Don’t tell me, you love rock climbing but you want to push yourself that little bit further and put your fragile existence in a bit more danger? If I’m right then ice climbing could be for you. If you like the idea of being cold and wet while dangling precariously off a frozen waterfall then you are one crazy cat, but you also qualify to read on…
Step one
Hopefully you know a bit about rock climbing already, if not you have got some serious work to do. You will need to be experienced in the techniques of rock climbing so get some professional help and get plenty of practice. You will need to know about belaying, abseiling, tying into the rope etc. There are lots of indoor climbing walls where you can learn but for the best experience get some lessons on an actual rock…
Step Two
When you are comfortable with rock climbing get your hands on some ice climbing gear, you may be able to borrow some from the instructor or you can hire it. It will include crampons and an axe and other tools as well as ropes helmets and protective clothing. Practice using this and getting comfortable using it. You probably won’t be able to find a frozen waterfall in your local area but you can get a feel for the equipment at least…
Step three
If you are still sure this is the sport for you, you had better buy some equipment. Go to specialist outlets where the salesmen are enthusiastic about the sport. Don’t just buy the first thing you see and listen carefully to what the salespeople have to say. The equipment can be expensive but you will get what you pay for so don’t be over frugal because this stuff will keep you alive. Make sure all the clothing fits you correctly and that it’s a style you can live with for a while. Remember that colour clothing will stand out on the ice which may be an advantage if you get lost. Try all this equipment out before you get to the ice. Don’t forget you may be spending the night out there so consider the stuff you will need out there like tents, stoves, sleeping bags etc.
Step four
Don’t forget that however much rock climbing you do will not fully prepare you for Ice climbing; it is cold, wet and dangerous. You will become reliant on your equipment, ice screws crampons, ropes, harnesses and axes etc so you must be confident and comfortable with them. You probably won’t be out there alone so if you get these things wrong it will not only put your life in danger but the others too…
Step five
OK, you’ve practised rock climbing till your fingers bled and you have got all the techniques down to a fine art. You have got tools and equipment coming out of your ears and you’re ready for the adventure. Go and find a glacier, frozen waterfall, or snow covered mountain and you’re up and running…
Steve Batchelor is a Extreme Sports enthusiast and the webmaster at www.extremesportguides.com where you can find some great information on many different extreme sports. He also recommends infogoldmine for more info on extreme sports as well as many other subjects.
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