Rock climbers take it to the top at Texas Rock Gym
by Amanda Kerr
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

Your fingers search for the thinnest of cracks in the rock face. Your muscles ache from the strain of constant tension. Any lapse in your concentration, any distraction, can spell disaster.

The sport of rock climbing started as mountaineering, that is, as mountain climbing. The whole point of the activity, initially, was simply to get to the very top of a mountain before anybody else did, so as to be able to claim the first ascent. One of the first mountain climbing ascents was of Mont Blanc in France.

As more people started to ascend mountains, they began to practice the skills needed at localities closer to their homes. Local hills, rock buttresses and gullies provided opportunities to hone the skills of moving over difficult terrain before having to climb an actual mountain, with all the other added factors and dangers that it brings.

A recent article, written by Steven Dodd in the New Zealand Climb magazine said, "Initially the activity was considered to be just another form of training, however, by about 1925 it began to evolve into a sport in its own right. It was about that time, climbers began to grade the difficulty of each climb in order to measure their rock climbing ability and to gauge their performance against other climbers."

Outdoor climbing can be very dangerous. Loose rocks, slides, improper preparation and lack of skills can lead to a serious injury or death. Climbers take all necessary precautions when preparing for a climb.

"Climbing teaches self-confidence, self-reliance, problem solving, as well as teamwork, and trust between the belayer and climber," said Kim Nguyen, student at the University of Houston.

Equipment must be in excellent working order to prevent injury. Communication is key to a safe climb. Also, being in reasonably good physical condition is a must. Strain on the extremities, heart and mind are exhausting.

"I love rock climbing because it involves both your mind and your body," said Monty Queener, former president of Texas Rock Gym and present consultant.

For those who do not have the chance or inclination to go rock climbing outdoors, there is always an alternative. There are more than 5,000 indoor rock climbing gyms throughout the world. About 30 years ago, the first indoor climbing walls were constructed to allow climbers to train indoors during the wet winter months. One of the first walls was built at Leeds University in the United Kingdom.

An article in the British magazine, To The Top, reported in recent surveys rock climbing has become the fastest-growing sport, with an increase of 40 percent between 1985 and 1992 in Britain and 44 percent in the United States. The survey also showed that approximately 80 percent of rock climbers are using climbing walls instead of the outdoors and 45 percent of them are climbing on a weekly basis.

Rock climbing can be both a physical and mental sport. Many people climb to relieve stress and some enjoy the difficult task.

"Climbing requires problem solving skills while you are working physically; I love the challenge," said Queener. "I think of it as a combination of chess and ballet."

Several of the employees at the Texas Rock Gym said that rock climbing is a great way to work both your middle and upper body strength. It gives people a way to get a good workout in a short period of time.

Rock climbing is performed in countries all over the world. There are many places that offer the extreme sport.

"I have climbed in several different cities all over the world," said Nguyen. "My favorite place I climbed was Phoenix Mountain (Feng Huang Ling) of Beijing."

"There is always more to learn. Even after 22 years I am still learning more things about climbing techniques," Queener said. "We like to say that it takes minutes to get started and a lifetime to master."

The Texas Rock Gym, located at 201 Hobbs Rd., Suite A-1, is open Monday through Thursday 3-10 p.m., Friday 3-11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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