The need to climb a mountain is built upon the most basic primal forces a human being can experience. The need to explore the world around us in its most dramatic majesty is powerful. Equally as powerful is the need to push the body to its limits. This is the world of the climber.
While the exhilaration of climbing is undeniable, there’s the other side to the sport that is impossible to ignore; your safety, and the safety of those around you is essential. As any mountaineer and rock climber will tell you, the world of climbing is full of hazards, from the dangers of falling rocks to high winds. Some things you cannot control, and there’s safety equipment that’s designed to help you.
Of course, you need to wear the all important gear, such as the right climbing helmet, harness, shoes, ropes and equipment. These are the key elements when embarking on your mountain climbing expedition. That’s fine, but there’s another incredibly important part to this venture: You.
Good quality gear is necessary to ensure that your climb is a safe one, but whether climbing or belaying, you still need to have your wits about you at all times. With this in mind there are things that you need to be aware of that will be just as lifesaving as any special climbing equipment.
What to look out for when climbing
It’s rather a moot point to say that climbing is physically strenuous, but it’s not just the exertion of climbing that can affect your performance. There are varying types of dehydration, but is typified by an imbalance with the body’s electrolytes and mineral salts, particularly potassium and sodium. The result of dehydration can vary from mild tiredness to dizziness and, in very extreme cases, be fatal. But let’s not imagine that particular outcome!
Chances are that if you’re embarking on a climb, you should just maintain a good level of water intake. As well as dizziness, headaches and lethargy are unwelcome additions to anyone’s climb, and they’re a good sign that you may need to stop for nourishment and fluids. Even if you’re determined to get to the next plateau, there’s no point in taking risks. Stop, refresh and get yourself together.
Like dehydration, tiredness is a sign that you might be pushing yourself too hard. Of course, with any sustained level of physical exertion the body will start to become drained, that’s to be expected, but it’s how it’s managed is worth bearing in mind. If you’re finding that your concentration is slipping, do take some time out to gather your thoughts.
You might experience a bout of tiredness after a particularly heavy push. This will be when the adrenalin rush has dissipated, and you feel a bit of a slump following the chemical crash. It can be more frustrating than anything, but it’s just your body normalising. Again, take some time to recover, as your body just needs to adjust.
These pointers should help when embarking on your next rock climbing trip. Remember to look after yourself, and keep an eye on your climbing partner too. Sometimes it’s easier to see what’s going on from the outside, so it’s also important to take advice as well!
Trekitt is a company that provides climbing equipment, harnesses, personal protective gear, chalk bags and accessories.
