Touchstone Blog Archive
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Climbing Harness: Most Important Piece of Equipment
We've talked about the importance of a good climbing helmet, and even how much a great pair of climbing shoes can help elevate your climbing, but the one piece of equipment that is vital to our sport, no matter where you're doing it, is the most basic and the first one you'll need when you jump into climbing. The harness.
Without a climbing harness you can't safely tie into any lines, you can't fall without serious injury and you can't climb with confidence. A proper, well-fitted harness is the very first piece of equipment you should be looking into, and with all of the choices it can get a bit confusing. I know we're talking basics here, but who knows, maybe someone out there doesn't know what to look for. My first advice: Go into a Touchstone Climbing gym and talk to the professionals, they can get you sized and fitted with the perfect harness for you in no time. Other than that, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Without a climbing harness you can't safely tie into any lines, you can't fall without serious injury and you can't climb with confidence. A proper, well-fitted harness is the very first piece of equipment you should be looking into, and with all of the choices it can get a bit confusing. I know we're talking basics here, but who knows, maybe someone out there doesn't know what to look for. My first advice: Go into a Touchstone Climbing gym and talk to the professionals, they can get you sized and fitted with the perfect harness for you in no time. Other than that, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- "Decide what type of climbing you'll be doing most. Will you be mixing your climbing? If so, don't make the mistake of purchasing a specialized type of harness such as a full body harness for Mountaineering with limited racking or a beefy big-wall felt-fast that will jab your love handles on free-climbing high steps. There are many fine all-around harnesses out there and you need not fret over safety - no manufacturer is foolish enough to use a dangerous design.
- Try it first. Consider the fit and how it feels when you wear it. A harness forms a chair when you tie-in. A good fit in the waist and leg loops is critical. Male climbers should make sure the loops don't cut off circulation to the groin if they want to preserve their family line. Heavier climbers should choose a harness with wider leg loops and a thick padded waist to support their lower back. Wider straps may cut into your flesh less, while narrower straps are lighter and allow ease of movement. A woman's harness has a smaller waist with proportionately larger leg loops. Moreover, the rise (the distance between the leg loops and tie-in loop) is longer and adjustable to the pelvic shape."
Labels: Climbing Equipment, Climbing Gear, Harness, How To, Touchstone Climbing
¶ Thursday, May 21, 2009 0 Comments
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
10 "Safe Climbing" Tips To Remember
Looks like this week is one packed full of tips for you to keep in mind as summer approaches. We'll all be doing a lot more climbing, whether it's for vacation, time off of school or just because the weather is so nice we can't help ourselves. That said, today's tips are nothing more than simple reminders on how to enjoy yourself the most, by ensuring that you climb safely.
Most of these tips are absolute no-brainers, but nevertheless, it's always good to get a refresher course on safe climbing tips, or if you're new to the sport, to get your feet wet learning the ropes. So, without further ado, and check out the full article to get a bit more in-depth, here are 10 safe climbing tips you should always remember:
See, I told you they were simple. For all of you that already know them, my apologies, for all of you who don't, you're welcome. Talk to any of your guides, instructors or employees at Touchstone Climbing if you want any more information or tips, they'll always be happy to help.
Looks like this week is one packed full of tips for you to keep in mind as summer approaches. We'll all be doing a lot more climbing, whether it's for vacation, time off of school or just because the weather is so nice we can't help ourselves. That said, today's tips are nothing more than simple reminders on how to enjoy yourself the most, by ensuring that you climb safely.
Most of these tips are absolute no-brainers, but nevertheless, it's always good to get a refresher course on safe climbing tips, or if you're new to the sport, to get your feet wet learning the ropes. So, without further ado, and check out the full article to get a bit more in-depth, here are 10 safe climbing tips you should always remember:
- Always Check Harnesses
- Always Check Knots
- Always Wear a Helmet
- Always Check the Rope and Belay Device
- Always Use a Long Rope
- Always Pay Attention
- Always Bring Enough Gear
- Always Climb With the Rope Over Your Leg
- Always Properly Clip the Rope
- Always Use Safe Anchors
See, I told you they were simple. For all of you that already know them, my apologies, for all of you who don't, you're welcome. Talk to any of your guides, instructors or employees at Touchstone Climbing if you want any more information or tips, they'll always be happy to help.
Labels: Climbing Safety, Climbing Tips, How To, Safety
¶ Tuesday, May 19, 2009 0 Comments
Monday, May 18, 2009
Top 10 Rock Climbing Shoe Buying Tips
For the last two weeks we've been giving you some pointers and tips on how to go about equipping yourself with some of the proper and basic necessities of rock climbing. We already mentioned the importance of a good helmet to protect you from falls indoors, and falls and falling debris when you're doing outdoor climbing. We also talked to you about the need for a great pair of climbing shoes, but we just found an article packed with 10 tips on how to go about selecting the Perfect pair for you.
So you know you need shoes and want some help figuring out what to keep in mind as you look? Glad you asked, thanks to About.com, here are 10 tips to help you pick the perfect pair, and get you climbing in no time at all:
There you go! Keep those simple tips in mind the next time you're in the market for a great pair of climbing shoes and you'll avoid the hassle of having to return them, or worse, having to climb in shoes that don't fit. Ouch.
For the last two weeks we've been giving you some pointers and tips on how to go about equipping yourself with some of the proper and basic necessities of rock climbing. We already mentioned the importance of a good helmet to protect you from falls indoors, and falls and falling debris when you're doing outdoor climbing. We also talked to you about the need for a great pair of climbing shoes, but we just found an article packed with 10 tips on how to go about selecting the Perfect pair for you.
