When War Conflicts With Nature

The world today is surrounded by stories of war. People everywhere are fighting, cultures are constantly clashing, and the earth seems to be close to shattering, but somewhere in the rock climbing community, cultures are attempting to learn about one another through the sport of rock climbing. Scaling large mountain peaks is not something that is social acceptable for women in Pakistan. Like many other things in countries that are distant in culture from North America, rock climbing is reserved for men only. But there are some women in Pakistan who would like to try their hand at climbing a rocky mountain – there’s just something empowering about reaching the top of a very high peak. After forming the Pakistani Women’s Climbing Camp, the group of women who decided to set out on climbing adventures contacted the Alpine Club of Pakistan and the American Alpine Club, together their mission was to climb to the sky.

In order to assist their newfound climbing friends, the American Alpine Club put together an eight member team in order to join the Pakistani Women’s Climbing Camp in Islamabad. On July, 16th, the group was ready to go to Islamabad when their trip was suddenly canceled. The president of the Alpine Club in Pakistan, Nazir Sabir, was filled with sorrow when he announced that "On July 10 reports of blocking of the Karakoram Highway were received in addition to many disturbances in other areas as a reaction to the military response to the siege. For the present, much to our dismay and regret, we have decided to cancel the event as we are not aware as to how long the ramifications will continue." With the threat of violence looming, for now the women of Pakistan will have to wait to meet their American climbing buddies, and they will have to simply gaze at the mountain tops wondering when they will be able to finally reach the top.

Extreme Engineering

Extreme Engineering has been a well known name in the rock climbing world for many, many, years. Recently, the company has launched its new website, which will allow users to view their extensive line of products. Not only has this company been a forerunner in the rock climbing work, they also service the US Military, Disney, and Universal Studios. This company is known by its customers for inventing new technology and material to use within the rock climbing world. Unlike other companies that manufacture similar equipment, Extreme Engineering is all about the rock climbing world.

Extreme Engineering was the originator of the Mobile Climbing Walls and the auto-belay system – two pieces of equipment that most climbers today can’t imagine living without. The company prides itself on using new polymer technology for all of their walls, which provides a truer rock climbing surface. These walls are built for durability and they are the top amongst their class as far as best training tools go. Their newest product, the Mobile 2 Climber, is lightweight and tough with a new fabric coating that actually feels like real rock. The Mobile 2 Climber was meant to be transported and can be set up at home, on a picnic, or at any other event. This wall was designed to fit into a variety of spaces and places, so you’ll never have to leave home without your rock wall. If you are the competitive sort, the wall also has a “climber timer,” which displays the speed of your climb along with the number of climbs, so your game will always be improving. If you are part of the rock climbing community, you don’t want to miss out on all Extreme Engineering has to offer, and now you can visit their site and view all of the latest equipment for the rock climbing world.

Michael Reardon Dead

Forty two year old Michael Reardon was something of a rebel in the climbing world, Reardon never used safety equipment or ropes when he climbed, but he was still a climbing champion. Last Friday, July 13th 2007, Reardon was climbing on Valentia Island near the southwest coast of Ireland while in the midst of a photo shoot. Suddenly, a large wave came at Reardon from behind and the skilled climber fell off the edge of the rock he was standing on. Reardon was instantly swept into the ocean The Irish Coast Guard has been searching for Reardon’s body, but they are less than hopeful that Reardon’s body will ever be found.

The new trend in “soloing” (climbing without rope) has its obvious dangers, but the sport is becoming more popular as climbers seek to find the ultimate thrill. Former editor in chief of Climbing Magazine, Jonathan Thesenga, stated that “Everyone who knew Michael knew in the back of their minds that something like this might happen because of the way he climbed.” However, Thesenga was quick to point out that Reardon did not fall while climbing, he fell during a photo shoot. Reardon happened to be in the middle of a photo shoot due to many sceptics who claimed that Reardon could not climb the difficult mountains he claimed without rope. So, he decided to invite photographers along on his climbs. In an odd twist of fate, Reardon was standing on the edge of a cliff when the wave hit him. He had not even begun to climb yet. Reardon is survived by his wife Marci and his thirteen year old daughter Nicki.

