1. You’ll need the proper rock climbing gear to enjoy it safely and fully. It all depends on the location, however basic equipment you’ll need is rock climbing shoes, chalk and a chalk bag. Climbing apparel must be light and allow you to move freely. For beginner climbers, it is not necessary to invest in all the gear and equipment until you have decided that it’s for you. You can learn in an indoor facility which will most likely rent out rock climbing shoes and the necessary gear you’ll need including the belaying equipment. Get to know the sport, get hooked and then invest in your own gear.

2. Physically preparation is essential. Stretching and warming up the body is essential prior to scaling a challenging edifice. Rock climbing utilizes the entire body with each part having a specific role in the success of this activity. There is a common notion especially for beginners that a large percentage of upper body strength is used. This is a myth. Your hands and arms bring you closer to the wall as your legs and feet push you up the wall. Your legs and feet support your entire body weight since you spend most of your time standing up making them much stronger than your arms and hands. You should learn the different styles and techniques you can use to fully utilize strength and stamina in this physical adventure.

3. Mental preparation is required as much as physical preparation. Rock climbing requires mental preparation and clarity of thought to easily execute manoeuvres. It’s similar to problem solving where you decide on the most effective route and techniques to use. To mentally prepare for this sport you need to visualize the route on the edifice you are about to tackle. The skill of visualizing your climb will be helpful during the time when you’ll have to apply your thoughts.

Similar to any extreme sport, rock climbing has its own set of safety and precautionary measures that must be adhered to at all times. Over the years, the sport has been successful in providing enthusiasts a much needed recreational and exercise activity because of strict implementation of safety rules. Isolated accidents and fatalities are attributed to human error due to the neglect of proper training and the disregard of safety protocols. Overall it’s a great way to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, gain knowledge on the basic techniques and expert advice that will lead you to a sport for a lifetime.

Rory Gillard is a lover of rock climbing. He is also an experienced writer and enjoys sharing information and tips on indoor and outdoor rock climbing with other like-minded people. Rory has experienced and tried rock climbing all around Australia and recommends anyone interested in rockclimbing to give it a go!!

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Record 1: On the 6th May British mountaineer and guide Kenton Cool successfully made the world’s first 3G connected phone call to his wife back in England from the summit of using the Samsung Galaxy S II.

Record 2: Kenton Cool also reached the summit for his ninth time, making him the top British climber with the most Everest summits under his belt.

Record 3: Apa Sherpa, climbing leader of Eco Everest Expedition 2011 reached the summit of Everest for the 21st time on the 11th May. Apa needs no introduction, he is referred as ‘Super Sherpa’. He currently holds the record for the most ascents of Everest. This year he announced his retirement from high altitude climbing.

Record 4: On the 20th May this year Mr Vikash Kaushik and Mrs Sushma Kaushik age 24 and 32 respectively became the first Indian couple to summit Mount Everest together. They were members of the Eco Everest Expedition from Asian Trekking.

Record 5: Premlata Agrawal, a mother of two from Jharkhand in India became the oldest Indian women to conquer Mount Everest on the 20th May at the age of 45. She reached the summit by climbing the South Col route from Nepal.

Record 6: A 32 year old woman from Arunachal Pradesh made a history when she scaled Everest twice in 10 days. Anshu Jamsenpa also became the first woman mountaineer in the world to achieve the feat twice in the same season. Her summit dates were on the 12th May and 21st May.

Record 7: Bhakta Kumar Rai from Nepal spent an incredible 32 hours on the summit of Mount Everest. He reached the top at 05:30am on May 20th and stayed there until 1pm the next day. In that time he mediated for 27 hours for world peace. He is known as the “Supreme Master God Angel” to his followers.

Record 8: On the 21st May Nepali tandem paraglider pilot Babu Sunuwar and his mountain guide Lakpa Tshering Sherpa flew 20km plus cross country from the summit of Mount Everest to the village of Namche Bazaar which is situated in the Khumbu region of Nepal.

