ARTICLE ON ICE CLIMBING
Ice Climbing is another
form of Rock
Climbing, as challenging and exciting but with the added elements of cold
and ice. People who are looking for a different style of climbing and are not
contented with simply walking in the mountains during winter would want to try
the exciting and exhilarating sport of Ice Climbing.
Ice Climbing is an outdoor activity wherein one climbs ice formations such as
ice falls and frozen waterfalls. Different pieces of equipment can be used and
various techniques can be done by the climber, depending on the slope and
texture of ice.
There are two major types of Ice Climbing. One includes climbing flowing water
that is frozen, such as waterfalls. The other involves climbing steep, compact
snow, and ice typically found high on a mountain.
Ice Climbing began in the early days of mountain climbing when climbers came
across hard water ice in the gullies and faces of the terrain. As years
progressed, techniques were developed and the climbs attempted became more and
more difficult. Consequently, different tools and devices were made and
improved to meet the demands of the growing population of ice climbers.
With enough knowledge and preparation, the efficient use of various ice tools
will enable you to climb vertical ice. Ice Axes and Crampons
are the main tools used in this sport. Though the pieces of equipment used in
Ice Climbing and Rock Climbing are almost the same, the medium to be climbed is
a very different. While the quality of rock varies little over the year, ice,
on the other hand, changes its form on a daily, even hourly basis.
This site is all about Ice Climbing. It covers an extensive range of
information about the different essentials of the activity such as training,
rules and etiquette, techniques and moves. This site also has a special section
on the different pieces of Ice Climbing
Gear and Equipment and apparel, as well as guidelines and precautionary
measures.
Keep in mind that it is essential to have the right pieces of gear and adequate
knowledge of the different techniques used in climbing. Like any other extreme
sport, climbers need to be aware of the risks associated with Ice Climbing.
Though this may be the case, don’t let these dangers prevent you from enjoying
the amazing experience of climbing upon the frozen terrain. With enough
knowledge, training, and the right mental attitude, you’re on your way to a
cool climbing experience.
Ice Climbing is an
offshoot of European mountaineering during the 19th century. It is one of the
many disciplines that branched out of Mountaineering like Rock Climbing.
There were two modifications that revolutionized Ice Climbing: (1) the
invention and variation of Crampon
and (2) development of climbing tools. These two instances have paved the way
for the improvement of Ice Climbing both as a sport and leisure activity.
In 1908, British climber Oscar Eckenstein invented a crampon which is
characterized by toothed claws attached to Mountaineering Boots. Eckenstein's crampon was a major
improvement since it got rid of step-cutting on ice which makes Mountaineering
and winter climbing dragging.
Twenty two years later, Laurent Grivel modified the existing crampon by putting
protruding front points which allow steeper Ice Climbing and faster ascents.
This also led to more challenging climbing routes. The front points designed by
Grivel replaced the need for doing chop steps.
Modern ice axes or tools were not developed until the 1960s by the Americans.
Yvon Chouinard experimented with axes in
Because of the significant modifications in Mountaineering ice axes and
crampons, Ice Climbing became quite easy and allowed steeper climbs. Vertical
Ice Climbing today has come a long way, and modifications of the climbing tools
defined its history.
From
being an offshoot of Mountaineering during the 19th century, Ice Climbing has
become one of the most popular and exciting extreme winter sport activities.
Nowadays, more and more people are engrossed with Ice Climbing. Moreover, it
continuously increases in popularity despite the extreme difficulties one would
encounter in ice climbs. There are various reasons that push individuals to
pursue this challenging sport. In this section, learn why people enjoy Ice
Climbing and know what this sport has to offer you:
Every beginner of this sport has his or her own set of reasons why he or she
pursues climbing vertical walls of ice. Some take ice climbs because of the
challenge that comes with it while others do it because they want to do
something different, an activity that will push oneself to the limit. Whatever
the reason may be, it only goes to show that you would never run out of reasons
to pursue this thrilling sport.
"I think I've screwed
up if I go into the outdoors without one," says Jim Doenges, an ice
climber from
He is not referring to any of the essential pieces of climbing gear and safety
equipment. He is but referring to the bible. Doenges, together with his team
members, are all members of an organization called Climbing for Christ. Eight
of them have already reached the summit last Saturday, and they are already on
their way down on Monday.
"First is to share the love of God with other climbers, second is to
practice environmental stewardship, and third is to stand on the highest point
in