Tragic Lesson

A recent phenomenon has struck the climbing community, it is called solo climbing. This sort of climbing is really just a test of fate. Solo climbers test their strength, and the force of nature, when they decide to climb mountains without climbing equipment. Recently, Michael Reardon, perhaps the best known practitioner of solo climbing fell to his death in Ireland. Shortly after, on a rock ledge in Custer State Park, a sixteen year old boy who was solo climbing fell to his death. The boy was hiking with a group of male friends when he decided to try out the sport of solo climbing. Leaving his friends behind on the trail, this young teen decided to use his hands and feet in order to scale the mountain ledge.

The terrain that the boy was attempting to climb is even difficult for professional climbers to steep pitches and massive boulders that line the valley. This park has bolts and handles permanently attached into the side of trails because the routes are so difficult. The boy fell forty feet to his death when he made the fatal decision to try and climb the mountain side without equipment. This park is known to climbers from all over the world, and boasts some of the best terrain for climbers, but most climbers rely on bolts and safety equipment in order to complete the treacherous climbs. It took expert climbers and park rangers quite awhile to life the boy’s broken body from the rocks below the trail as the ridges are so steep and dangerous. Solo climbing is a risk that is not necessarily worth the benefits, and so far (no matter what age) solo climbing has proven to be the one sport that cannot be won.

U.S. Nationals Climbing Series

Have you ever thought of climbing a mountain wall, but you just can’t seem to work up the nerve? Take a little bit of inspiration from a twelve year old. Jerdin Carle, 12, just won the U.S. Nationals Climbing Series – and he did it with a torn ligament in his finger. The U.S. Nationals Climbing Series is three day annual event that takes place in Minnesota and is attended by climbing youth from across the nation. These kids are part of climbing teams that practice across the United States in hops of achieving the title that Carle nabbed this year. Jerdin Carle is part of the Upstate area rock climbing team, G-Vegas Rock Stars, and his coach Brian Kettler couldn’t be more proud of his young prodigy.

Half way up the course, Carle found that his hand was severely hurting after injuring it earlier in the week. Understanding the difference between a competition and a long term hand injury, Carle made the decision to let go of the rock and rappel even though it meant losing the competition. Carle was shocked as he was announced the champion (he also won last years competition). Carle showed all modesty, even though he beat out thirty-five other boys, when he stated: "I was really surprised. I was definitely not expecting to win with my hand hurt." Carle showed maturity that most adults might not have shown, when he decided that he would rather be around to climb another day then to risk injuring his hand for good. Carle plans to keep practicing in hopes that next years competition will be even better than this one.

Dana Hall Summer Camp

It’s summertime, and for many parents the bright sun and the long days that children have off from school result in sending your kids to summer camp. Some kids enjoy playing tennis and learning how to sing songs, but if you find you children dragging their feet and protesting about returning to the same old camp, give Dana Hall Summer Camp a shot. Many children don’t like the idea of team sports. Team sports can be difficult on your child’s ego, and they often result in overall boredom and lack of interest in physical activity. The staff at Dana Hall has a different idea of what summertime fun should look like, and they pride themselves on the concept of no team sports.

Dana Hall offers your campers the opportunity to try rock climbing, scuba diving, or fencing – to name a few sports. The focus on the activities at this camp is the individual, not the group. Your child will be faced with scaling large, mountainous walls and they will learn how to depend upon themselves for support. Dana Hall tries to focus on a non-competitive environment where your child doesn’t need to feel pressured or threatened. An annual field trip for this camp includes an afternoon of snorkeling in Cape Cod, followed by a few rounds of golf. This camp wants your little ones to come back year after year – maybe even as a counselor. The camp has set up a CIT program where kids can become “counselors in training,” just in case they decide to teach rock climbing one day. If you decide to send your kids to this summer camp, who knows what other types of seemingly unreachable peaks they may try to climb in the future.

