -- it could save your life one day. Despite -- or maybe because of-the obvious dangers, climbers are neither foolhardy nor reckless, however much the popular press would have us believe. Rock climbing is certainly much less hazardous than driving a car and the rewards are far greater. Using this book This book is designed to help both novices and experienced climbers gain the skills and knowledge required to participate safely in some or all of the thrilling activities known collectively as rock climbing. Most sections are laid out in self-contained double-page spreads that can be read in sequence or as the mood strikes you. The opening sections describe the main variations of the sport, and the equipment, safety and movement skills required to enjoy them. After a thorough grounding we take a look at basic and advanced training methods, with tips from some top coaches and performers. The second half of the book opens with practical tips on avoiding problems and a basic set of skills for dealing with difficult situations or injuries. After an introduction to advanced and more committing forms of climbing we take a lightning tour around the world's best climbing destinations and conclude with some advice for anybody hoping to embark on a career in this fulfilling sport. Excerpted from The Climbing Handbook: The Complete Guide to Safe and Exciting Rock Climbing by Steve Long All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.