Solo Climbing
Almost, all of rock climbing has always been done as part of a team of enthusiasts. There are many benefits of climbing as part of a team. The most important aspect of climbing with at least one other person is the safety that it provides. Thanks to the
belaying system, most mistakes don’t have any consequences other than a short fall and having to climb back, the distance fallen. Many rock climbing newcomers and even experienced climbers, often climb in teams for years, before ever attempting to climb solo.
Solo climbing is considered the purest and most rewarding form of climbing. The solo climber does not have to rely on anyone else to belay him and the satisfaction upon successfully completing a solo climb, is far more then climbing as part of a team. The
attraction in solo climbing is the sense of individualism and self reliance that the climber feels and the risk factor is exponentially more, since mistakes can result in serious injuries or a fatal fall. Due to this very fact, the excitement level and adrenaline
rush is also far more then in team climbing.
There are three forms of solo climbing:-
Roped Soloing:
This is relatively the safest form of solo climbing as it utilizes ropes and belays ,made especially for the purpose of climbing without partners.The basic method of roped soloing involves attaching cams every few meters up a climb and looping the rope
through every cam. In this way, if the climber falls, the fall will be stopped by the last cam he placed. It is a much more tedious method of climbing solo, as it is solely up to the climber to keep an eye on the cams, in case they get loose and to watch out
for any loose rocks and other dangers.
Deep water soloing:
This form of solo rock climbing depends on the presence of water ,at the base of the climb, to minimize the danger of falling. The climber does not use any ropes or equipment at all. He relies simply on his own stamina and natural agility to climb and in
case he makes a mistake, he falls into the water below him and only has to swim back to the surface. Deep water soloing is typically practiced on sea cliffs, at high tide.
Due to the assurance of the water to break any fall, the attitude of most deep water soloists is very cavalier and can be considered foolhardy, as they take risks that would be fatal in normal rock climbing. However, injuries have always been very rare.
Free soloing:
This is the most extreme form of solo climbing and also the most dangerous and risky. In this style of climbing, the free soloist forgoes ropes, harnesses or any other protective gear while climbing and relies solely on his own physical strength, mental
fortitude and climbing skill. There is no safety net, no water, literally no protection at all in case the climber falls.
Free soloing is often considered as an immense stupidity to attempt, as there is no protection and a fall from more than a height of 25 feet can only result in death. The reason people are attracted to it is the simplicity and speed with which a free soloist
can ascend, as well as the supreme feeling of freedom and relying on oneself. Successful free solo climbs can rightfully be considered as heroic achievements.
There is a strange kind of attraction to solo climbing for every climber. Almost like a drug. Solo climbing gives the climber the feeling of absolute freedom and in control of everything. It’s comparable to being in control of one’s own life and death,
for the duration of the climb. With every single movement, big or small, every decision on which foothold and handhold to grab next, deciding whether one keeps moving up or slips and falls. This sport is a blessing in disguise, as it gives you immense self
confidence and the will to survive.
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