Reaching the Highest Peaks

Who says that growing up in the city means avoiding nature altogether? Many urban dwellers escape for a weekend away in the country nearly every sunny day. Those that are fortunate enough to have a country get away often find themselves relaxed and refreshed when they return to the city. But for many kids living in the midst of the urban jungle, nature is little more than the slight flash of blue sky, or the city park that they see on a daily basis. To these kids, the thought of climbing a mountain wall, or drinking from a cool stream is merely a dream. In a world full of crime and busy streets, the world is nothing more than a concrete prison. The organization, Big City Mountaineers seeks to take at-risk teens off of the city streets and into the wild to seek an adventure unlike any that they have ever known before.

Big City Mountaineers is a place that teens can go to in order to escape the city streets. Guides take these teens out onto mountain tops and through animal infested forests in order to see the world as a living entity, not as a people packed nightmare. The organization Summit for Someone has decided that it would like to support the Big City Mountaineers through a series of funding climbs. This annual fundraising event will include over 400 participants this year, 2007, and is expected to attract a large number in 2008 (you can register for 2008 in October). The group of volunteers will climb a total of fourteen mountains ranging from Mount Shasta to Mount Moran. This large group will be assisted by the Jackson Hold Mountain Guides and the Rainier Mountaineering International and Sierra Mountaineering International. This fundraising even is expected to raise well over $10,000 dollars (total) in order to help the Big City Mountaineers project. This even will help to ensure that inner city kids finally have a way to escape the stressful urban streets. If you are up for the long hike, visit www.summitforsomeone.org to sign up for 2008’s trek – sorry, 2007 is already full!

Choose Your Own Adventure

If you could plan your own vacation what would you do? Maybe you would climb to the top of a mountain and parachute down it, or maybe you would just try kayaking through whale infested waters. People are tired of the same old vacation spots and resort towns, they want a bit of adventure and they want it their way. Well, whatever your dream vacation would be, you can now have your cake and eat it too. Boulder, Colorado, is leading the way in dream vacation planning allowing guests to explore nature any way they want it.

The Women’s Wilderness Institute of Boulder, has started booking custom trips for its clients. Recently, one group of women wanted to climb to the top of Edward’s Crack in Wyoming and complete an instructed yoga class when they reached the top – not something most travel companies could arrange. The group of friends happily shelled out $500.00 a piece and received meals, tents, gear, and a yoga instructor in order to make their unique vacation plans come true. A spokeswoman for the institute reported that custom-travel plans have nearly doubled over the past few years as more and more people seek adventure their own way. If you are seeking this type of adventure, another company specializing in great outdoor vacations is Austin-Lehman (www.austinlehman.com). Austin-Lehman will lead your group on a mountainous adventure or a simply trail hike in the midst of nature, it’s all up to you. Try something different this year, avoid the resorts and the palm trees and head out to nature to experience the great wild a la carte.

Red Rock Canyon

If you get tired of all the gambling and the stale air while you are in Las Vegas, head to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This 197,000 desert preserve is a famed rock climbing destination with beginners and legends alike. Although the region around Red Rock has more mountains and cliffs than the eye can see, Red Rock is particularly enjoyed due to its optimal weather and breathtaking views. Thousands of climbers flock to Red Rock from all over the world in search of the ultimate thrill.

The range of climbs offered in Red Rock range from all day treks to three day climbs and these cliffs rise up to meet any reasonable challenge. Red Rock offers visitors over 2,000 routes and many books have been written about the area in order to assist climbers with accurate information and top techniques, but be forewarned – some of these books are hundreds of pages long, since Red Rock can offer you so many different options! If you want to avoid the crowds of climbers and gear, head to the park after May, but beware the summertime heat. This park is swarming with climbers during the months of October through May, so these routes can become pretty crowded. As you ascend, sandstone will meet your eye for miles, and blue skies will light your path, no matter what you are doing in Nevada, you don’t want to bypass this park. Whether you are a beginner, or just a thrill seeker, head to Red Rocks, Nevada for a challenge and a bit of climbing fun.