Record 9: George Atkinson, a school boy from England became the youngest British mountaineer to climb Mount Everest aged 16 years and 362 days old on the 26th May. He has also recently achieved his goal to become the youngest person in the world to have climbed the Seven Summits.

All of these achievements are remarkable given the hostile conditions that Mount Everest can sometimes throw at the many climbers who every year attempt to fulfill their dream by reaching the highest summit on earth.

Colin Wallace owns the website Mount Everest The British Story at http://www.everest1953.co.uk which features the history of all British expeditions past and present. You will also find useful information relating to Mount Everest such as facts, a summiteers list, statistics and much more.

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Canyoning is an adventure sport that utilizes abseiling, rock climbing, caving, swimming, hiking and trekking. Most canyoning adventures use at least one of these other activities and depending on the level of difficulty that the location requires you may need to use them all. Canyoning can cater to both young or old and provide an amazing recreational activity that will keep you hooked.

With the number other activities incorporated into this adventure such as abseiling and rock climbing this is an activity that is full of information and new skills that are waiting for you on this adventurous feat. The discovery of micrometeorology and the relationships in the eco-system will surely interest you. No one after all is too young or too old to enjoy the discovery of new skills and learning.

This activity is fun for everyone because it takes you away to a location far from the hustle and the bustle of the metropolis and everyday life. Canyoning will provide anyone with the perfect escape. Lush mountainsides, amazing rock formations and pristine waterfalls and rivers will provide you with the most refreshing scenery and give your body that much needed adrenalin pumping adventure.

An adequate level of physical fitness is required for canyoning which mainly requires the use of your arms and legs. Depending on the canyon’s grade of difficulty, the youngest allowed on a canyoning adventure is 12 years old, and there is no age limit for those who want to participate in canyoning as long as you have the strength to do it. Restrictions are just about the same for most outdoor adventures meaning those with head, spinal and muscular impairments as well as major medical complications such as heart, lung and psychological ailments will not be able to participate.

Canyoning is an ideal group adventure. There is always something for everyone! Exploring nature trails, waterfalls and some of the greatest canyon formations using a diverse array of techniques is something any weekend warrior or an average outdoorsman would be thrilled with. You will also get the chance to meet the most interesting people, Geologists, professionals, young adventurers and the like.

There is something magical about canyoning. It is a venture where both young and old and people from all walks of life can come together to enjoy an activity that involves a diversity of skills. Canyoning gives a new meaning to fun, bringing together the best of the most natural creations of earth and man’s love for a challenge to provide the most exciting and spectacular outdoor recreational activity for everyone.

Cameron Bruce is a lover of canyoning. He is also an experienced writer and enjoys sharing information and tips on canyoning with other like-minded people. Cameron Bruce has experienced and tried canyoning all around Australia and recommends anyone interested in canyoning to give it a go!!

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On Mt Kinabalu, you can find 4500 species of plant, 326 species of birds, and over 100 mammals. Besides the largest plant in the world, the Rafflesia, there are many other interesting and rare plants to be found such as dwarf shrubs, mosses, lichens, liverworts, ferns and many different orchids. One of the reasons why there so many distinctive species here is that most of the soil is low in phosphates and high in iron and metals. This is poisonous to many plants, so plants either become different or they die. When it comes to animals, you can find birds like Mountain Serpent-eagle, Dulit Frogmouth, Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher, and mammals like: The Orangutan, Malayan Weasel, Oriental Small-clawed Otter, Leopard Cat and Borneon Ferret-Badger.

People mostly come here so they can try to climb the mountain. This can be a great experience but is also very hard. It is not enough just to decide and go, you have to be prepared even though this is one of the easiest peaks in the world to conquer. It is also a long way, taking two days to reach the top. Even though equipment is not required, it is highly recommended so you won’t have to worry about anything. You will need clothes for different weather conditions, water and food, sunscreen cream, first aid kit, head-mounted torch and a camera. You are probably wondering where to put all that, but don’t worry even if you forget something, it won’t be a disaster.

