by Suzanna Tan What is Sport Climbing?
Sport Climbing originated from mountaineering and developed as a sport of its own around 1970 in Europe. It involves ascending natural rock cliffs or specialised man-made climbing walls, affixed with protection points on the rock or wall faces. On natural rock faces, a climber ascends by holding and stepping on features (such as cracks, ledges, pockets) or any kind of protrusion. On man-made walls that are usually made of fiberglass, colorful holds known as “tiles” act as natural rock features. Climbers are secured to a rope and safety-mattresses are on-hand to ensure a safe landing. Sport Climbing is considered a safe sport as there are standardised and clear safety rules and procedures for climbers to follow. All climbing equipment that is licensed for sale also undergo very strict tests and follow standards that are recognised and approved worldwide. Climbing is an instinct which is in everyone of us. Picture a baby climbing up the sofa or bed. The baby uses climbing techniques known as topping out and mantling. You just need to relax and bring back these forgotten childhood kinetic skills and you will be well on your way to scale new heights. Benefits of Sport Climbing
Sport Climbing improves focus and concentration, and inculcates mental perseverance. As climbers negotiate a difficult section on the wall, their mind and body work together, as if trying to solve a three-dimensional puzzle. It also tones almost every part of body such as the arms, buttocks and thighs, providing you a full body workout. Sport Climbing is also one those sports that you can do alone or with friends. If you prefer to climb on natural rock surfaces, this sport can bring you to many beautiful and scenic places of nature where you will have the opportunity to be, quite literally, at the top of the world. The high-adrenaline experience, sense of achievement and satisfaction will also linger in one’s memory for a long time. Extra Catch for Ladies?
As women are generally lighter, more flexible and have smaller fingers, they may have a slight edge over men when it comes to sport climbing. Ladies also tend to climb using technique rather than sheer strength, hence making one look more toned and graceful. If you have been yearning for those toned arms, lean abs and firm buttocks, climbing is definitely the way to go. Where Can One Learn?
Climbing gyms/centres offer courses taught by licensed instructors. You can pick up Sport Climbing at: - Climb Asia Climbing Centre
- SAFRA Yishun or SAFRA Toa Payoh
- Climbers Laboratory
For more information on Sport Climbing, please visit www.sgclimb.com or www.smf.org.sg.
Suzanna Tan is currently a climbing coach with Acrobatics Climbing Consultants and a volunteers-coordinator with the Singapore Climbers Association. She has been climbing since 1995, with a climbing instructor’s license from the Singapore Mountaineering Federation. Suzanna has also represented Singapore in international climbing competitions from 2005 to 2006. An avid climber, Suzanna has travelled far and wide to climb on real rocks in countries such as France, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Spain, Slovenia, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia and China.
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