Arm Importance

Beginning climbers are often hesitant and unsure of themselves. Not only because they are hundreds (maybe even thousands) of feet off the ground, but because they do not have the physical strength to cope with the demands of climbing. Being able to lift your body weight is a task that most people cannot easily accomplish, but being able to pull yourself up a steep and fairly flat wall or cliff seems like a task for superheroes only. Author Zach Orenczak (“Devils Tower Climbing”) believes that the lack of physical endurance stems from weak forearms.

Climbers use their forearms more than any other sport demands. Therefore, forearms strength must be top notch. However, beginning climbers have most likely never used their forearms in this manner before, so it is crucial that they learn to develop these muscles. There are certain tools available to first time climbers that isolate the forearm and allow beginners to quickly gain strength, which in the end, means gained confidence on the face of a cliff. Although there are many other parts of the body involved in rock climbing, the forearm is the one that takes the most abuse. Climbing involves both physical and mental strength, but these two assets cannot function separately from each other, so they must both be at their peak. Remember to keep your body and mind in tune with each other and never to climb if one or the other seems to be lacking. If you are just starting your rock climbing experience, but you are not quite able to lift yourself up, try building up your forearms for maximum strength and durability.

Cable Fixtures

The mountains of Ogden, Utah, are starting to take on a new shape as of late. There is a new climbing technique in town called “via ferrata,” something that has been occurring all of Europe for many years. Via ferrata (iron way) is basically an installation of cable, ladders, and ropes that are permanently adhered to rocks and crags throughout Europe. This type of climbing makes it easier for new climbers to ascend to massive heights without needing much instruction, or requiring years of skill in order to climb tough terrain. But this is one of the reasons why many American climbers do not want the concept of via ferrata translated onto North American soil.

Many expert climbers feel that allowing beginners to climb difficult routes once reserved only for top notch climbers is unfair. The other debate is whether or not attaching permanent fixtures to mountains will affect the wildlife, or the natural lay of the land. The editor and publisher of Rock and Ice magazine, Duane Raleigh, argues that “if the goal is to make the mountains easy for everyone, then via ferratas are good. But, in my opinion, they represent the sterilization of the wild lands.” Raleigh is not alone in sharing this view, as many nature lovers and expert climber alike are opposed to the Italian method of climbing. However, the town of Ogden is trying out this technique to see just how many people are going to use it. The town argues that if more people can see the beauty within the mountain range, then why not? Although this is an ongoing debate, it looks like the new via ferrata in Ogden is here to stay, like it or not.

National Geographic Photographer Injured

Bobby Model, 34, is a very successful photographer and mountain climber. He has captured incredible feats and magnificent scenes on film and he has successfully sold them to magazines such as National Geographic. Model always chased adventure, and that is exactly what he was doing in South Africa when a rock found its way through the windshield of his sister’s car and hit Bobby in the head. Model sustained significant brain trauma when the rock connected with his skull. Model remains unconscious at New York’s Mount Sanai Hospital.

Model enjoyed the African scenery, and spent part of the year in Kenya. Not only was Model a photographer for the New York Times, National Geographic, and Outside Magazine, he was also an avid climber. Foul play is not ruled out in this case, as African authorities are unsure whether or not the rock was intentionally thrown at Model, or whether it was simply a piece of falling cliff rock. Whatever the true cause may be, this incident may never be fully resolved as African authorities have no suspects in the incident. Model was photographing near Cape Town when the incident occurred, and he was immediately rushed from Africa to New York when he did not wake up from the impact of the injury. Although Model climbed to great heights (including the 4,700 foot Nameless Tower in the Himalayas), he only met danger while riding in a car. Model has yet to awaken, and doctors are unsure of his potential recovery at this point.