Before you go, you must purchase a climbing permit and pay an insurance fee. You will probably know if you are capable and fit enough for this adventure. More than 95% people succeed. You don’t have to be in super physical shape to do it. During the first part of the climb, you’ll be going through rainforest which is the easiest part. After passing Layang-Layang, you are going to climb Laban Rata which is more difficult. You’ll able to rest along the way. At the end of the day, climbers spend the night in one of the guesthouses so they can continue later. Climbers must wake up in the middle of the night in order to continue and finish the trip on time. Climbers will be heading to Sayat-Sayat and then on to Low’s Peak. The view you are going to have there is hard to explain. It is beautiful and unforgettable. Most of the climbers reach the top at around 6am, leaving enough time to get back.

Climbing Mt Kinabalu will be for sure a journey of a lifetime. You’ll get to know nature better and you’ll feel like a real winner once you reach the top. This is just one of the things you can do in Borneo.

Read more about Dare to Climb Mt Kinabalu on this website.

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1. It can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors. With much technological advancement, indoor rock climbing centres have been created for competitors to practice in and for beginners to get a taste of the activity. These facilities introduce novice climbers to the equipment and techniques of the sport. Amazingly, some centres can provide an almost too close resemblance to outdoor edifices, which provides adequate training for outdoors climbing.

2. Rock climbing is for all ages! It’s an activity that can be enjoyed by children as young as 5 years old and as old as your body will allow you to enjoy this activity. Young participants of the sport often practice in indoor rock climbing centres where specific equipment for their body and age are available. Climbing walls are also provided for any skill and level of competency. Such facilities develop strength and discipline in the process. Height maybe a factor in this sport but it’s mainly all about the degree of climb difficulty. An edifice may be only a few feet in height, but the slope and angles of the surface determines the climb’s degree of difficulty. The variety of climbing walls available in an indoor facility means that no matter what age or skill level you are at there is something to challenge everyone.

3. Rock climbing is not just about great heights or fabulous sceneries, it is also an activity that builds confidence, discipline and a great respect for safety. Though an individual sport that involves a great deal of serenity, it’s also a goal oriented activity that provides a lot of physical and mental challenges. Each climb is a milestone for the human spirit and will definitely get you hooked one achievement after the other. Apart from the physical benefits, discipline is something that is innately developed. Knowing when to push your limits and when to relax and logically continue. The discipline of keeping a healthy body and mind to ensure that you are always on top of your game. This discipline also involves awareness of the inherent risks that come with the sport. Rock climbing is a sport not meant to defy gravity, it involves safety measures to prevent gravity from working on a climber to result in a fall.

Rock climbing is a fun sport that everyone can enjoy. Years of development and innovation has made this sport an activity that can be enjoyed by any individual, young or old, skilled or not. With the convenience of indoor rock climbing centres, people need not break an arm and a limb just to experience the activity. It is a fun filled activity that is easy, safe and convenient for everyone.

Rory Gillard is a lover of rock climbing. He is also an experienced writer and enjoys sharing information and tips on indoor and outdoor rock climbing with other like-minded people. Rory has experienced and tried rock climbing all around Australia and recommends anyone interested in rockclimbing to give it a go!!

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Ama Dablam was first climbed on 13 March 1961 by Mike Gill (NZ), Barry Bishop (USA), Mike Ward (UK) and Wally Romanes (NZ) via the Southwest Ridge. They were well-acclimatised to altitude, having wintered over at 5800 metres near the base of the peak as part of the Silver Hut Scientific Expedition of 1960-61, led by Sir Edmund Hillary.

Ama Dablam is the third most popular Himalayan peak for permitted expeditions. The most popular route by far is the original first ascend route along the Southwest Ridge. The climb is typically done with three camps along the ridge with camp 3 just below and to the right of the hanging glacier, the Dablam, so that any ice that calves off the glacier typically goes away from the camp, however there are no sure rules as 2006 avalanche proved otherwise killing 6 climbers. A climbing permit and a liaison officer are required when attempting this expedition.

