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 ;) indoor rock climbing