Climbing World Cup

Most people have heard of the world cup, but normally that title is reserved for the sport of soccer. For climbing enthusiasts, the term “world cup” means something completely different. Although the world of climbing is usually thought to be a solitary, uncompetitive world, this sport has its competitors as well and they are well equipped to go the distance. Climbing has turned into a world wide sport, and attracts competitors from all around the globe that just can’t get enough of the physically challenging sport.

Each year, climbers across the globe compete for the World Cup in the sport of climbing, and this year’s star was Emily Harrington. Harrington is a Colorado native that has proved her climbing skill time and again. Coming in third place during a World Cup event in Zurich, Switzerland, Harrington has gone up against some of the best climbers in the world, and she has proven her worth. Harrington, 21, finished second in the 2005 World Cup, and she has previously been a winner of the Serre Chevalier competition (one of the biggest events in Europe). Harrington finished behind Slovenia’s Mina Markovic (second), and Austria’s Angela Eiter (first). Coming in third place in this prestigious event, is an impressive finish given that the sport itself demands top physical fitness levels as well as top mental conditions. Harrington will now be amongst the top three female competitors in the world, but the climbing world is sure to see her again and again as she continues to compete and comes closer to the gold medal.

Ayers Rock – No Longer For Tourists

Ayers Rock sits amidst Australia’s famed Outback. This rock is far more than just a piece of hardened earth, visitors from all over the world come to Australia just to climb Ayers Rock. But all of that may soon be changing. This rock actually belongs to an Aboriginal Tribe, the Mutitjulu, and they may just decide to band the rock from use. The leader of the tribe have nothing against climbers of the rock, instead they are using this piece of land as an effective form of protest against the government. The tribe knows that this particularly popular climbing route is important to tourism, so the tribe will take away the right to use this rock unless the government cooperates. What do they hope to gain by this protest?

The government of Australia wants to send police and military to patrol the Mutitjulu people. The government claims that it was notified of illegal child prostitution and alcohol abuse within the tribe – something that the tribe denies. The government also wants to ban alcohol within the settlement, and control most of the happenings within the tribe. Obviously, the tribe does not want the use of military force upon its land. Although the tribe wants to ban the use of the rock for mere protest purposes, the owners of this rock have always been a bit wary of foreigners climbing the rock from the beginning. Ayers rock is used during ceremonies and funerals and is seen as a sacred site. Regardless, the tribe has allowed visitors to use the site up until now. Since the government is threatening the tribe with military force, the Mutijulu’s have had enough. Whether Ayers Rock will be permanently struck off of the world climbing list is yet to be seen. Climbers wait anxiously as the tribe and the government square off, but most hikers hope that this rock will remain open for public use.

Climbers Unite

If you are a climber living in the Boulder, Colorado area chances are that you have heard of Steve Dieckhoff. This legendary climber has been a Boulder institution ever since he set foot on a piece of rock in 1979, but now he needs your help. Like many athletes, Dieckhoff lives for the climb, but this climber is also a renowned artist. His subject of choice? Why, mountains of course. Dieckhoff says that he is inspired by mountainous landscapes, as many cultures before him have been. He enjoys the challenge of combining his artistic talents with his physical endurance, by mentally combining the two in order to create memorable landscapes full of life and color.

Recently, Dieckhoff was diagnosed with lymphoma, and his resources are being greatly diminished. Unfortunately, Deickhoff is among the many of Americans without health insurance, and now he finds himself almost destitute simply through trying to stay alive. Friends and family of Deickhoff are reaching out to the climbing community for support. Any amount of donation would help him to get back on his feet. Unwilling to let this great artist go down without a fight, friends are seeking to raise as much money as possible for his cause. If you would like to help, you can simply buy a piece of his memorable art, or donate to the Climbing Through Cancer Benefit Account. Dieckhoff’s friends ask that Boulder give back to the man that gave his life to creating beautiful, memorable, paintings of the mountains that surround Colorado and the world. If you are part of Dieckhoff’s climbing community, or you just want to help, donate today and help fight cancer through climbing.