As with Mt. Everest, the best climbing months are April-May in spring season and September-October in autumn season. Ama Dablam expedition combined with the trek to Everest Base Camp or combined with the Island Peak climb serves as a very enjoyable way to acclimatise for the climb. Trekking to Everest Base camp is a very nice way to acclimatise, pay homage to Everest, the King of the Himalayas and to experience the classic Everest view from Kallapather. Combining expedition with Island Peak climb is not only a very nice way to acclimatise but it offers an extraordinary view of Everest from the summit of Island Peak, which in itself is a nice visual and albeit easy climbing experience.

About Author: This article was written by Tony Olejnicki an experienced Australian climber and the writer of travel, climbing, mountaineering and tourism related topics to help you to discover more about trekking in Nepal, expedition in Nepal as well as unforgettable world class Ama Dablam expedition and peak climbing in Nepal. For more details, visit website Trekkingagencynepal.com.

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Bears are naturally curious animals, but are not normally aggressive. They get a little bit more aggressive when they’re hungry. Some people say they’re hungry all the time and that may be more true than not. But in the fall before they hibernate and in the spring time when they come out of hibernation they can be particularly hungry and particularly aggressive.

Up in the high country where they live the condition of their natural habitat determines to some extent how hungry they are and how aggressive they are. So for example if it’s particularly dry and much of their natural food is nonexistent they may turn more aggressively towards other sources of food at lower elevations and campgrounds.

If you see a bear and a bear sees you at the same time the best thing you can do is speak softly to the bear, never turn your back and back away slowly. Never run away from a bear.

If a bear sees you and starts advancing towards you try to make yourself appear as large as you can. That may startle the bear and scare him away. If it doesn’t scare him away curl up in a ball and offer no resistance.

Many people think that a handgun is effective against bears. The fact of the matter is in studies done by fish and wildlife experts show that if you are attacked by a bear and use bear pepper spray chances are 90% in your favor that you will win that battle.

I would never recommend going into the back country without an EPA approved bear pepper spray. Always look for the EPA’s seal of approval on a can of bear spray and only use sprays that are designated as bear pepper sprays. That indicates a minimum amount of spray in the canister usually at least 230 grams and a minimal amount of OC (oleoresin capsicum) which is the main ingredient in all pepper sprays. Bear Pepper Spray has a range of 35 feet and is EPA approved.

The other problem that people have is they don’t know how to use it. First of all, always carry it in a hip holster so it is readily available. When the bear is about 40 feet away and is advancing towards you start creating a wall of mist with the spray so when the bear advances into it he will smell it with his extremely sensitive nostrils and be repulsed by it.

Bear pepper spray is the most effective deterrent against bear attacks. Never go into the back country without it, especially when you’re fishing, camping or hiking

The Home Security Superstore is one of the oldest and largest independent distributors of high quality home security, surveillance, spy, self-defense, survival and safety products. We carry a wide range of self-defense products including Tasers, stun guns, pepper sprays, and other non-lethal weapons that can save your life in the event of an attack.

Our vast network of product sourcing, both stateside and abroad, saves you and your family time and money and insures you the lowest possible prices available in the marketplace.

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The Rigors of Volcanoes National Park

This park is intense in contrasts. You can reach the peaks of volcanoes and find temperatures down to thirty degrees and even spot snow even though you are in the middle of a tropical island. In other areas of the park you will be hiking in temperatures ranging in the seventies and eighties with high humidity. You will be going from feeling cold to dripping sweat all within the same day.

Depending on your choice of locations you can experience easy trails or trails which are very challenging. The more challenging trails will require your intense focus and the use of both of your hands. Make sure you have secured your binoculars and camera before traversing these areas. You can negotiate them safely if you are using a binocular harness instead of standard neck straps.

Steam Vents and Live Lava Flows

While much of the hiking trails goes through extremely safe areas there are a few locations which require you go with a guide. There are locations for viewing live lava flows and active steam vents. This is not a time to go venturing out on your own. Check ahead with the park on the current activity levels and the availability of guides. It is really important that when you have this kind of adventure you feel assured that you are safe. This will make your activity even more worthwhile and fun as well.

