get a grip on rock climbing story and photos by CHRIS CELENTANO New to theS ort P
The famous alpinist Lionel Terray once described climbers as “Conquistadors of the useless.” He may not have been wrong. After all, what does climbing to the top of a rock or a mountain actu- ally accomplish in the grand scheme of things? What benefit does it bring to society? Arguably, the answer is nothing. However, none of that re- ally matters. What matters most is that it is satisfying to the people that partake in this amazing sport, of which there are many disciplines and varia- tions. It is an amazing way to get in touch with and gain a deeper appreciation for nature. Rock climbing is also a really effective means of main- taining physical fitness and coordination, as well as providing a way to see the world from a unique perspective very few ever have the opportunity to experience. Personally, I cannot recommend it enough. It is an empowering and awe-inspiring moment to make it to the top of a climbing route that you just climbed hanging on with only your fingers and toes while keeping your body in perfect balance up a sheer face of rock. Despite what the detractors might say, rock climbing is much safer than it might appear on the surface. It is actually a highly controlled and methodical environment, where risk is managed very consciously. Furthermore, rock climbing is most often done at a manageable and generally slow pace. This combination of traits make acci- dents fairly rare in the climbing community.
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