Aside from preparation, the proper usage of different techniques and methods of rock climbing also plays an important role in climbing as they can aid in to a safer climb in a less energy conserving way. The following are some techniques which you may want to use the next time you do rock climbing.
Hand Jamming- The hand and the feet are the most important tools in climbing. Hand jamming is also called crack climbing, is a climbing technique used for ascending cracks or fissures on rock faces with the use of your hand or your fist and. This technique is use widely when using a crack as a handhold. To perform hand jamming, a climber would wedge or jam his hands or fist into a crack fissure with pressure applied on thumb and the forefinger and fleshy part of your fist. Hand jamming is a difficult technique to learn, especially for beginner, but once a climber learns to master or get familiar with the use of hand jamming, it can definitely offer a more secure of climbing the rock.
Edging- Fatigue is one of the main enemies in rock climbing and an excellent background with footwork could help you escape from facing such dilemma. Edging is a climbing technique involving the placement of the very edge of the climbing shoe on a sharp hold. This technique is the simplest technique to support your weight especially when standing on holds Edging is best achieved with proper footwork.
Smearing-This technique is usually performed in order to fully maximize the friction between the rock and the shoe. In this technique, the climber uses the surface of the sole of his climbing shoe against a flat rock face to create friction. This technique is commonly used on sloping footholds. Many climbers today are familiar with this technique. Proper foot placement, leg and ankle tension and a good balance are the main requirements in performing this technique.
Heel Hook- This technique is performed with the use of the back of the heel in order to apply pressure on holds below the waist level and acquire leverage and balance. Heel hook technique requires pulling with the heel of a foot by flexing the hamstring.
It is important to know this different techniques in rock climbing. However, safety must come first. In order to protect myself from any accidents during rock climbing, I never forget to use my favorite rock climbing harness. For me, safety is always a must for every dangerous sports like rock climbing. Never proceed with your rock climbing without it.