Imagine the great pictures you can capture in the areas of the steam vents or an active lava flow. While you dream of the photos you can take keep in mind the danger to your gear, also. Make sure you keep everything close to your body and under control. The easiest way to take care of your binoculars and camera is to attach them to a high quality binocular camera harness. With your gear safe you can focus on keeping yourself safe while you capture the intense glory of Hawaii’s volcanoes. This will indeed be one experience that you would love and enjoy.

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There are several different methods of tree climbing that may be used, each requiring its own set of equipment. A rope and saddle technique is one method used for climbing and is generally considered to be the best and most popular method because little damage is done to the tree when using ropes and saddles. The tools needed to use the rope and saddle method include not only a special tree climbing saddle, but also carabiners (metal clips) and an ascender, which locks into place in the event of a fall. A helmet and gloves are typically also recommended to protect your head and hands during the climb.

Rope, of course, is also necessary when using the rope and saddle method and there are two types: single rope (SRT), which is used for taller trees and double rope (or DRT) for trees less than 75 feet tall. When the SRT is used, the route up the tree is normally a straight line. With SRT the climber advances up the rope with rope slings, mechanical ascenders and assistance of the feet and legs. When DRT is used, on the other hand, the route may not be as straight. The climber using DRT must throw their rope over the branch they intend to climb and then secure it to their climbing saddle or harness. They can then pull on the rope in order to raise themselves upwards towards the branch, advancing with the use of a friction knot such as the Blakes hitch. When cutting down trees another method of tree climbing involves the use of spikes, which can help you to get a better grip on the tree as you climb. This method can be easier than the rope method, but it also poses more risk to both the climber and to the tree. A climbing line and safety lanyard must always be used when climbing with spikes to protect you in the event of a fall. Spikes should be worn with high boots to minimize the danger of being cut or impaled by the spikes.

When using either the rope climbing or the spike climbing methods, having the best equipment possible and making sure you know how to use it is absolutely essential. For arborists who climb trees, knowing the proper techniques for climbing and understanding how to choose equipment is a part of their training. For hobby climbers, however, it is up to the climber to do the research necessary to find the right safety and climbing equipment to ensure the climb can be completed without undue risk. In either case, it is the tree climbing tools that make safe climbing possible.

Buy tree climbing gear online at PinnacleArboristSupplies.Com.

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The first thing we’ll look at is the mental aspect of this sport. You should already know that rock climbing isn’t exactly the safest sport. There is definitely a real risk of seriously injuring yourself if you make the wrong mistake. There is this fear that might run through your mind as you prepare to climb your route and during your climb as well. This fear can hold you back from reaching your fullest potential. One way to overcome this is to visualize your climb as well as progressively improve so that you will have greater confidence in your climbing abilities. Of course, trusting your spotters and equipment will help as well.

With many rock climbers, it’s all about getting stronger. Specifically, it’s all about getting stronger fingers and forearms. If you think about the routes that you failed to complete, chances are, you failed because of a hold that you couldn’t hold onto or a move you didn’t have enough strength to do. So how do you get stronger for climbing? One thing you can do is to simply climb with the focus of doing hard moves. This might mean skipping your projects and just doing moves that forces you to get stronger. You can also work on doing pull ups as well as use a campus board to train your fingers. Adding weight such as using a weight vest will do wonders as well.

One of the best ways to increase your climbing ability is to focus on your technique. Many beginner climbers focus solely on strength and have very sloppy technique. With the right technique, you can do many moves effortlessly while people who use only strength burn out on. Watch the more advanced climbers climb and notice how they do certain moves that may seem a bit tough for you. Knowing different techniques such as knee drops, flagging, Gastons, heel hooks, etc., will make doing certain moves seem almost effortless. It should be your goal to figure out the easiest, most efficient way to send a route instead of trying to muscle your way through the problem like so many beginners do.

Having the right shoes will help as well. You can look for climbing shoes for sale at stores like REI or even online. Hopefully, these climbing tips will help you improve in the sport of bouldering. Remember that the most important thing is to have fun.

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