So you know you need shoes and want some help figuring out what to keep in mind as you look? Glad you asked, thanks to About.com, here are 10 tips to help you pick the perfect pair, and get you climbing in no time at all:
- Buy at a Reputable Mountain Shop
- Buy an All-Around Rock Shoe
- Get a Snug Comfortable Fit
- Rock Shoes Will Stretch
- Improper Sizing is a Common Problem
- Great Deals Can Be Found Online
- Buy Used and Save Big
- Buy Last Year's Models Cheap
- Do A Test Run at a Shoe Demo
- Rent Before Buying Rock Shoes
There you go! Keep those simple tips in mind the next time you're in the market for a great pair of climbing shoes and you'll avoid the hassle of having to return them, or worse, having to climb in shoes that don't fit. Ouch.
Labels: Climbing Equipment, Climbing Gear, Climbing Shoes, How To
¶ Monday, May 18, 2009 0 Comments
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Climbing Equipment 101: The Helmet
When it comes to outfitting yourself with the appropriate gear to really start getting into rock climbing, whether it's indoor or outdoor, there are a few pieces of equipment you need. On Monday, we covered the need for a great pair of climbing shoes. Many people over look the need for good climbing shoes, but hopefully after the post, you've reconsidered the need. Today, we're going to cover the need for a different piece of equipment that is less performance based, and more centered around safety. That's right, the Helmet.
While not the coolest, most stylish or most technologically advanced of all climbing gear, the Helmet might be one of the most important. A high quality, properly fitted helmet can protect you from not only falling debris from above, but also from impact injuries if and when you do fall. Here's some advice on what to look for for a good helmet:
Keep those things in mind, or better yet, stop into one of our Touchstone Climbing locations and let the experts fit you properly and get you all suited up. Protect that melon of yours, it's the only one you've got!
When it comes to outfitting yourself with the appropriate gear to really start getting into rock climbing, whether it's indoor or outdoor, there are a few pieces of equipment you need. On Monday, we covered the need for a great pair of climbing shoes. Many people over look the need for good climbing shoes, but hopefully after the post, you've reconsidered the need. Today, we're going to cover the need for a different piece of equipment that is less performance based, and more centered around safety. That's right, the Helmet.
While not the coolest, most stylish or most technologically advanced of all climbing gear, the Helmet might be one of the most important. A high quality, properly fitted helmet can protect you from not only falling debris from above, but also from impact injuries if and when you do fall. Here's some advice on what to look for for a good helmet:
"a helmet should be able to protect the head while allowing freedom of movement, vision, and not be uncomfortable when climbing. It should fit snugly and securely on the head. The helmet should not be tilted back, exposing the forehead. Helmets sometimes have special features, such as ventilation holes or clips for securing a headlamp."
Keep those things in mind, or better yet, stop into one of our Touchstone Climbing locations and let the experts fit you properly and get you all suited up. Protect that melon of yours, it's the only one you've got!
Labels: Climbing Equipment, Climbing Gear, How To, Touchstone Climbing
¶ Thursday, May 07, 2009 0 Comments
Monday, May 4, 2009
How To Buy Rock Climbing Shoes
When it comes to rock climbing, indoor or outdoor, one piece of equipment that is worth its weight in gold, is a good pair of rock climbing shoes. If you've never climbed in proper shoes, you'll be shocked how much better you are, feel and how much higher your confidence will be once you get into them. They are vital, but many people aren't aware just how important they are.
We just found a good post that offers up a brief primer on what to look for, and why you should be looking, when it comes to rock climbing shoes. Basically, rock climbing shoes are specially made and designed "with a special kind of rubber that provides friction when climbing on rock. They also are formed so that a climber can jam their foot into a crack, or smear on a flat slab. Thus, they have a significant advantage over sneakers or boots."
When doing the actual shopping around, here are a few things you should look for:
Our advice, come into one of our Touchstone Climbing gym locations. Our staff can help you make the best decision possible, and you can even try them out right there on our walls. Remember, don't neglect the shoes, they'll take your climbing to new levels.
When it comes to rock climbing, indoor or outdoor, one piece of equipment that is worth its weight in gold, is a good pair of rock climbing shoes. If you've never climbed in proper shoes, you'll be shocked how much better you are, feel and how much higher your confidence will be once you get into them. They are vital, but many people aren't aware just how important they are.
We just found a good post that offers up a brief primer on what to look for, and why you should be looking, when it comes to rock climbing shoes. Basically, rock climbing shoes are specially made and designed "with a special kind of rubber that provides friction when climbing on rock. They also are formed so that a climber can jam their foot into a crack, or smear on a flat slab. Thus, they have a significant advantage over sneakers or boots."
When doing the actual shopping around, here are a few things you should look for:
"...consider doing so at a specialty climbing shop. It’s easier to make an informed purchase after trying the shoe on for fit and comfort, and the sales staff can help finding a particular shoe for different kinds of climbing (for instance, sport climbing on short routes versus trad climbing on long routes). The shoes should fit snugly, but not so tight as to cut off circulation. The store might have a simulated climbing surface to try out the shoes on."
Our advice, come into one of our Touchstone Climbing gym locations. Our staff can help you make the best decision possible, and you can even try them out right there on our walls. Remember, don't neglect the shoes, they'll take your climbing to new levels.
Labels: Climbing Equipment, Climbing Shoes, How To, Touchstone Climbing
¶ Monday, May 04, 2009 0 Comments
